Latest news with #KatrinaWruck
The Advertiser
07-07-2025
- Health
- The Advertiser
'We both cried': Dr Katrina Wruck reveals the emotional impact of her award
The 2025 Young Australian of the Year Dr Katrina Wruck has revealed the life-changing impact of the award since she received the honour just over five months ago in Canberra. Being awarded such a prestigious title finally gave her "validation" after years of self-doubt. "It showed me that I can do really hard things. And that I can also talk to other young people about my journey, which hasn't been easy, but it's been worthwhile," she said. "But I don't think things that are easy are really worthwhile." Dr Wruck, 30, is neurodivergent and a proud Mabuigilaig and Goemulgal woman. Based on the Gold Coast, she started the profit-for-purpose business Nguki Kula Green Labs, developing the world's first reusable laundry system, which transforms low-value rocks into eco-friendly detergent. Since Dr Wruck received the Young Australian of the Year award, industry had reached out to her to develop the detergent commercially, something that was still in the works. But, perhaps, the biggest impact had been on other people who could see themselves in her. "I had a mum message me on my Facebook and she said, 'I watched your [Young Australian of the Year] speech with my daughter. She's neurodivergent and we both cried because she realised she could be a scientist'," Dr Wruck said. "Those kinds of messages are just everything." Nominations for the 2026 awards are open until July 31. Dr Wruck urged people to put forward someone they knew for the awards. "Definitely nominate them," she said, adding that the other nominees for 2025 Young Australian of the Year had become firm friends. "A really, beautiful supportive bunch," she said. CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE NOW! Dr Wruck said she was now busier than ever, juggling her academic work with Australian of the Year commitments. Trying to be a public person while being neurodiverse had been a challenge - but also a revelation. She said "masking" had in the past been a fallback position - hiding her true self to cope. But that was changing since she had been thrust into the national spotlight. "I've kind of started taking that mask off a lot more, which has actually been really helpful because it's actually really draining to wear a mask - as in trying to assimilate to everyone's expectations of you," she said. READ THEIR STORIES Being named Young Australian of the Year also helped to banish her "impostor syndrome": "It's incredibly validating to get this kind of recognition and to be able to talk to more people and spread my message to a whole range of audiences, but importantly to Indigenous students, young women and young neurodivergent people." In the months since she was handed her award by the Prime Minister in Canberra, Dr Wruck had received some heartfelt feedback. "I got an email from a student who asked if she could do her speech - which was about an Australian hero - on me," she said. "This young girl actually sent me the speech and it was so beautiful." Now, as the Young Australian of the Year with the respect of a nation behind her, Dr Wruck has also had to change her mindset. "I used to enjoy being the underdog - but no more," she said. Help find the 2025 Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year and Australia's Local Hero by nominating someone you admire. The only way someone can be considered for the annual awards, which were first presented in 1960, is if a member of the public nominates them. Nominate online at Nominations close at midnight on July 31. The 2025 Young Australian of the Year Dr Katrina Wruck has revealed the life-changing impact of the award since she received the honour just over five months ago in Canberra. Being awarded such a prestigious title finally gave her "validation" after years of self-doubt. "It showed me that I can do really hard things. And that I can also talk to other young people about my journey, which hasn't been easy, but it's been worthwhile," she said. "But I don't think things that are easy are really worthwhile." Dr Wruck, 30, is neurodivergent and a proud Mabuigilaig and Goemulgal woman. Based on the Gold Coast, she started the profit-for-purpose business Nguki Kula Green Labs, developing the world's first reusable laundry system, which transforms low-value rocks into eco-friendly detergent. Since Dr Wruck received the Young Australian of the Year award, industry had reached out to her to develop the detergent commercially, something that was still in the works. But, perhaps, the biggest impact had been on other people who could see themselves in her. "I had a mum message me on my Facebook and she said, 'I watched your [Young Australian of the Year] speech with my daughter. She's neurodivergent and we both cried because she realised she could be a scientist'," Dr Wruck said. "Those kinds of messages are just everything." Nominations for the 2026 awards are open until July 31. Dr Wruck urged people to put forward someone they knew for the awards. "Definitely nominate them," she said, adding that the other nominees for 2025 Young Australian of the Year had become firm friends. "A really, beautiful supportive bunch," she said. CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE NOW! Dr Wruck said she was now busier than ever, juggling her academic work with Australian of the Year commitments. Trying to be a public person while being neurodiverse had been a challenge - but also a revelation. She said "masking" had in the past been a fallback position - hiding her true self to cope. But that was changing since she had been thrust into the