MEDIA RELEASE
9:30PM AEDT, SATURDAY 25 JANUARY 2025
2025 AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR AWARDS ANNOUNCED
2025 Australian of the Year - Neale Daniher AO (VIC)
2025 Senior Australian of the Year - Brother Thomas Oliver Pickett AM (WA)
2025 Young Australian of the Year - Dr Katrina Wruck (QLD)
2025 Australia’s Local Heroes - Vanessa Brettell and Hannah Costello (ACT)
9:30pm AEDT, Canberra: An AFL legend fighting motor neurone disease; a man dedicated to providing children around the world with life-changing wheelchairs; a young scientist using the power of STEM to give back to remote communities; and two women giving vulnerable migrants a pathway to belonging have been named as the 2025 Australians of the Year.
The Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese MP, announced the 2025 Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year and Australia’s Local Heroes in a ceremony at the National Arboretum in Canberra this evening.
The award recipients were presented with a handcrafted trophy, a traditional Indigenous coolamon and clap sticks.
The 2025 Australian of the Year is Co-founder of FightMND and former Australian rules footballer, Neale Daniher AO.
Neale Daniher AO is a co-founder of FightMND, a charity that’s raised and invested over $100 million into medical research to find a cure for motor neurone disease (MND).
Since his diagnosis in 2013, Neale and his family have been battling the effects of the disease, but he remains a tireless campaigner for a cure and is always raising awareness of MND.
Neale has lived his condition very publicly, even in the advanced stages of the disease. He’s often front and centre at FightMND’s Big Freeze charity event held annually.
A former AFL player with Essendon FC who went on to coach the Melbourne Demons, Neale’s implemented his team-based football experience to galvanise community and corporate support for the cause.
The now 63-year-old has lived with the debilitating disease for more than 10 years, defying the average life expectancy of just 27 months. With amazing courage and relentless drive, he’s dedicated his life to helping prevent the suffering of those who’ll be diagnosed in the future.
The 2025 Senior Australian of the Year is Brother Thomas Oliver Pickett AM, Co-founder of Wheelchairs For Kids.
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.
Olly 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 Olly has improved the lives of others. For 26 continuous years, 84-year-old Olly’s life-changing community service has ignited a ripple effect of kindness and generosity.
The 2025 Young Australian of the Year is Scientist, 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, 30-year-old 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.
Australia’s Local Heroes for 2025 are Vanessa Brettell and Hannah Costello, Co-founders of Cafe Stepping Stone.
Vanessa Brettell (31) and Hannah Costello (32) 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.
Chair of the National Australia Day Council John Foreman AM congratulated the 2025 Australian of the Year Award recipients.
“The 2025 Australians of the Year are amazing Australians doing extraordinary things,” said Mr Foreman.
“Neale’s dedication to changing the outcomes for people diagnosed with motor neurone disease while dealing with his own health is truly inspirational. His efforts today are giving people hope for tomorrow.
“Brother Olly’s compassion and energy are the driving forces which have brought mobility and freedom to countless children around the globe. He reminds us that, through volunteerism, you can truly impact the lives of others.
“Katrina is forging new futures for our planet and for industry. Her achievements and community work show other young people that they, too, have opportunities in the world of science and technology.
“Vanessa and Hannah are empowering migrant women to find identity, education and employment in a new country. Their empathy and ideas are creating bright futures and connection within communities.”
ENDS.
For further media information on the 2025 Australian of the Year Awards, please contact:
Nicole Browne nicole@mediaopps.com.au 0414 673 762 (text messages preferred 25 & 26 January)
PHOTOS: Photos of the 2025 Awards at this link: AWARDS ANNOUNCEMENT PHOTOS
Please credit NADC/Salty Dingo
SPEECHES: At this link: SPEECHES