© Photo by Lisa Maree Williams/Getty ImagesNew South Wales Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant speaks during a press conference on July 01, 2020 in Sydney, Australia.
NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant has been named NSW Premier's Woman of the Year, the highest honour in the NSW Women of the Year Awards in Sydney.
Dr Chant, who has led the management of the coronavirus pandemic in Australia's most populated state, was awarded the honour for her inspirational leadership during the health crisis.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian congratulated Dr Chant on the accolade.
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"Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr Chant has been a familiar face, offering vital health information for our state in addition to years of service to the health sector," Berejiklian said.
"Dr Chant is a role model, especially for women, and has absolutely excelled in her chosen field to affect lasting change."
The award was presented at a breakfast at the International Convention Centre early on Wednesday morning.
While only 10 winners were awarded during the ceremony, over 200 nominations were submitted for this year's awards.
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Speaking via video, the premier congratulated the winners and finalists, acknowledging the more than 400,000 state public servants who battled the challenges of 2020, from bushfires to the pandemic.
"They have continued to support our citizens and ensure vital services continue to be delivered," Berejiklian said, honouring the public servants.
Health minister Brad Hazzard tweeted his praise for Dr Chant, calling her a "COVID Warrior."
"Amongst many outstanding women nominated, a wonderful Woman of the Year, Dr Kerry Chant, presented by Premier ?@GladysB? at the International Women's Day Breakfast at the ICC. A COVID warrior & a long standing, innovative NSW Public Health leader," he wrote.
Minister for Women also Bronnie Taylor congratulated Dr Chant, calling her an "inspiration for all women."
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"Her leadership and dedication to her job ensured NSW was kept safe. Her work has been applauded around the world," Taylor said.
Dr Chant will receive the first doses of the Astrazeneca vaccine on Wednesday, alongside the premier and Health Minister Brad Hazzard.
On February 28, 300,000 doses of the vaccine arrived in Australia. This week will mark the first time they are used to inoculate citizens against the virus.
NSW marked 51 consecutive days without a local transmission of coronavirus on Tuesday.
Berejiklian will be the second state premier to receive a coronavirus vaccine, following South Australian Premier Steven Marshall, who was one of the first three people to receive the Pfizer vaccine last month.
Federal government data released on Monday night showed NSW had completed 21,763 coronavirus vaccinations in the first fortnight of the rollout.
See the full list of the 2020 Premier's Award winners below.