A trailblazing neonatologist, a pioneering marine scientist, and a global humanitarian are among the inspiring NSW nominees for the 2026 Australian of the Year awards.

Professor Nadia Badawi, renowned for saving thousands of critically ill newborns, joins LGBTIQ+ rights advocate Nicholas Stewart, marine biologist Dr Jennifer Matthews, and humanitarian Dr Alison Thompson as finalists for the state's highest accolade.

Four nominees from four categories will go on to represent New South Wales in the national Australian of the Year Awards, to be presented on Australia Day Eve in January 2026.

Announced on October 27, the NSW nominees in the four categories are:

The NSW nominees are among 134 Australians being recognised across all states and territories.

The NSW award recipients will be a

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