NSW Young Women of the Year

The State Government has announced the finalists in the 2025 NSW Women of the Year and two young Hills residents are among the 10 young women aged from 7 to 15 who have been named in the new Category The Ones To Watch.

ASHLEEN KHELA (pictured) was just 11 and a student at Kenthurst Public School when she wrote her first published book 17 Stories to raise funds for charity. The 17 individual stories in the book were aimed at inspiring young people to help others and “do something in their life with their talents”.

She also raised the money herself to have the book published spending two years raising the funds to cover the cost of publishing the book with all proceeds from the sale of 17 Stories donated to the Cancer Council Australia, Starlight Kids Foundation as well as towards helping the underprivileged kids of India and other developing nations.

She raised $10,000 and spent her January school holidays visiting India and distributing items to children in need.

Her second book, Journey Through Her Jersey, was published last year and highlights women’s empowerment and raises awareness about gender inequality.

She says the story was inspired by her little sister. “She wasn’t allowed to be in the cricket team because it was boys and she was really upset.”

Sales have already raised $1000 and this year proceeds will go to UNICEF, United Nations and underprivileged children.

Ashleen said: “I feel deeply honored and humbled to have been nominated and selected as the finalist for NSW women of the year awards 2025 (The ones to watch category). “

She was especially thrilled to receive a letter from the Minister for Women, Jodie Harrison MP who said: “You should be extremely proud of your efforts to produce this book that brings to the fore gender biases women across NSW continue to endure.

As the Minister for Women, I have a keen interest in addressing this issue, and I am always delighted when I hear about young women like you who are taking matters into their own hands and driving change.”

In January Ashleen was awarded the Young Citizen Of The Year 2025 by Hills Shire Council.

“It is truly humbling, and I am deeply grateful. These recognitions further reinforce my commitment to serve the community and keep making a difference through my writings.”

Teenager HAYLEY PATERSON (pictured) is committed to social justice, serving as an ally to Sydney’s Traditional Custodians and caring for their incredible knowledge.

Hayley is learning the Dharawal Eora culture and language, delivers acknowledgments of Country in language, and has created an app of Sydney’s seasons that she shares with local schools.

She is passionate about supporting marginalised communities, Hayley also engages in queer and refugee advocacy through fundraising and representation. She is a volunteer mapmaker, serving global charities and rescue organisations, mapping areas in countries including Mauritania, Grenada and Pakistan to help facilitate emergency responses.

Hayley was appointed to the NSW Department of Education Minister’s Student Council for 2024–2025, where she advocates for meaningful change.

The winners of the Women of the Year Award will be announced at a special ceremony at Parliament House on Thursday 6th March.