THE 2026 UPPER HUNTER ELECTORATE WOMAN OF THE YEAR IS – JANE HEGARTY!

Passionate advocate for the Cassilis district, Jane Hegarty, has been announced as the Upper Hunter Electorate 2026 Woman of the Year at the NSW Women of the Year Awards in Sydney.

The Local Women of the Year Awards celebrate local champions, advocates and trailblazers who make a difference to their local community and recognise the outstanding contributions of women and girls across the state.

Member for Upper Hunter, Dave Layzell, said the annual awards are an important opportunity to acknowledge the women who make a meaningful difference across NSW every day.

“Our community is incredibly proud to see Jane Hegarty honoured at the NSW Women of the Year Awards. Through her work in the Cassilis district, she has delivered a lasting impact locally, and this recognition is thoroughly deserved,” Mr Layzell said.

“It is clear that Jane has demonstrated excellence with genuine community service and has exemplified the strength, capability, and generosity that define the women in our community and across NSW.”

Jane Hegarty was recognised with the 2025 Upper Hunter Shire Citizen of the Year Award for her dedication to the Cassilis community.

Contributions which include being chair of the Cassilis District Development Group which has advocated for road safety improvements, better mobile telephone reception and improved early education opportunities for local children.

Jane is a driving force behind the Cassilis Ball fundraiser, the Giro de Cassilis bike ride, she has also served on NSW Farmers Association committees including the renewable energy taskforce and the economic and trade committee.

Her leadership, dedication, and drive are credited with having created lasting opportunities for Cassilis, proving that small towns can make a big impact when people work together.

Introduced by the Nationals and Liberals NSW Government in 2012, the annual Local Women of the Year Awards continue to recognise the women and girls whose determination, bravery, skill and passion have inspired their communities and others to achieve great things.