The NSW Women of the Year Awards were held on Thursday 5 February 2026 and Lane Cove Local Professor Tracey O’Brien, AM was awarded the 2026 NSW Premier’s Woman of Excellence Award.
This is an incredibly prestigious award. Since 2012, the NSW Women of the Year Awards have celebrated women and girls whose determination, leadership and advocacy are shaping a stronger, more inclusive New South Wales.
Deputy Premier New South Wales Prue Car said:
“These award recipients represent outstanding women and girls across New South Wales who led with courage and purpose.
“Each of these remarkable women represent the very best of our state, and I commend them for their extraordinary contributions.
“To every award winner recognised today, thank you for the powerful impact you have made in your fields and communities.”
Tracey is a leading Australian cancer clinician, researcher and advocate whose career has centred on one mission: improving the lives of people with cancer.
Tracy is the NSW Chief Cancer Officer, who works across communities, government and science to ensure equitable, culturally safe cancer care for all.
After receiving the award Tracey said:
“After more than 25 years in the public health system in frontline cancer care, I have seen tremendous progress, but the impact of cancer on individuals, families, communities, and our economy remains profound and is increasing. Healthcare is always a team effort, and I am grateful to the clinical teams, researchers and communities that I have had the privilege to serve with.
“When we celebrate women who challenge inequality and create impact, we expand the horizon for the next generation and signal leadership comes in many forms, across every community in NSW.”
ITC recently caught up with Tracey and asked her a little bit about her life in Lane Cove.
She has lived in the Lane Cove Council area for over seven years. She enjoys living in the area and the short commute to her office in St Leonards.
She told ITC that, as a busy woman, it is easy to support local by shopping locally, going to the gym and hairdresser, and catching up with her friends at one of the many coffee shops in Lane Cove.
ITC asked Tracey what her thoughts were on the number of tobacco shops in Lane Cove. She said the government had spent considerable time and resources on cracking down on the illegal sale of cigarettes and vapes. However, parents need to discuss with their children the harm that is caused by vaping and smoking.
ITC noted that Lane Cove is a family-friendly suburb, with lots of families with children around. We asked her what her number one piece of professional advice would be for young families in the cancer field.
Tracey said:
“Sun safety is so important. There is a misconception that we only need to apply sunscreen when we are at the beach. It’s important that you apply sunscreen every time you leave the house. Make sure that if you have a child in a pram, they are fully covered or wearing sunscreen. Remember to be SunSmart on the weekends, whether you are watching kids’ sports or at a BBQ.”
Finally, ITC asked Tracey what the award meant to her personally.
Tracey said:
“It was wonderful for my family and two sons to be at the award ceremony and hear about what mum does. When someone has a busy job, it is always the family that has to make allowances, and so it was great that they could see and hear about what I do.”
“Personally, I also felt this was recognition of the huge teams of people who work in public health, such as the clinicians, the researchers, the public policy teams and many more with whom I work side by side.”
Our cover photo is from today’s event and Professor O’Brien is on the right with Deputy Premier Prue Car Photo credit: NSW Government
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