The outstanding work of NSW public servants were celebrated last night at the 2026 NSW Premier’s Awards.
The awards recognise the innovative and inspiring work that public servants are leading to help people across NSW thrive.
This year’s recipients are making a real difference in our communities, from improving education access for vulnerable groups and delivering high-quality healthcare, to making government services simpler, more modern and easier to navigate.
The eight award categories highlight the excellence of NSW’s public servants who model the highest levels of integrity, service and care.
The 2026 NSW Premier’s Awards individual and team recipients are:
- Anthea Kerr Award: Mitchell Farrell, Western Sydney Local Health District
- NSW Public Servant of the Year: Renee Emery, TAFE NSW
- Delivering innovative economic opportunities for the community: Delivering homes faster and more efficiently, Homes NSW
- Driving public sector workforce excellence and integrity: Essential Worker Attraction Program, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
- Providing world-class healthcare: Virtual Psychiatry Hub, NSW Ministry of Health
- Delivering world-class education and training: Beyond postcodes: expanding access to a world-class curriculum, Aurora College, Department of Education
- Excellence in service delivery: Removing correctional facility details from children’s birth certificates, Department of Communities and Justice in partnership with NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, Department of Customer Service
- Creating safe and thriving communities: DV Notify, Department of Customer Service, Department of Communities and Justice and NSW Police
For more information on the recipients and finalists, visit 2026 Premier’s Awards.
Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:
“It’s a real privilege to celebrate the exceptional work our public servants do across NSW through the NSW Premier’s Awards.
“Our public service plays a huge role in making our state a great place to live, work, learn and visit from police officers keeping people safe to health workers looking after the sick and injured.
“It’s the passion, commitment and hard work of people like this year’s recipients and finalists that help us deliver better services that put people first.
“On behalf of the NSW Government, congratulations to all our 2026 recipients and finalists on their achievements.”
Premier’s Department Secretary Michael Coutts-Trotter said:
“The NSW Premier’s Awards bring attention to some of the best work of our state’s public servants – on the front line, behind the scenes, right across the state.
“People do this work to help their community. They don’t do it for plaudits, but it’s great when fine examples of public service are recognised and valued through these awards.
“To this year’s recipients and finalists: thank you and congratulations.”
