Meet the 2025 Australians of the Year
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced the 2025 Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year in a ceremony at the National Arboretum in Canberra.
- The awards ceremony was held at the National Arboretum in Canberra.
- The Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, announced the winners.
- The recipients were presented with a glass trophy, a traditional Indigenous coolamon and clap sticks.
Australian of the Year: Neale Daniher AO, co-founder of FightMND, an organization that has raised over $100 million for motor neurone disease research. Daniher was diagnosed with MND in 2013 and has defied the odds by living many years beyond the average life expectancy. He is an inspiration to those living with MND and a tireless advocate for research.
Senior Australian of the Year: Brother Thomas Oliver (Olly) Pickett AM, co-founder of Wheelchairs for Kids, an organization that provides free wheelchairs and occupational therapy expertise to children in developing countries. Pickett has been involved with the organization since 1996 and has helped to provide over 60,000 wheelchairs to children in over 80 countries. He is a dedicated volunteer and a true champion for children in need.
Young Australian of the Year: Dr Katrina Wruck, a scientist and proud Mabuigilaig and Goemulgal woman, whose research focuses on developing new materials and sustainable methods to address water contaminants. Wruck’s work has been recognized with several awards and she is passionate about using her skills to help others, particularly Indigenous Australians in remote communities. She is an inspiration to young people from marginalized groups and a role model for future generations of scientists.
Local Hero: Vanessa Brettell and Hannah Costello, co-founders of Cafe Stepping Stone, a social enterprise in Canberra that provides employment opportunities for women from migrant and refugee backgrounds. Cafe Stepping Stone also offers on-the-job training and qualifications, helping women to gain the skills and experience they need to succeed in the workforce. Brettell and Costello are passionate about creating a more inclusive society and are making a real difference in the lives of women from marginalized communities.
- The awards ceremony was held at the National Arboretum in Canberra.
- The Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, announced the winners.
- The recipients were presented with a glass trophy, a traditional Indigenous coolamon and clap sticks.
