The 2026 Australian of the Year recipients for NSW have been revealed, highlighting four remarkable individuals who are making a difference across the state and around the world.

The winners will join their counterparts from other states and territories for the national awards on January 25 next year.

The 2026 Australian of the Year for NSW is global humanitarian Dr Alison Thompson OAM.

Over her career, Dr Thompson has mobilised more than 30,000 volunteers to deliver aid in disaster zones, helping over 18 million people worldwide.

Her journey began on September 11, 2001, when, as an investment banker, she rushed to New York’s World Trade Center with a first aid kit, staying nine months to provide relief.

Since then, Dr Thompson founded Third Wave Volunteers, a global network of first

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