Five of the state’s most exceptional women have been honoured as recipients of the NSW Women of the Year Awards at the International Convention Centre in Sydney on Thursday.
The NSW Women of the Year Awards are the centrepiece of NSW Women’s Week from Sunday, March 2 and concludes on International Women’s Day, Saturday, March 8.
The five 2025 Award recipients are:
NSW Young Woman of the Year: Dr Jessica Luyue Teoh (Hornsby)
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.
NSW Community Hero: Sandy Rogers (Tweed)
Sandy Rogers has dedicated 40 years to improving the lives of children with intellectual and physical disability and their families.
Premier’s NSW Woman of Excellence: Dr Vanessa Pirotta (Canada Bay)
Dr Vanessa Pirotta is a wildlife scientist renowned for her impact on marine conservation and science communication.
NSW Regional Woman of the Year: Kirsty Evans (Orange)
Kirsty Evans has led efforts to provide pro bono legal advice to the community of Molong, affected by severe flooding in 2022.
NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year: Marjorie Anderson (Georges River)
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.
NSW Regional Woman of the Year Kirsty Evans.
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.
NSW Regional Woman of the Year 2025 Kirsty Evans said she is privileged to be acknowledged among such inspiring women who are making a meaningful impact across New South Wales.
“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,” she said.
NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year, Marjorie Anderson, said she is 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,” she said.
“Women need to be recognised for the outstanding work they do and supported to continue to achieve greatness.”
Minister for Women Jodie Harrison congratulated all recipients.
“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,” Ms Harrison said.
“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.”
Local Woman of the Year 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.
NSW Young Woman of the Year recipient Jessica Teoh spoke about her incredible journey.
“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,” Ms Teoh said.
NSW Community Hero 2025 recipient Sandy Rogers said she has been fortunate 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,” she said.
Premier Chris Minns 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,” Mr Minns said.
