Minister for Women Tanya Davies today named Kristal Kinsela the 2017 NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year as part of the NSW Women of the Year Awards at the International Convention Centre Sydney.

“Kristal is an outstanding woman who is an advocate and mentor for Aboriginal women. She is passionate about helping corporate and government clients increase their productivity, performance and Aboriginal engagement,” Mrs Davies said.

“I am delighted to be naming her the NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year, and I congratulate the three other outstanding finalists in the category.

“On International Women’s Day 2017, the Women of the Year Awards recognises the many women leading the way in cultural and economic progress in NSW,” Mrs Davies said.

Kristal has presented at international conferences, and advised the Australian Government on policies to foster social inclusion. In 2011 she provided mentorship to Aboriginal teenage girls through the Birpai Aboriginal Land Council.

The NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year Award, one of six award categories in this year’s NSW Women of the Year Awards, recognises an Aboriginal woman in NSW who has excelled in her chosen career, field or passion.

The Awards support the NSW Government’s commitment to building an equitable, inclusive and safe society where all women are valued and respected, can contribute meaningfully, and can enjoy the rights, freedoms and protections to which everyone in NSW is entitled.

The Awards are sponsored by First State Super. To discover Kristal’s story and the other finalists, visit NSW Women of the Year Awards.