national spotlight. "I've kind of started taking that mask off a lot more, which has actually been really helpful because it's actually really draining to wear a mask - as in trying to assimilate to everyone's expectations of you," she said. READ THEIR STORIES Being named Young Australian of the Year also helped to banish her "impostor syndrome": "It's incredibly validating to get this kind of recognition and to be able to talk to more people and spread my message to a whole range of audiences, but importantly to Indigenous students, young women and young neurodivergent people." In the months since she was handed her award by the Prime Minister in Canberra, Dr Wruck had received some heartfelt feedback. "I got an email from a student who asked if she could do her speech - which was about an Australian hero - on me," she said. "This young girl actually sent me the speech and it was so beautiful." Now, as the Young Australian of the Year with the respect of a nation behind her, Dr Wruck has also had to change her mindset. "I used to enjoy being the underdog - but no more," she said. Help find the 2025 Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year and Australia's Local Hero by nominating someone you admire. The only way someone can be considered for the annual awards, which were first presented in 1960, is if a member of the public nominates them. Nominate online at Nominations close at midnight on July 31. The 2025 Young Australian of the Year Dr Katrina Wruck has revealed the life-changing impact of the award since she received the honour just over five months ago in Canberra. Being awarded such a prestigious title finally gave her "validation" after years of self-doubt. "It showed me that I can do really hard things. And that I can also talk to other young people about my journey, which hasn't been easy, but it's been worthwhile," she said. "But I don't think things that are easy are really worthwhile." Dr Wruck, 30, is neurodivergent and a proud Mabuigilaig and Goemulgal woman. Based on the Gold Coast, she started the profit-for-purpose business Nguki Kula Green Labs, developing the world's first reusable laundry system, which transforms low-value rocks into eco-friendly detergent. Since Dr Wruck received the Young Australian of the Year award, industry had reached out to her to develop the detergent commercially, something that was still in the works. But, perhaps, the biggest impact had been on other people who could see themselves in her. "I had a mum message me on my Facebook and she said, 'I watched your [Young Australian of the Year] speech with my daughter. She's neurodivergent and we both cried because she realised she could be a scientist'," Dr Wruck said. "Those kinds of messages are just everything." Nominations for the 2026 awards are open until July 31. Dr Wruck urged people to put forward someone they knew for the awards. "Definitely nominate them," she said, adding that the other nominees for 2025 Young Australian of the Year had become firm friends. "A really, beautiful supportive bunch," she said. CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE NOW! Dr Wruck said she was now busier than ever, juggling her academic work with Australian of the Year commitments. Trying to be a public person while being neurodiverse had been a challenge - but also a revelation. She said "masking" had in the past been a fallback position - hiding her true self to cope. But that was changing since she had been thrust into the national spotlight. "I've kind of started taking that mask off a lot more, which has actually been really helpful because it's actually really draining to wear a mask - as in trying to assimilate to everyone's expectations of you," she said. READ THEIR STORIES Being named Young Australian of the Year also helped to banish her "impostor syndrome": "It's incredibly validating to get this kind of recognition and to be able to talk to more people and spread my message to a whole range of audiences, but importantly to Indigenous students, young women and young neurodivergent people." In the months since she was handed her award by the Prime Minister in Canberra, Dr Wruck had received some heartfelt feedback. "I got an email from a student who asked if she could do her speech - which was about an Australian hero - on me," she said. "This young girl actually sent me the speech and it was so beautiful." Now, as the Young Australian of the Year with the respect of a nation behind her, Dr Wruck has also had to change her mindset. "I used to enjoy being the underdog - but no more," she said. Help find the 2025 Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year and Australia's Local Hero by nominating someone you admire. The only way someone can be considered for the annual awards, which were first presented in 1960, is if a member of the public nominates them. Nominate online at Nominations close at midnight on July 31. The 2025 Young Australian of the Year Dr Katrina Wruck has revealed the life-changing impact of the award since she received the honour just over five months ago in Canberra. Being awarded such a prestigious title finally gave her "validation" after years of self-doubt. "It showed me that I can do really hard things. And that I can also talk to other young people about my journey, which hasn't been easy, but it's been worthwhile," she said. "But I don't think things that are easy are really worthwhile." Dr Wruck, 30, is neurodivergent and a proud Mabuigilaig and Goemulgal woman. Based on the Gold Coast, she started the profit-for-purpose business Nguki Kula Green Labs, developing the world's first reusable laundry system, which transforms low-value rocks into eco-friendly