Cowra residents are being encouraged to nominate outstanding women and girls in their community for the 2026 NSW Women of the Year Awards.

The annual awards shine a spotlight on women whose actions inspire those around them, as trailblazers, quiet achievers, courageous reformers, or role models in their communities.

Nominations are now open across six categories: the Premier’s Woman of Excellence Award, Aboriginal Woman of the Year, Community Hero, Regional Woman of the Year, Young Woman of the Year for ages 16 to 30, and Ones to Watch, for 7-15 year olds.

Nominations are open now, and will close just before midnight on Tuesday, September 9.

Established in 2012, the annual awards have celebrated the women and girls whose determination, bravery, skill and passion has inspired their communities and others to achieve great things.

Last year’s NSW Regional Woman of the Year, Kirsty Evans, was acknowledged for her significant impact on flood survivors across the Central West. In the wake of severe flooding in Molong in 2022, the legal professional provided more than 250 hours of free legal support to local business owners battling denied insurance claims, services worth over $100,000.

Her advocacy led to nearly $1 million being returned to the community after insurers reversed their decisions and accepted partial liability. In 2024, Evans presented evidence at a Parliamentary Inquiry into the insurers’ responses to the flooding disaster in the Central West.

Nominations can be made online at www.nswwomenoftheyear.awardsplatform.com, with any questions directed to The Cabinet Office womenoftheyear@tco.nsw.gov.au