The nominees for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards from New South Wales have been revealed, showcasing a diverse array of individuals committed to making significant contributions to society. Among those recognized are prominent figures such as Professor Nadia Badawi, a leading neonatologist, and Dr Jennifer Matthews, a marine scientist. They join humanitarian Dr Alison Thompson and LGBTIQ+ rights advocate Nicholas Stewart as finalists for this prestigious accolade.
The announcement, made on October 27, 2025, highlights four categories: Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year, and Local Hero for NSW. The state award recipients will be unveiled during a ceremony at the Royal Botanic Garden in Sydney on November 10, 2025, and will subsequently compete at the national level, where the Australian of the Year Awards will take place in Canberra on January 25, 2026.
According to Mark Fraser, CEO of the National Australia Day Council, the nominees exemplify remarkable achievements. He stated, “The nominees for the NSW awards inspire others through extraordinary achievements and contributions. They remind us we are all capable of so much, whether it’s a simple act of care which creates a movement or fighting for what’s right.”
Among the nominees, Professor Nadia Badawi serves as co-head of the Grace Centre for Newborn Care at The Children’s Hospital in Westmead. Her leadership has resulted in survival rates exceeding 96% for critically ill newborns, a remarkable achievement in the field. As Chair of Research at the Cerebral Palsy Alliance, she has driven significant advancements in understanding cerebral palsy, leading to a 40% reduction in its rates in Australia.
Another nominee, Dr Jennifer Matthews, is dedicated to marine conservation. Her innovative research on coral ecosystems has led to the creation of a “baby food” for corals, significantly enhancing their survival rates. Additionally, she has established programs like the Sydney Coral Project, which engages the community in reef protection efforts.
Nicholas Stewart is recognized for his unwavering commitment to LGBTIQ+ rights. As a human rights lawyer, he has worked tirelessly to ensure justice for victims of hate crimes. His advocacy has significantly influenced legislative inquiries into LGBTIQ+ hate crimes in New South Wales.
Dr Alison Thompson, whose humanitarian efforts began on September 11, 2001, has since mobilized over 30,000 volunteers to provide aid in disaster zones across the globe. She founded the Third Wave Volunteers, which has played a crucial role in relief efforts in areas such as Ukraine and Syria.
In the Senior Australian of the Year category, Professor Henry Brodaty is recognized for transforming dementia care. His initiatives have significantly improved the lives of those affected by dementia, highlighted by his role in founding the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing.
The Young Australian of the Year nominee, Nedd Brockmann, gained attention for his remarkable feat of running across Australia to raise awareness and funds for homelessness. His journey from Perth to Sydney raised over $2.6 million for individuals experiencing homelessness.
The Local Hero nominees also bring inspiring stories. Andrew and Lyndell Clark, through their Project Bucephalus robotics teams, mentor students from diverse backgrounds, including those with disabilities. Their efforts have made significant impacts in promoting STEM education in Wollongong.
Additionally, social worker Kate Cleary transformed a convent into a supportive environment for women recovering from addiction and domestic violence. Her holistic approach has helped many women reunite with their children.
As the awards approach, these nominees exemplify the spirit of community service and social change in New South Wales. Their stories not only inspire but also provoke thought about the potential for positive impact within society. The culmination of their achievements will be celebrated on a national stage, where they will vie for the honor of being named the Australian of the Year.
