Founder of “The Farm in Galong” Kate Cleary is a finalist in the 2025 NSW Woman of the Year awards, to be announced in early March. Photo: The Farm in Galong.
Four southern NSW women have been recognised among 30 finalists for the 2025 NSW Woman of the Year Awards.
Hilltops’ Kate Cleary, Eurobodalla’s Jan Frikken, Yass Valley’s Kat Mulcair and Chloe Croker of Goulburn Mulwaree were selected from a record field of 500 nominations for the overall six award categories.
These include NSW Premier’s Woman of Excellence, NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year, NSW Regional Woman of the Year, NSW Community Hero, NSW Young Woman of the Year (ages 16-30 years) and Ones to Watch (ages 7-15 years).
Former social worker Kate Cleary is one of four finalists in the NSW Regional Woman of the Year category alongside community advocate Jan Frikken.
The Regional Woman of the Year award 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.
Announced 2024 NSW Volunteer of the Year in December, Ms Cleary is founder of “The Farm in Galong” – a live-in rehabilitation centre located in the small village of Galong, east of Harden-Murrumburrah, for women facing addiction, family violence and other significant challenges.
Here residents participate in a holistic long-term program where they receive comprehensive care for issues such as trauma and child removal while developing the skills and self-worth essential for lasting change.
2024 Eurobodalla Local Hero Jan Frikken has dedicated her life to nurturing, connection, empowerment, equity and inclusion in the Eurobodalla community.
Highlights of Jan’s work include establishing the Shoalhaven Multicultural Hub in 2024, instituting Batemans Bay Dinner Group supporting local restaurants and fostering social connection, coordinating community support during the Black Summer bushfires and launching Caring Corner during the COVID-19 pandemic for those in need.
Also a finalist in the NSW Woman of the Year awards is Eurobodalla’s Jan Frikken. Photo: Facebook.
The “Ones to Watch” program recognises girls and young women aged seven to 15, who demonstrate a single act or ongoing acts of courage, bravery, strength, determination and/or kindness to help and support those around them.
Kat Mulcair and Chloe Croker are among 10 young women representing the next generation of rising stars in the state to be profiled and highlighted on the big screen at the NSW Women of the Year award ceremony, which they will attend.
As a Year Five student in 2024, Yass’s Kat Mulcair organised a three-day charity motorcycle tour which raised more than $8000 for the Newborn Intensive Care Foundation, with plans for it now to become an annual fixture.
Passionate volunteer, 15-year-old Chloe Croker – a member of Goulburn Mulwaree Youth Council and the current Youth Mayor – promotes inclusive leadership mentoring, youth involvement in the community and providing a youth perspective into local government community initiatives.
Not only that, Chloe has also participated in the Terry Campese Foundation 20-week mentorship program, which focuses on mental and physical fitness and involves a 110-km hike over 10 days in the Northern Territory.
The NSW Woman of the Year awards program, now in its 13th year, aims to recognise and celebrate revolutionary thinkers, everyday heroes, social advocates and innovative role models.
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.
Women of the Year award recipients will be revealed at the livestreamed event on Thursday 6 March at the International Convention Centre, Sydney.
NSW Minister for Women, Jodie Harrison, said the response to the 2025 awards program was phenomenal.
“With over 500 nominations across NSW, this is a record high, and we can absolutely confirm our 2025 finalists are some of the state’s most impressive women and girls,” she said.
“This year’s group come from all walks of life, from scientists and researchers to entrepreneurs and strong advocates to stop domestic and family violence. They come from all across NSW – from Sydney to Walgett.
“The NSW Women of the Year Awards is truly a leading recognition program, inspiring everyday women to reach their highest potential,” the minister said.
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