Reflect Respect Celebrate Sundowner sends WA 2025 Australians of the Year off to Canberra in style
On Tuesday 21 January, Auspire hosted the Reflect Respect Celebrate Sundowner to provide an opportunity for Western Australians to hear from and celebrate the WA 2025 Australians of the Year, before they headed to Canberra for the national awards ceremony.
Our esteemed network of alumni, ambassadors, members and partners, were invited to the special event held at The Constitutional Centre of Western Australia, which also acknowledged the uniting of communities just days before Australia Day.
In a show of respect for Aboriginal culture and to reflect on Australia’s First Peoples’ journey and resilience, a Welcome to Country kicked off official proceedings, delivered by Auspire Board Member, Mr Barry Winmar.
Before we heard from the highly anticipated recipients, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister, the Honourable Patrick Gorman MP, took to the stage to congratulate them and speak of how they demonstrate the Australian spirit and values.
“None of these nominees set out to win the state award, let alone the national award. What we know is that Australians win because of their contributions, and we are all here because we want to see their contribution recognised. I look forward to joining them in Canberra for them to share their stories and grab that opportunity to inspire even more Australians.”
This was the perfect segue to introducing the 2025 WA Australian of the Year Awards’ recipients to the stage. As we heard from each of them respond to questions put to them by Auspire CEO, Morgen Lewis, guests were reminded of why they were recognised:
Dianne and Ian Haggerty, for respecting country and producing positive outcomes of modern day agriculture; Brother Olly Pickett AM, for humbly leading more than 250 volunteers to create wheelchairs for children in need all around the world; and Dr Jacinta Vu, for giving women their smile, dignity and confidence back following domestic violence. Find out more about each recipient and their recognition here.
While Jack Anderson was unable to attend due to flying to Canberra straight from Harvard, USA, we were reminded of his impact as an advocate for accessible education.
Auspire Chair, Bradley Woods, gave the final words and invited guests to continue networking and enjoying the refreshments and live music.
See all photos from the Reflect Respect Celebrate 2025 Sundowner here.
To watch the national Australian of the Year Awards’ ceremony live, head to ABC News or iview at 4.30pm AWST on Saturday 25 January.
Nominate an Australian of the Year at australianoftheyear.org.au.
This event was assisted by the Australian Government through the National Australia Day Council.