Monday, 10 November 2025
Government House
Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC

Bujari Gamarruwa

Diyn Babana, Gamarada Gadigal Ngura

In greeting you in the language of the Gadigal, Traditional Owners of these lands and waterways, I pay my respects to their Elders past, present, and emerging. I extend that respect to the Elders of all parts of our State from which you travel.

There is another phrase in the language of the Gadigal—Eora Bujeri, which means ‘good people’. It is a phrase encapsulating perfectly the 17 individuals we celebrate today.

Living as we do in a first world country where our national identity is significantly connected to our sporting achievements—which are huge and deserve recognition, there are two characteristics which might be described as oppositional—the tall poppy syndrome on the one hand and the imposter syndrome on the other, by which I mean a tendency of those who use their education, talents, and personal skills to do something which is impactful, but not only don’t boast about it but also indeed wonder why they are even deserving of recognition. This is why today’s awards are so important.

In a nutshell, the Australian of the Year awards provide a national platform where the work, contribution, and generosity of Australians are recognised. By bringing national attention to what the nominees have done and continue to do, the Awards speak to everyday Australians, reminding us that amongst all the advantages we have, there are many things we still need to do. These awards provide a medium through which we learn who the wonderful Australians are who see the gaps, who recognise the shortcomings, and who take those impactful steps which change lives and the things that need to be changed, and which inspire everyone to take their own small or large steps to do something or to support something which has real impact.

Every year that I have had the privilege of hosting this reception, I know that I have met Australians whose contribution is more than noteworthy—it is outstanding. We respect and honour you for your dedicated tenacity to come up with, and apply, solutions to the needs that you see, call for societal attention, and, as I have said, to bring others on the journey.

This year our nominees include, in no particular order:

• A pioneering neonatologist and facilitator of research into cerebral palsy whose efforts have helped thousands of critically ill newborn babies, Professor Nadia Badawi.
• An impactful provider of mental health services for regional youth, particularly young women, Ruby Riethmuller. 
• Perhaps the fittest person in the room—an electrician who ran across Australia to raise money for the homeless—Nedd Brockmann.
• A marine biologist whose research and education programs help protect our endangered coral ecosystems, Dr Jennifer Matthews.
• A proud Yaegl and Bunjalung woman who helps young First Nations people of the Clarence Valley connect with culture through art, language, and sport, Aneika Kapeen.
• A trail-blazing provider of personalised in-home nursing care for older Australians, Sue Mann.
• A human rights lawyer advocating for the LGBTIQ+ community and victims of hate crimes, Nicholas Stewart.
• A global humanitarian whose first responder volunteer organisation drives recovery in communities in the face of natural and manmade disasters, Dr Alison Thompson.
• A leader in dementia research, care, and prevention transforming our understanding of dementia risk, early intervention, and treatment, Professor Henry Brodaty.
• A man with perhaps the coolest job title in the world—professional cowboy—who is also the oldest competitive rodeo rider on the planet, Bob Holder.
• The founder of an Australia-wide network providing older Australian men vital connection, confidence, and camaraderie through learning to cook, Peter Watson.
• The co-founder of an organisation, which, by promoting conversations about mental health, aims to end suicide in Australia, Jack Brown.
• A husband-and-wife team bringing STEM opportunities to thousands of Wollongong children from diverse educational, financial, and cultural backgrounds, Andrew and Lyndell Clark.
• A social worker supporting women recover from substance dependency so they can be reunited with their children, Kate Cleary.
• The founder of an organisation providing 1,500 hot meals every week to vulnerable people throughout the Northern Rivers and the Gold Coast, Theresa Mitchell.
• And, the founder of a mobile dental service that has treated more than 40,000 rural children, Dr Rand Younes.

So, this afternoon that ‘imposter syndrome’ is out the window. We stand in awe of your accomplishments and service to our communities, State, and Nation.