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The Advertiser
19-07-2025
- General
- The Advertiser
'We both cried': Australians of the Year call for more nominations in 2026 awards
The 2025 Young Australian of the Year and the Senior Australian of the Year while on a visit to Canberra this week have spoken about the life-changing effect of receiving the honour just over five months ago. Queensland scientist Dr Katrina Wruck and Brother Olly Pickett, co-founder of Wheelchair for Kids, have also urged other Aussies to nominate someone they know for next year's awards. Nominations for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards are open until midnight on July 31. You can nominate someone here. For Young Australian of the Year Dr Wruck, receiving the honour finally gave her "validation" after years of self-doubt. "It showed me that I can do really hard things and while I'm doing it 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." For Senior Australian of the Year, Brother Olly Pickett, the award has had some beautiful spin-offs for vulnerable children around the globe. For a start, more people learnt about the charity Wheelchair for Kids, which provides free wheelchairs and occupational therapy expertise for children in developing countries. The wheelchairs are assembled in a factory in WA by retirees. Brother Olly said in the weeks after winning Senior Australian of the Year, he was approached by a local woman who wanted to donate 1000 wheelchairs. "I said, 'You do realise that's going to cost you $275,000?'," Brother Pickett said. "She said, 'Yes, I've come into a bit of money'. She said, 'I saw the ad in the paper and it got to me. I want to help 1000 little kids'. I said, 'That's amazing'." She was serious, too, because she had a representative of her bank with her to make the transfer. "Just to see the smiles on the kids' faces. That you're able to help someone who you might never meet," he said. "We all want to help these little kids. Otherwise, they'd be all lying on the ground. And so it gives them some dignity in their life." Dr Wruck 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 winning the Young Australian of the Year, 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 [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." Dr Wruck and Brother Olly on July 2 attended a special event for subscribers of The Canberra Times and had dinner at Government House with Governor-General Sam Mostyn. They were due to appear on Sunrise on Thursday morning from the Stepping Stones cafe at Strathnairn, with the business's co-founders Vanessa Brettell and Hannah Costello who were the recipients of the 2025 Australia's Local Hero award. Nominations for the 2026 awards are open again in the categories of Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year and Australia's Local Hero. Brother Olly said he already had a nomination in mind, while Dr Wruck also urged people to put forward someone they knew. "Definitely nominate them," she said, adding that the other nominees for 2025 Young Australian of the Year had become her firm friends. "A really, beautiful supportive bunch," she said. The 2025 Young Australian of the Year and the Senior Australian of the Year while on a visit to Canberra this week have spoken about the life-changing effect of receiving the honour just over five months ago. Queensland scientist Dr Katrina Wruck and Brother Olly Pickett, co-founder of Wheelchair for Kids, have also urged other Aussies to nominate someone they know for next year's awards. Nominations for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards are open until midnight on July 31. You can nominate someone here. For Young Australian of the Year Dr Wruck, receiving the honour finally gave her "validation" after years of self-doubt. "It showed me that I can do really hard things and while I'm doing it 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." For Senior Australian of the Year, Brother Olly Pickett, the award has had some beautiful spin-offs for vulnerable children around the globe. For a start, more people learnt about the charity Wheelchair for Kids, which provides free wheelchairs and occupational therapy expertise for children in developing countries. The wheelchairs are assembled in a factory in WA by retirees. Brother Olly said in the weeks after winning Senior Australian of the Year, he was approached by a local woman who wanted to donate 1000 wheelchairs. "I said, 'You do realise that's going to cost you $275,000?'," Brother Pickett said. "She said, 'Yes, I've come into a bit of money'. She said, 'I saw the ad in the paper and it got to me. I want to help 1000 little kids'. I said, 'That's amazing'." She was serious, too, because she had a representative of her bank with her to make the transfer. "Just to see the smiles on the kids' faces. That you're able to help someone who you might never meet," he said. "We all want to help these little kids. Otherwise, they'd be all