NSW Australian of the Year finalists

NSW AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR

* Deng Adut - Refugee and former child soldier-turned-lawyer (Redfern)

* Stan Grant - Reconciliation champion and journalist (Annandale)

* Dr Jordan Nguyen - Biomedical engineer (Castle Hill)

* Turia Pitt - Burns survivor and ironwoman (Narrawallee)

NSW SENIOR AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR

* Dr Jeanette Dixon AM - Science educator and innovator (Dudley)

* Dr John Knight AM - Doctor and altruist (North Ryde)

* Ken Moroney AO APM - Former police commissioner and charity volunteer (Woodbine)

* Deanna Schreiber - Aboriginal elder (Cronulla)

NSW YOUNG AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR

* Arthur Alla, 27 - Reconciliation champion and educational innovator (Darlinghurst)

* Shyeh Tjing Cleo Loi, 25 - Astrophysicist and scientific prodigy (Dundas Valley)

* Anika Molesworth, 29 - Agricultural innovator (Yoogali)

* Nat Ware, 28 - Humanitarian and social entrepreneur (Waitara)

NSW LOCAL HERO

* Meredith Dennis - Palliative care innovator (Dulguigan)

* Brendan Farrell - Farming aid co-ordinator (Stanbridge)

* Amna Karra-Hassan - Women's football pioneer (Auburn)

* Josephine Peter - Long-time volunteer (Broken Hill)