The NSW Government has announced the recipients of the 2027 NSW Australian of the Year Awards, recognising five individuals whose work has made a significant contribution to communities across the state.
The recipients were announced by NSW Governor Margaret Beazley AC KC and NSW Premier Chris Minns at a ceremony held at The Calyx, Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney, on Wednesday, 4 November 2026.
The award recipients are Dr Vanessa Pirotta, named NSW Australian of the Year; Dr David Cooke OAM, NSW Senior Australian of the Year; Danny Schouten, NSW Young Australian of the Year; and Jill Ashley and Paul Ireland, jointly recognised as NSW Local Heroes.
The awards celebrate people whose dedication, leadership and service have strengthened communities and made a difference to the lives of others.
Dr Vanessa Pirotta Named NSW Australian of the Year
Marine scientist and communicator Dr Vanessa Pirotta has been recognised for her work in marine conservation and public engagement.
A renowned whale researcher, Pirotta has pioneered innovative methods of assessing whale health using drones to collect whale snot samples. She also founded Wild Sydney Harbour, a citizen science project documenting marine biodiversity in Sydney Harbour.
Her work includes collaborating with the Gamay Rangers and Traditional Custodians at Gamay (Botany Bay) to monitor marine populations, while recognising the importance of First Nations cultural knowledge.
The 38-year-old scientist also promotes conservation through books, public appearances and school outreach programs. She advocates for greater participation by women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM), mentoring young women interested in pursuing careers in science.
Pirotta was also named the 2025 Premier’s NSW Woman of Excellence.
Dr David Cooke OAM Recognised for Six Decades of Medical Service
Dr David Cooke OAM has been named NSW Senior Australian of the Year for his more than 60 years of service to patients in remote and regional Australia.
The 84-year-old doctor combined his passion for medicine and aviation through his work with the Royal Flying Doctor Service, providing medical care across remote areas of the Northern Territory and north Queensland.
Working in locations with limited diagnostic technology, Cooke relied on his clinical judgement and resourcefulness to diagnose and treat patients. He even undertook parachute-jumping training to reach people in otherwise inaccessible locations.
After settling in Port Macquarie in 1988, he became a respected regional doctor. He continues to care for patients in Port Macquarie and South West Rocks, helping address the shortage of general practitioners in the region.
Danny Schouten Recognised for Beach Emergency Safety Initiative
Danny Schouten, 30, has been named NSW Young Australian of the Year for creating Community Shark Bite Kits, emergency bleeding-control stations installed at hundreds of beaches across Australia.
The initiative was inspired by an incident in which a friend survived a shark attack after a bystander used a dog lead to create a makeshift tourniquet.
Recognising the need for accessible emergency equipment, Schouten developed specialised first-aid kits containing tourniquets, compression bandages, dressings, thermal blankets, gloves and other essential supplies, along with clear instructions for managing severe bleeding.
The kits have now been installed at more than 330 beaches across Australia. Their importance was demonstrated during a shark attack at Sydney’s Coogee Beach in June.
Schouten’s long-term vision is to see every beach in Australia equipped with a Community Shark Bite Kit.
Jill Ashley and Paul Ireland Named NSW Local Heroes
Jill Ashley, 66, and Paul (Fatty) Ireland, 57, have jointly received the NSW Local Heroes recognition for founding ShoreTrack, an organisation supporting disengaged young people in the Nambucca Valley on the NSW Mid North Coast.
Established in 2020, ShoreTrack provides hands-on learning, mentoring and trade-based training to help young people build skills, confidence and pathways into employment.
Over five years, the organisation has supported more than 750 young people. Among those who completed a Certificate II pathway through ShoreTrack, 86 per cent remain employed.
Ashley and Ireland contribute their time and resources to provide mentoring, meals, transport, practical training and employment opportunities. They also work with local businesses, community groups and government agencies to develop support networks for young people facing barriers such as limited transport and low expectations.
Their work demonstrates the potential of young people when they have access to practical opportunities and sustained community support.
National Australian of the Year Awards in January 2027
The five NSW recipients will join award winners from Australia’s other states and territories at the national Australian of the Year Awards ceremony in Canberra on Monday, 25 January 2027.
The national recipients will be announced at the event.
NSW Premier Chris Minns congratulated all nominees and recipients, acknowledging their contributions to strengthening communities across the state.
The NSW Government also recognised the efforts of all 17 nominees, whose work spans healthcare, innovation, community support, advocacy and volunteering.
For more information about the Australian of the Year Awards, visit the official awards website.
