Sam Longmore named among NSW Australian of the Year finalists

JUST three months after completing an extraordinary wheelchair journey across regional NSW for rural mental health, former Junee woman Samantha Longmore has been named a finalist for one of the state’s highest community honours.

The 33-year-old disability advocate, motivational speaker and world-class adaptive water-skier was announced on Wednesday as a finalist for the 2027 NSW Australian of the Year Local Hero Award.

Recognised for her outstanding contributions to disability advocacy, rural mental health and regional communities, Sam is one of four finalists vying for the prestigious title, with the winner to be announced at a ceremony in Sydney on November 4.

Image: Supplied

The nomination marks another remarkable milestone for the former Junee local, whose determination to turn personal adversity into positive change has inspired people across Australia.

Now based in Yass, Sam captured the hearts of communities throughout southern NSW earlier this year when she undertook The Big Wheel: Push for Purpose, an ambitious eight-day wheelchair journey from Corowa to Yass.

Image: Supplied/Red Fox Photography

Using just one arm and one leg to propel herself in an everyday wheelchair, she covered more than 400 kilometres through relentless rain, strong winds and challenging road conditions, crossing the finish line in Yass on July 4.

The mammoth undertaking raised more than $200,000 for rural mental health, supporting the work of Rural Aid and Riverina Bluebell while sparking important conversations about resilience, disability and the importance of seeking help.

Her commitment to regional communities was further recognised in September when she was appointed a Rural Aid ambassador, providing a new platform to champion rural Australians and raise awareness of the mental health challenges facing those living and working on the land.

Sam pictured on the Day One of The Big Wheel in Corowa on June 27, 2026 | Image: Supplied

Sam’s remarkable story began more than a decade who when, at just 20 years old, two serious car accidents left her with a spinal cord injury and paralysis down the right side of her body.

Rather than allowing those injuries to define her future, Sam went on to establish multiple businesses across the agriculture and events industries, compete internationally in adaptive water-skiing and become a passionate advocate for people living with disability.

READ MORE: Sam Longmore named Rural Aid ambassador

Through speaking engagements at schools, businesses and community organisations, she has continued to share her experiences to challenge perceptions of disability and encourage others to recognise their own capabilities.

Her achievements have now earned her recognition on one of Australia’s most prestigious stages.

Image: Supplied/Red Fox Photography

Announcing the news on Wednesday morning, Sam admitted she was overwhelmed to have been named among the finalists.

“The cat is officially out of the bag,” Sam said.

“I honestly couldn’t believe I was even nominated let alone found myself as a finalist alongside the three others in the local hero category.

“It’s funny… we don’t help or ‘do’ for recognition. If we have the ability to help we should. It’s that simple.

“I can think of a thousand people that deserve this more than me, but I’m incredibly proud to be included with these incredible people.

“Let’s see what the next couple of weeks brings.”

Image: Supplied/Red Fox Photography

Sam is one of four finalists in the NSW Local Hero category, alongside other community champions making a significant difference across the state.

They include Broken Hill mental health advocate Brendan Cullen, who draws on his own experiences with depression and alcohol misuse to encourage people in rural and remote communities to seek help.

Now an ambassador for Lifeline Regional SA & Far West NSW and a peer-support champion with the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Mr Cullen works with farmers, sporting clubs, schools and community organisations to promote mental health awareness.

Also nominated are Jill Ashley and Paul ‘Fatty’ Ireland, founders of ShoreTrack in the Nambucca Valley, an organisation providing mentoring, practical training and employment opportunities for disengaged young people.

Since its establishment in 2020, ShoreTrack has supported more than 750 young people, helping them develop skills and pathways into employment.

Completing the category is Sophie Wilksch, founder of Shedding Community Workshop in Mullumbimby, which provides inclusive carpentry and building workshops while promoting sustainability, wellbeing and community connection.

Seventeen nominees recognised

Across all four award categories, 17 people have been nominated for the 2027 NSW Australian of the Year Awards, recognising contributions spanning domestic violence law reform, medical research, disability inclusion, social services and community support.

The Australian of the Year category includes Newcastle domestic violence campaigner Tabitha Acret, whose advocacy following the murder of her daughter Mackenzie Anderson helped bring about significant sentencing reforms in NSW.

She is joined by Parkinson’s disease campaigner Clyde Campbell AM, disability advocate Dwayne Fernandes and marine scientist Dr Vanessa Pirotta.

Senior Australian of the Year nominees include social justice advocate Mick Brosnan OAM, veteran pilot doctor Dr David Cooke OAM, refugee healthcare advocate Emeritus Professor Mark Harris AO and cardiologist Professor Hosen Kiat.

In the Young Australian of the Year category, children’s rights advocate Darian Brooker, medical technology innovator Michaela Loukas, community shark bite kit creator Danny Schouten and women’s health advocate Grace Toombs have been recognised.

2027 NSW Australian of the Year awards nominees | Image: Supplied

National Australia Day Council CEO Carrie Leeson said the nominees represented the many ways ordinary Australians were making extraordinary contributions to their communities.

“This is an exceptional group of Australians, united by a genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of others,” Ms Leeson said.

“Whether through sharing their experiences or using their skills and talents, each is making a meaningful contribution to their community.”

The NSW Australian of the Year award recipients will be announced at a ceremony in Sydney on Wednesday, November 4.

The ceremony will be livestreamed through the official Australian of the Year website.

The winners of each category will then progress to the national Australian of the Year Awards, with the national winners to be announced in Canberra on January 25, 2027.