Local Women of the Year Award 2026

Local Women of the Year Awards 2026

The NSW Local Women of the Year (LWOTY) Awards program is a state-based program which annually recognises and celebrates women’s contributions to their local communities.

The LWOTY Awards ceremony sits alongside the NSW Women of the Year Awards celebration in Women’s Week, on Thursday 5 March 2026.

ABOUT THE AWARDS

The Local Women of the Year Awards (LWOTY) is a separate program which runs alongside the NSW Women of the Year Awards. This annual program provides Members of Parliament (MP) with the opportunity to recognise and celebrate the contributions of a local woman in their electorate.

LWOTY honours women’s expertise, value and commitment to their communities, in the diverse electorates across NSW. The LWOTY Awards is an acknowledgement of women’s significant contributions, and an opportunity to formally elevate their platform.

NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN FOR LWOTY 2026

The recipients of the awards will be announced on Thursday 5 March 2026 alongside the NSW Women of the Year Awards, as part of NSW Women's Week 2026 (2-8 March).

Nominations close 30 October 2025, 11:59pm.

HONOUR ROLL

Krianne Doherty - Local Woman of the Year 2024

This morning I had the opportunity to congratulate this year’s winner of the Riverstone Local Woman of the Year, Krianne Doherty. Krianne volunteers her spare time to keep the community safe at the Schofields Rural Fire Brigade. Krianne’s dedication and commitment to her community saw her become the crew’s first female senior deputy captain. Speaking to the crew at the brigade, they described her as a leader who gives up many of her weekends to assist with training up firefighters across the district. On weekends, Krianne transforms into a drill sergeant of compassion, training the next generation of firefighters across the district. She doesn’t just teach the skills associated with the job, she imparts her courage, resilience, and community spirit in every rookie she meets. When I presented her with the award and we spoke about the importance of the keeping the RFS properly resourced, it was clear that her mind was on community over accolades. Thankyou Krianne for your service and congratulations on becoming Riverstone Local Woman of the year for 2024.

Krianne Doherty and Warren Kirby at the 2024 Local Women of the Year Awards

Belinda Mckinlay - Local Woman of the Year 2025

This year’s Riverstone Woman of the Year is the unstoppable Belinda Mckinlay. Bel is the driving force behind Schofields Crusaders JRLC and works tirelessly for Penrith Junior Rugby League. Her passion extends beyond her own club; she is a mentor, a leader, and a constant source of support for those around her. Last December, when I shared that families in our community were struggling to afford Christmas, Bel sprang into action. Within days, through her extensive network, she delivered a carload of toys to North West Community Services, bringing joy to those in need. As Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said this morning: "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." Congratulations, Bel! Your commitment to our community is truly inspiring and deeply appreciated.

Belinda Mckinlay and Warren Kirby at the 2025 Women of the Year Awards