Western Sydney Women Awards 2026

The Western Sydney Women Awards will be held on 2nd November 2026 at Hudson Hotel.

These awards celebrate women across all stages of life, business and career throughout the Greater Western Sydney region, recognising their achievements, leadership and impact.

We are proud that our awards program is free to enter and for finalists to attend, ensuring accessibility and inclusion for all women in Western Sydney.

Purchase tickets

Congratulations to the 2026 Western Sydney Women Award Finalists

  • Western Sydney Woman in Leadership

    Celebrates a woman who demonstrates exceptional leadership, driving results and influence in business, sport, politics, or community. This award recognises those who shape the future of their industries through excellence, vision, and impact.

    Finalists:

    • Belinda Leonard

    • Cathy Crowe

    • Helen Emmerson

    • Nevine Youssef

    Proudly sponsored by Hudson Hotel.

    Hudson Hotel

  • Western Sydney Community Woman of the Year

    Honours a woman making a significant impact within her community, whether local or broader in scope. This award recognises contributions across any field, celebrating those who lead positive change through service, dedication, and leadership.

    Finalists:

    • Bijinder Dugal OAM

    • Harseen Sahota

    • Indu Ponnusamy

    • Kathryn Hammond

    • Kirsty Parkes

    • Nemat Kharboutli

  • Western Sydney Young Woman of the Year

    Honours a young woman aged 16 to 25 who is making a meaningful impact in business, policy, community, or her field. This award recognises rising leaders and changemakers who show promise, purpose, and a drive to create positive outcomes.

    Finalists:

    • Alyssa Afiouni

    • Ceyda Nalbantoglu

    • Hafsa Faizan

    • Sansita Verma

    • Selina Ha

    • Tajana Terzic

    Proudly sponsored by Bright Print Group

    Hudson Hotel & Events Centre

  • Western Sydney Woman in STEM

    Recognises a woman making her mark in science, technology, engineering, mathematics or AI. This award celebrates excellence, whether achieved through education, employment, or enterprise, in traditionally underrepresented fields.

    Finalists:

    • Deepthi Mahadeva

    • Dr. Kathryn Williams

    • Mona Chiha

    • Suzannah Keene

    • Tharika Kahandawa Arachchi

  • Western Sydney Business Woman of the Year

    Celebrates a woman who has excelled in business, showing entrepreneurial spirit, innovation, and impact. This award recognises those creating meaningful change and inspiring others through their vision, leadership, and commitment to progress.

    Finalists:

    • A/Prof. Indika Alahakoon

    • Bernadette Habkouk

    • Crystal Paduch

    • Evra Ozen

    • Monica Willats

    Proudly Sponsored by Entrepreneurial & Small Business Women Australia (ESBWA)

  • Western Sydney Woman Changemaker

    Recognises a woman who is opening doors for others, creating pathways, opportunities and support for women and girls to follow. This award celebrates those who challenge barriers, champion inclusion, and leave a lasting legacy through advocacy, mentoring or action.

    Finalists:

    • Dr. Matilda Harry

    • Julie Pham

    • Yasmine Turner

    Proudly sponsored by Western Sydney Women

Thank you to our sponsors

Venue Partner

Silver Sponsors

Creative Partner

SETS AV

Supporting Partner

AWARD TERMS & CONDITIONS

Entry into the 2026 Western Sydney Women Awards constitutes acceptance of all terms and conditions below:

  • Nominees must either live in, run a business in or work in the Greater Western Sydney Region. 

  • Self-nominations are accepted and encouraged. 

  • Unsuccessful nominees, including previous finalists, may be re-nominated in subsequent years.

  • Nominees must fulfil all elements of the eligibility criteria.

  • Nominees must consent to their nomination before an entry is submitted. 

  • Entry is conditional upon confirmation of eligibility by the selection panel.

  • All nominees must be female, NSW residents, and at least 18 years of age on 11 August 2026.

  • Nominees for the Young Woman of the Year Award must be between the ages of 16 and 25 as at 11 August 2026. If under 18, parent or guardian permission must be obtained before nominating the nominee.

JUDGING PROCESS

  • Nominations close at 11:59 pm AEST on 17 September 2026.

  • Finalists are selected by Western Sydney Women.

  • Winners are selected by an independent panel.

  • Finalists will be announced in October 2026, and winners will be announced on 2nd November 2026.