FINALISTS in six NSW Women of the Year Award categories have been announced, with two women from Armidale and one from Walgett shortlisted.

Aunty Fay Green from Walgett is an Aboriginal Woman of the Year finalist and Professor Annette Cowie is a Premier’s NSW Woman of Excellence finalist.

Penny Lamaro, also from Armidale, is a NSW Regional Woman of the Year finalist.

The NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year is a role model who promotes economic, cultural and social opportunities for Aboriginal people in NSW.

Dr Aunty Fay Green is a respected elder of the Walgett community, dedicated to fostering education and cultural cohesion within the Aboriginal community.

She has played a crucial role in establishing Aboriginal language programs in local schools, particularly in reviving the Yuwaalaraay language and culture. Her involvement extends to developing language resources and supporting student performances at community events.

Aunty Fay has been recognised for her work with an Order of Australia and an Honorary Doctorate from the Australian Catholic University.

Even at 80, she remains committed to sharing her knowledge with both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities, exemplifying her lifelong dedication to cultural education and community empowerment.

(from left) Aunty Fay Green Penny Lamaro and Professor Annette Cowie are category finalists in the NSW Women of the Year Awards.

The Premier’s NSW Woman of Excellence is a role model who has excelled in her chosen field. In doing so, she effects lasting change and is an inspiration to others.

Professor Cowie is a globally recognised climate scientist whose research focuses on managing the climate impact of agriculture through bioenergy, biochar and sustainable land management.

As Principal Research Scientist in Climate at the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, and Adjunct Professor at the University of New England, she contributes significantly to climate policy and greenhouse gas accounting.

She was a lead author for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s 6th Assessment Report and Special Report on Climate Change and Land and also led the International Energy Agency’s Bioenergy network on climate impacts of bioenergy, and advises the UN Convention to Combat Desertification on land degradation management.

The NSW Regional Woman of the Year recognises the accomplishments of an exceptional woman living in regional NSW who inspires and advances their community and contributes to the fabric of their local area.

Penny Lamaro leads an innovative, community-owned crisis service supporting women fleeing violence in regional NSW.

She has established a free meals project, a health clinic within the shelter, a birth certificate and ID program for community and much more.

Previously, she held senior roles supporting young people and currently serves as Chair of Youth Action, the peak body for young people in NSW.

After bringing global experts to Armidale for a conference in 2024 on young people doing it tough, she is now spearheading the opening of Armidale’s Youth Hub, providing a safe space for young people and the community.

The Women of the Year Awards ceremony is the centrepiece event of NSW Women’s Week 2025, a week-long celebration from Sunday 2 March until Saturday 8 March. The Awards are the NSW Government’s way of shining the light on the incredible talent and extraordinary women and girls from across our state.

Women of the Year award recipients will be revealed at the Women of the Year Awards 2025 ceremony on Thursday, March 6 at the International Convention Centre, Sydney.

The Award ceremony will be livestreamed for everyone to celebrate these inspirational women and girls.

Premier Chris Minns said the group of 2025 finalists reflect how exceptional the women of New South Wales truly are.

“From doctors, academics and scientists to community leaders and advocates – each and every one of our finalists have gone above and beyond in their respective fields,” Mr Minns said.

“On behalf of the NSW Government and our community, I congratulate each of the finalists, for you are all deserving of this recognition.”