Five of the state's most exceptional women have been honoured as recipients of the NSW Women of the Year Awards 2025, at the International Convention Centre in Sydney this morning.
The NSW Women of the Year Awards are the centrepiece of NSW Women's Week, which runs from Sunday 2 March and concludes on International Women's Day on Saturday 8 March.
The five 2025 Award recipients are:
Dr Jessica Luyue Teoh (Hornsby), NSW Young Woman of the Year
Dr Jessica Luyue Teoh is a domestic violence advocate and 2023 Churchill Fellow - one of only two women under 30 in Australia to receive this honour.
Sandy Rogers (Tweed), NSW Community Hero
Sandy Rogers has dedicated 40 years to improving the lives of children with intellectual and physical disability and their families.
Dr Vanessa Pirotta (Canada Bay), Premier's NSW Woman of Excellence
Dr Vanessa Pirotta is a wildlife scientist renowned for her impact on marine conservation and science communication.
Kirsty Evans (Orange), NSW Regional Woman of the Year
Kirsty Evans has led efforts to provide pro bono legal advice to the community of Molong, affected by severe flooding in 2022.
Marjorie Anderson (Georges River), NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year
Marjorie Anderson is a dedicated leader who has been pivotal in the success of 13YARN - the first national crisis support service for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people in crisis, since its inception.
The Ones to Watch (girls aged 7-15 years)
- Aish Khurram (The Hills Shire)
- Ashleen Khela (The Hills Shire)
- Aurora Iler (Campbelltown)
- Chloe Croker (Goulburn Mulwaree)
- Emilia Trustum (Richmond Valley)
- Hayley Paterson (Hornsby)
- Jiayi Fang (Ku-ring-gai)
- Kat Mulcair (Yass Valley)
- Lydia Tofaeono (Strathfield)
- Waniya Syed (Camden)
This year, a special In Memoriam was added to the Awards ceremony for Maddy Suy, a vibrant girl whose love for life inspired many. Diagnosed with a brain tumour at age six, Maddy faced the challenge with bravery and positivity. Maddy advocated for those who could not. She wanted to leave a legacy and to inspire others to contribute through the Maddy & Co hubs.
Local Woman of the Year 2025 recipients, who were nominated by their local MP also attended the Awards ceremony today and received certificates for exemplary service to their communities. The Local Woman Honour Roll will be published on the Women of the Year Awards webpage.
The NSW Women of the Year Awards have been running since 2012, recognising and celebrating the New South Wales's revolutionary thinkers, everyday heroes, social advocates and innovative role models.
More details about the NSW Women of the Year Awards program and recorded livestream of 2025 ceremony are available on the Women of the Year Awards webpage.
Premier Chris Minns said:
"I'm delighted to congratulate NSW's most remarkable women and girls, for breaking barriers and achieving the highest success in their respective fields."
"You are the future of NSW, inspiring everyone right across the state with your dedication, passion and lasting impacts in the community."
Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:
"Congratulations to the recipients of the NSW Women of the Year Awards. You are truly deserving of the recognition you received today. The New South Wales Government is proud to celebrate your incredible success and highlight your role in inspiring other women and girls across the state.
"You can't be what you can't see, and you all are paving the way forward for women and girls with your strength, resilience and achievements.
"The program also recognises women at the core of communities and families, with our Local Women of the Year recognition.
"I also look forward to following the journeys of our incredible young recipients. You are all already hitting goals and making waves in your communities, so I'm sure you have bright futures ahead."
NSW Young Woman of the Year 2025 recipient Jessica Teoh said:
"To stand alongside such a diverse and passionate group of women, each making impactful contributions to their communities and fields, is truly inspiring. This recognition highlights the collective strength of women driving change, and I am grateful to be part of this incredible journey."
NSW Community Hero 2025 recipient Sandy Rogers said:
"I have been fortunate enough to be given great opportunities to help many in our community. Being able to support those needing a 'little helping hand' when times and money are tough, make me feel good and I know it means a lot to those we support."
Premier's NSW Woman of Excellence 2025 recipient Dr Vanessa Pirotta said:
"This recognition is so powerful and means a lot to me as an early career researcher in science and as a mum. So much of my work is intergenerational and community based, which enables me to ask questions to help equip future generations with important information now about our marine environment. This recognition will help make waves - pardon the pun - across the state to encourage communities to connect with the sea, regardless of whether they live in Bondi, Forbes or where I grew up in Murrumbateman."
NSW Regional Woman of the Year 2025 recipient Kirsty Evans said:
"It's a privilege to be acknowledged among such inspiring women who are making a meaningful impact across our state. This recognition is not just a personal milestone but also a reflection of the incredible support I've received from my community, my colleagues and family."
NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year 2025 recipient, Marjorie Anderson said:
"I am passionate about having healthy, sustainable and safe Aboriginal communities. This award reflects my important work in the community and delivery of a world first national crisis line for Indigenous people. Women need to be recognised for the outstanding work they do and supported to continue to achieve greatness."
