Burns survivor named NSW Woman of Year

A burns survivor, a voice for migrant women and a student with a passion for education in third-world countries have been recognised at the NSW Women of the Year awards.

Turia Pitt sustained horrific burns when she was caught in a bushfire during a ultra-marathon in WA's Kimberly region in 2011.

Ms Pitt, a mining engineer, is now a motivational speaker and is preparing for sport-based fundraisers this year.

She received the Premier's Woman of the Year 2014 awarded at a ceremony at Parliament House on Friday.

"Her story is astounding and her contributions are truly inspiring," Premier Barry O'Farrell said in a statement.

Muslim Women's Welfare of Australia president Faten El Dana was named the People's Choice Community Hero. Ms El Dana, an Order of Australia Medal recipient, was recognised for her commitment to improving the lives of migrant women.

Law student Lakshmi Logathassan received the Young Woman of the Year award for her education initiative, The Laptop Project.

The program takes government-funded laptops no longer needed by Australian students and sends them to rural and remote schools in Kenya and Sri Lanka.

She also volunteers with Amnesty International and The Australian Red Cross.

NSW Minister for Women Pru Goward said she was proud to be among so many purpose-driven women.