detergent. Since Dr Wruck received the Young Australian of the Year award, industry had reached out to her to develop the detergent commercially, something that was still in the works. But, perhaps, the biggest impact had been on other people who could see themselves in her. "I had a mum message me on my Facebook and she said, 'I watched your [Young Australian of the Year] speech with my daughter. She's neurodivergent and we both cried because she realised she could be a scientist'," Dr Wruck said. "Those kinds of messages are just everything." Nominations for the 2026 awards are open until July 31. Dr Wruck urged people to put forward someone they knew for the awards. "Definitely nominate them," she said, adding that the other nominees for 2025 Young Australian of the Year had become firm friends. "A really, beautiful supportive bunch," she said. CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE NOW! Dr Wruck said she was now busier than ever, juggling her academic work with Australian of the Year commitments. Trying to be a public person while being neurodiverse had been a challenge - but also a revelation. She said "masking" had in the past been a fallback position - hiding her true self to cope. But that was changing since she had been thrust into the national spotlight. "I've kind of started taking that mask off a lot more, which has actually been really helpful because it's actually really draining to wear a mask - as in trying to assimilate to everyone's expectations of you," she said. READ THEIR STORIES Being named Young Australian of the Year also helped to banish her "impostor syndrome": "It's incredibly validating to get this kind of recognition and to be able to talk to more people and spread my message to a whole range of audiences, but importantly to Indigenous students, young women and young neurodivergent people." In the months since she was handed her award by the Prime Minister in Canberra, Dr Wruck had received some heartfelt feedback. "I got an email from a student who asked if she could do her speech - which was about an Australian hero - on me," she said. "This young girl actually sent me the speech and it was so beautiful." Now, as the Young Australian of the Year with the respect of a nation behind her, Dr Wruck has also had to change her mindset. "I used to enjoy being the underdog - but no more," she said. Help find the 2025 Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year and Australia's Local Hero by nominating someone you admire. The only way someone can be considered for the annual awards, which were first presented in 1960, is if a member of the public nominates them. Nominate online at Nominations close at midnight on July 31.
The Advertiser
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Advertiser
First look: watch the moving new celebration of the Aussies who inspire us
The National Australia Day Council is showcasing current and former Australian of the Year Awards recipients in an inspiring new advertising campaign to encourage nominations for next year's awards. The 60-second advertisement to appear online and on TV features current Australian of the Year Neale Daniher and Young Australian of the Year Dr Katrina Wruck as well as Local Hero Award recipients Amar Singh, of Turbans 4 Australia, and Victorian football advocate for women Jasmine Hirst. Part of the clip was filmed in Cafe Stepping Stone, the social enterprise employing women mostly from migrant and refugee backgrounds established in Canberra by Australia's Local Heroes for 2025, Vanessa Brettell and Hannah Costello. Nominations for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards are open until July 31. Australians are being urged to shine a spotlight on the local legends and national change-makers whose efforts have enriched our communities. The Australian of the Year Awards require public nominations to identify outstanding individuals and it only takes one nomination for someone to be considered for the prestigious awards. "Every day, we all see people doing something special or we hear about people who are making a real impact - it's these people we all see and hear about that we want the public to nominate," National Australia Day Council chair John Foreman said. "When you see them or hear about them, nominate them." Nominate now at The four categories are: Australian of the Year; Senior Australian of the Year (aged 65 and over); Young Australian of the Year (aged 16 to 30); and Australia's Local Hero. From the public's nominations, each state and territory announces a recipient in each category. These state and territory award recipients then become the national finalists for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards to be announced on the evening of January 25, 2026, in Canberra. Who inspires you? Who do you think should be our next Australian of the Year? If you see them or hear about them, nominate them before July 31 for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards at The National Australia Day Council is showcasing current and former Australian of the Year Awards recipients in an inspiring new advertising campaign to encourage nominations for next year's awards. The 60-second advertisement to appear online and on TV features current Australian of the Year Neale Daniher and Young Australian of the Year Dr Katrina Wruck as well as Local Hero Award recipients Amar Singh, of Turbans 4 Australia, and Victorian football advocate for women Jasmine Hirst. Part of the clip was filmed in Cafe Stepping Stone, the social enterprise employing women mostly from migrant and refugee backgrounds established in Canberra by Australia's Local Heroes for 2025, Vanessa Brettell and Hannah