2025 Australians of the Year announced
The 2025 Australians of the Year have been announced in a live ceremony at the National Arboretum in Canberra.
Announced by Prime Minister of Australia, the Honourable Anthony Albanese MP, on the eve of Australia Day, the recipients have been recognised for making a profound difference and raising awareness of issues of national importance.
The Awards’ recipients were presented with a glass trophy, a traditional Indigenous coolamon and clap sticks.
Meet the 2025 Australians of the Year below.
2025 Australian of the Year
Neale Daniher AO
Neale Daniher AO is a co-founder of FightMND, a charity that has raised and invested over $115 million into medical research to find a cure for motor neurone disease (MND).
Since his diagnosis in 2013, Neale, with the unwavering support of his family, has been battling the debilitating effects of the disease in the public eye, tirelessly campaigning and raising awareness of MND. The annual Big Freeze event at the MCG embodies Neale’s ethos of turning adversity into an opportunity for celebration and hope.
A former AFL player with Essendon FC who went on to coach the Melbourne Demons, Neale has drawn on these team-based experiences to galvanise the community Australia-wide to join the fight against MND.
The now 63-year-old has lived with the cruel disease for 10 years, defying the average life expectancy of just 27 months. With amazing courage and relentless drive, he is dedicated to helping prevent the suffering of those who’ll be diagnosed in the future.
2025 Senior Australian of the Year
Brother Thomas Oliver Pickett AM
Brother Thomas Oliver (Olly) Pickett AM co-founded Wheelchairs For Kids in 1996 to provide adjustable wheelchairs and occupational therapy expertise for children in developing countries, free of charge.
Since then, more than 60,000 custom-built wheelchairs have been gifted to children in over 80 countries.
With over 250 retiree workshop volunteers, Wheelchairs For Kids is one of Western Australia’s largest (and with an average age of 74, one of Australia’s oldest) volunteer-led charities. A further 550 people from aged care and community groups sew covers for wheelchair soft supports, and crochet rugs and soft toys.
Thomas also spearheaded the development of an innovative, low-cost wheelchair design to World Health Organization standards that grows as the children do – a world first.
Wheelchairs For Kids is just one way that Thomas has improved the lives of others. For 26 continuous years, his life-changing community service has ignited a ripple effect of kindness and generosity.
2025 Young Australian of the Year
Dr Katrina Wruck
Dr Katrina Wruck’s research is giving back to remote communities. Based on her research, Katrina has set up a profit-for-purpose business, Nguki Kula Green Labs, which is poised to transform the consumer goods sector by harnessing the power of green chemistry, while inspiring others to step into STEM.
Katrina’s method of converting mining by-products to zeolite LTA – which can remove contaminants from water that cause hardness – will be commercialised. Her postdoctoral research examines how to break down dangerous ‘forever chemicals’ into benign ones. Altogether, Katrina’s work is a possible foundation for reducing global contamination.
A proud Mabuigilaig and Goemulgal woman who has long advocated for First Nations knowledge, Katrina also participates in community engagement programs. She is frequently told by the students she speaks to that she’s the first Indigenous scientist they’ve met. Her work has been recognised with several awards and she is already well known in her field.
2025 Joint Australia’s Local Heroes
Vanessa Brettell and Hannah Costello
Vanessa Brettell and Hannah Costello are harnessing the power of hospitality to lift and empower those most vulnerable in their community.
Their business, Cafe Stepping Stone, operates as a social enterprise, employing women mostly from migrant and refugee backgrounds and others who experience significant barriers to employment. The sustainable vegetarian café has two locations which offer culturally and linguistically diverse women employment pathways, on-the-job training and qualifications through partnerships with registered training organisations.
Hannah and Vanessa’s inclusive employment practices involve targeting female workers who are the sole income earners in their household, new arrivals to Australia, those with limited English or minimal employment history, and those experiencing homelessness. The employees are supported to gain skills and experience, facilitating their entry or return to the workforce.
Hannah and Vanessa also run a range of events through Stepping Stone, creating a welcoming hub for community to grow, with a focus on social justice and connection.
Know someone inspiring? Nominate them at australianoftheyear.org.au