Kirsty Evans has been recognised as NSW Regional Woman of the Year for 2025.

Having led efforts to provide pro bono legal advice to the community of Molong after it was affected by severe flooding in 2022, Kirsty has dedicated over 250 hours helping 12 business owners, delivering over $100,000 in legal services pro bono. Her advocacy has resulted in claims that were originally denied by insurers being overturned, with insurers partially accepting liability. Through her leadership, approximately $1 million has been returned to the community. In 2024, Kirsty presented evidence at the Parliamentary Inquiry into insurers’ responses to 2022 major floods claims, exposing systemic failures and advocating for better practices. The inquiry adopted several of Kirsty’s findings in its recommendations.

The Parliamentary Inquiry into insurers' responses to 2022 major floods heard many residents had not received adequate support, with claims processes being particularly difficult to navigate in the aftermath of the natural disaster.

Evans leads an all-female team at her firm in regional NSW, Cheney Suthers. Her commitment to justice extends beyond disaster relief, with a proven track record of securing increased compensation for infrastructure projects and improving access to legal services for her community.

"In a time where many lawyers are exhausted, overworked and disillusioned, pro bono work not only allows us to build our skills but live our values," she said on her firm's social media account.