Costello. Nominations for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards are open until July 31. Australians are being urged to shine a spotlight on the local legends and national change-makers whose efforts have enriched our communities. The Australian of the Year Awards require public nominations to identify outstanding individuals and it only takes one nomination for someone to be considered for the prestigious awards. "Every day, we all see people doing something special or we hear about people who are making a real impact - it's these people we all see and hear about that we want the public to nominate," National Australia Day Council chair John Foreman said. "When you see them or hear about them, nominate them." Nominate now at The four categories are: Australian of the Year; Senior Australian of the Year (aged 65 and over); Young Australian of the Year (aged 16 to 30); and Australia's Local Hero. From the public's nominations, each state and territory announces a recipient in each category. These state and territory award recipients then become the national finalists for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards to be announced on the evening of January 25, 2026, in Canberra. Who inspires you? Who do you think should be our next Australian of the Year? If you see them or hear about them, nominate them before July 31 for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards at The National Australia Day Council is showcasing current and former Australian of the Year Awards recipients in an inspiring new advertising campaign to encourage nominations for next year's awards. The 60-second advertisement to appear online and on TV features current Australian of the Year Neale Daniher and Young Australian of the Year Dr Katrina Wruck as well as Local Hero Award recipients Amar Singh, of Turbans 4 Australia, and Victorian football advocate for women Jasmine Hirst. Part of the clip was filmed in Cafe Stepping Stone, the social enterprise employing women mostly from migrant and refugee backgrounds established in Canberra by Australia's Local Heroes for 2025, Vanessa Brettell and Hannah Costello. Nominations for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards are open until July 31. Australians are being urged to shine a spotlight on the local legends and national change-makers whose efforts have enriched our communities. The Australian of the Year Awards require public nominations to identify outstanding individuals and it only takes one nomination for someone to be considered for the prestigious awards. "Every day, we all see people doing something special or we hear about people who are making a real impact - it's these people we all see and hear about that we want the public to nominate," National Australia Day Council chair John Foreman said. "When you see them or hear about them, nominate them." Nominate now at The four categories are: Australian of the Year; Senior Australian of the Year (aged 65 and over); Young Australian of the Year (aged 16 to 30); and Australia's Local Hero. From the public's nominations, each state and territory announces a recipient in each category. These state and territory award recipients then become the national finalists for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards to be announced on the evening of January 25, 2026, in Canberra. Who inspires you? Who do you think should be our next Australian of the Year? If you see them or hear about them, nominate them before July 31 for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards at The National Australia Day Council is showcasing current and former Australian of the Year Awards recipients in an inspiring new advertising campaign to encourage nominations for next year's awards. The 60-second advertisement to appear online and on TV features current Australian of the Year Neale Daniher and Young Australian of the Year Dr Katrina Wruck as well as Local Hero Award recipients Amar Singh, of Turbans 4 Australia, and Victorian football advocate for women Jasmine Hirst. Part of the clip was filmed in Cafe Stepping Stone, the social enterprise employing women mostly from migrant and refugee backgrounds established in Canberra by Australia's Local Heroes for 2025, Vanessa Brettell and Hannah Costello. Nominations for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards are open until July 31. Australians are being urged to shine a spotlight on the local legends and national change-makers whose efforts have enriched our communities. The Australian of the Year Awards require public nominations to identify outstanding individuals and it only takes one nomination for someone to be considered for the prestigious awards. "Every day, we all see people doing something special or we hear about people who are making a real impact - it's these people we all see and hear about that we want the public to nominate," National Australia Day Council chair John Foreman said. "When you see them or hear about them, nominate them." Nominate now at The four categories are: Australian of the Year; Senior Australian of the Year (aged 65 and over); Young Australian of the Year (aged 16 to 30); and Australia's Local Hero. From the public's nominations, each state and territory announces a recipient in each category. These state and territory award recipients then become the national finalists for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards to be announced on the evening of January 25, 2026, in Canberra. Who inspires you? Who do you think should be our next Australian of the Year? If you see them or hear about them, nominate them before July 31 for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards at
