2025 AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR AWARDS NOMINEES FOR THE ACT ANNOUNCED
A disability advocate, a rocking climbing instructor, a rugby legend, a community radio presenter and an artistic neuro-diversity advocate are just some of the nominees for the 2025 Australian of the Year Awards for the ACT.
The 2025 award nominees are:
2025 Australian of the Year for the ACT
Jenny Edwards - Scientist and founder, Light House ArchiScience (Canberra) Megan Gilmour - Co-founder, MissingSchool (Hawker)
Christina Ryan - Founder, Disability Leadership Institute
Philippa Seldon - Founder, The Healthy Tradie Project (Nanima)
2025 Senior Australian of the Year for the ACT
Armando Corvini - Rock climbing instructor and volunteer (Deakin)
Laurie Fisher - Super Rugby coach (Canberra)
Peter Ralston and Marilyn Ralston - Running supporters of the vision impaired (Kaleen)
Stuart Warner - Musician and community radio presenter (Queanbeyan)
2025 Young Australian of the Year for the ACT
Jarrett Anthoney - Co-founder, Dainere’s Rainbow (Gungahlin)
Daniel Bartholomaeus - Artist and neurodiversity advocate (Canberra)
Brendan Swan - Founder, Concussion Australia
Hayley Whatman - Voice for youth (Canberra)
2025 Local Hero for the ACT
Vanessa Brettell and Hannah Costello - Co-owners, Cafe Stepping Stone (Canberra)
Dr Madhumita Iyengar - Founder, Initiatives For Women In Need (Amaroo)
Pamela Muston - Ultramarathon runner (Wamboin)
Delfina Shakespear - Gender-equality advocate in women’s sport (Florey)
The nominees for the ACT are among 137 people being recognised across all states and territories.
The award recipients for the ACT will be announced on the evening of Thursday 14 November 2024 in a ceremony at National Gallery of Australia in Canberra, which will also be available to watch online at australianoftheyear.org.au.
They will then join the other state and territory recipients as national finalists for the national awards announcement on 25 January 2025 in Canberra.
National Australia Day Council CEO Mark Fraser AO CVO congratulated the nominees for the ACT.
“The ACT nominees for 2025 have achieved extraordinary things and are contributing to the community in many different ways,” said Mark.
“They are using their own experiences to help others, taking leadership roles to lift others up and demonstrating we all have greatness within us.”
ENDS.
Nominee bios on pdf below and can also be viewed from australianoftheyear.org.au.
Nominee photos can be downloaded from this link (note – all photos have been supplied by nominees):
ACT Nominee Photos
MEDIA CONTACT: Nicole Browne 0414 673 762 or nicole@mediaopps.com.au