Alumni News

Emma McKeon in Canberra
Inspiring the next generation of leaders

Following her magnificent performance in Paris, 2024 Young Australian of the Year Emma McKeon AM visited Canberra in September for a three-day schedule. First up was a meeting with the new Governor General, Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC. Then a meet and greet with young swimmers at the Australian Institute of Sport, before getting up close and personal with our Awards partners Australian National University, Australian Community Media and the Department of Education's Office for Youth. The feedback? Everyone loved learning about Emma's time in the pool, her resilience and focus, and what she has planned next.

Heather Lee OAM running for premature babies

2019 NSW Senior Australian of the Year Heather Lee OAM has become a Running for Premature Babies Honorary Patron. In 2019 all four NSW Australians of the Year got together to support Running for Premature Babies at the City2Surf in Sydney. When Heather discovered she shares her birthday with World Prematurity Day (17 Nov), she decided to use this milestone each year to promote the charity. “I’m going to be leaving this world soon, and I’d like to do something for babies struggling to enter it.”

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Craig Hollywood receiving cheque

Short Back & Sidewalks founder Craig Hollywood honoured

Short Back & Sidewalks (SBSW) founder Craig Hollywood - and our 2022 WA Local Hero - was recently awarded AHIA Vidal Sassoon Humanitarian of the Year 2024 at the Australian Hair Industry Awards 2024 - Business. SBSW gives haircuts free of charge and free of judgement.
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Ensemble Q and William Barton

William Barton and Ensemble Q

The world premiere of 2023 QLD Australian of the Year William Barton’s new work, Journey to the Edge of the Horizon, wowed the audience at Perth Concert Hall. William continues to expand the horizons of the yiddaki (didgeridoo) through his innovative compositions and performances. Check out this wonderful wrap up of the concert with Ensemble Q.
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Peter selected for 2024 Emerging Climate Leaders Program

2024 Young Australian of the Year Peter Susanto has been selected as one of four Australian delegates for the 2024 Emerging Climate Leaders Program, and is the first NT representative. His selection means he'll be taking part in the COP29 conference in Azerbaijan, where he hopes to learn climate solutions that can be implemented in the NT.

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Photo of Kieren Perkins OAM

Kieren inducted into Hall of Fame

1992 Young Australian of the Year Kieren Perkins OAM has been inducted into the Swimming Australia Hall of Fame. From that first gold medal at Barcelona 1992 and gold at Atlanta 1996 to that final showdown at Sydney 2000 where he finished his career with silver at home, Kieren remains a firm Aussie favourite.
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Dr Raj at a citizenship ceremony

It comes full circle for Dr Raj

2023 VIC Australian of the Year Dr Angraj Khillan was part of the Australian Citizenship 75th Anniversary celebrations. "Thinking back to 20 years ago when I migrated to Australia and was on the other side, receiving my citizenship certificate. This time, I had the privilege of inspiring new citizens. The kindness I’ve received from Australian communities has been beyond anything I could have ever imagined or hoped for."
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Taryn launches Embrace magazine

The Embrace Collective has launched their inaugural parenting magazine. 2023 Australian of the Year Taryn Brumfitt, co-Executive Director of The Embrace Collective, said that they wanted to provide another way to help parents help young people learn to appreciate and be kind to their bodies, with clear, accurate information that cuts through the clutter to empower parents to navigate these and other parenting issues with confidence.

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Katrina Fanning joins NRL Hall of Fame

For the first time ever, six women have been inducted into the NRL Hall of Fame. Among them was Wiradjuri woman and 2020 ACT Australian of the Year Katrina Fanning. Katrina had to fight for her right to play the sport she loved from the age of eight up to the age of 12, which was the age girls were not allowed to continue playing.
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Book cover of Dancing With Demons

Dancing with Demons

As the 2010 ACT Australian of the Year, Professor Patricia Easteal AM was recognised for her academic work, advocacy and activism concerning violence against women. While not a memoir, her novel Dancing With Demons draws extensively on her life experiences and academic expertise with family and domestic violence, sexual violence, its effects and recovering pathways, revealing the transformative power of therapy and twelve-step programs.
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Photo from Adelaide's Inspiring Australians Student Summit of Australians of the Year speaking

Inspiring the next generation of leaders

Adelaide's second Inspiring Australians Student Summit was a pivotal opportunity for young people to engage with influential figures dedicated to making a difference and exploring future pathways. Their contributions not only inspired but also provided actionable ideas...
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Photo of Bernie Shakeshaft

Pioneering a new path for Australia’s at-risk youth

With his background as a jackaroo and expertise in Aboriginal tracking, 2020 Australia's Local Hero Bernie Shakeshaft uses animal-assisted learning, agricultural training and residential care to transform young lives. He visited Adelaide to share his wisdom.
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Funeral notice picture to promote Start Living campaign

What do you want to be remembered for?

91% of women are dissatisfied with their bodies, meaning the knock-on effect is enormous with children modelling their parents’ behaviour. 2023 Australian of the Year Taryn Brumfitt calls for parents to reframe their behaviour and language to help ourselves, and also our kids, in her new brilliant campaign.​
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Banner image of Grace Tame

Be inspired with Grace

2021 Australian of the Year Grace Tame will share her experiences navigating the public eye, the triumphs and challenges of establishing the Grace Tame Foundation and the ongoing fight against child sexual abuse in Australia. Catch her in Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane and Melbourne
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PM visits Winton, QLd

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his fiancé Jodie Haydon visited Australia’s very own Jurassic Park in Winton, QLD in July after being invited by 2024 Australia's Local Hero David Elliott OAM. David proudly guided them through the Fossil Preparation Laboratory, Dinosaur Canyon, the "March of the Titanosaurs" exhibition and more, discussing the future Museum of Natural History and its potential impact on regional Australia.

Cover of magazine with John Ward

John makes the cover

He's a geriatrician and co-founder of the Hunter Ageing Alliance. He's also 2024 NSW Senior Australian of the Year. John Ward found himself on the cover of Australian Over 50s Living & Lifestyle Guide recently. Great to see John in the spotlight!
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EMPOWERING PARALYMPIC-LEVEL ATHLETES TO ACHIEVE THEIR BEST

The Dylan Alcott Foundation X Nike Academy is dedicated to nurturing high-performance athletes.

It's all about providing them with the resources, guidance, and support they need to excel, embodying the spirit of determination, resilience, innovation and achievement.

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Photo of Naarah in London

Pay Day with Naarah

Have you read Pay Day? It's the ABC's new column where Australians are asked the money questions we don't like to talk about. Did you catch Pay Day with 2024 TAS Young Australian of the Year Naarah? "I've been saving at least $2 a week since I was little."
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Photo of Caitlin Figueiredo

Pay Day with Caitlin

And read Pay Day with our 2024 ACT Young Australian of the Year Caitlin Figueiredo. She shares the first big purchase she made at just eight years old, why she won't stop buying people gifts and how she's managed to stop paying rent.
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