lying on the ground. And so it gives them some dignity in their life." Dr Wruck 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 winning the Young Australian of the Year, 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 [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." Dr Wruck and Brother Olly on July 2 attended a special event for subscribers of The Canberra Times and had dinner at Government House with Governor-General Sam Mostyn. They were due to appear on Sunrise on Thursday morning from the Stepping Stones cafe at Strathnairn, with the business's co-founders Vanessa Brettell and Hannah Costello who were the recipients of the 2025 Australia's Local Hero award. Nominations for the 2026 awards are open again in the categories of Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year and Australia's Local Hero. Brother Olly said he already had a nomination in mind, while Dr Wruck also urged people to put forward someone they knew. "Definitely nominate them," she said, adding that the other nominees for 2025 Young Australian of the Year had become her firm friends. "A really, beautiful supportive bunch," she said. The 2025 Young Australian of the Year and the Senior Australian of the Year while on a visit to Canberra this week have spoken about the life-changing effect of receiving the honour just over five months ago. Queensland scientist Dr Katrina Wruck and Brother Olly Pickett, co-founder of Wheelchair for Kids, have also urged other Aussies to nominate someone they know for next year's awards. Nominations for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards are open until midnight on July 31. You can nominate someone here. For Young Australian of the Year Dr Wruck, receiving the honour finally gave her "validation" after years of self-doubt. "It showed me that I can do really hard things and while I'm doing it 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." For Senior Australian of the Year, Brother Olly Pickett, the award has had some beautiful spin-offs for vulnerable children around the globe. For a start, more people learnt about the charity Wheelchair for Kids, which provides free wheelchairs and occupational therapy expertise for children in developing countries. The wheelchairs are assembled in a factory in WA by retirees. Brother Olly said in the weeks after winning Senior Australian of the Year, he was approached by a local woman who wanted to donate 1000 wheelchairs. "I said, 'You do realise that's going to cost you $275,000?'," Brother Pickett said. "She said, 'Yes, I've come into a bit of money'. She said, 'I saw the ad in the paper and it got to me. I want to help 1000 little kids'. I said, 'That's amazing'." She was serious, too, because she had a representative of her bank with her to make the transfer. "Just to see the smiles on the kids' faces. That you're able to help someone who you might never meet," he said. "We all want to help these little kids. Otherwise, they'd be all lying on the ground. And so it gives them some dignity in their life." Dr Wruck 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 winning the Young Australian of the Year, 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 [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." Dr Wruck and Brother Olly on July 2 attended a special event for subscribers of The Canberra Times and had dinner at Government House with Governor-General Sam Mostyn. They were due to appear on Sunrise on Thursday morning from the Stepping Stones cafe at Strathnairn, with the business's co-founders Vanessa Brettell and Hannah Costello who were the recipients of the 2025 Australia's Local Hero award. Nominations for the 2026 awards are open again in the categories of Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year and Australia's Local Hero. Brother Olly said he already had a nomination in mind, while Dr Wruck also urged people to put forward someone they knew. "Definitely nominate them," she said, adding that the other nominees for 2025 Young Australian of the Year had become her firm friends. "A really, beautiful supportive bunch," she said. The 2025 Young Australian of the Year and the Senior Australian of the Year while on a visit to Canberra this week have spoken about the life-changing effect of receiving the honour just over five months ago. Queensland scientist Dr Katrina Wruck and Brother Olly Pickett, co-founder of Wheelchair for Kids, have also urged other Aussies to nominate someone they know for next year's awards. Nominations for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards are open until midnight on July 31. You can nominate someone here. For Young Australian of the Year Dr Wruck, receiving the honour finally gave her "validation" after years of self-doubt. "It showed me that I can do really hard things and while I'm doing it 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." For Senior Australian of the Year, Brother Olly Pickett, the award has had some beautiful spin-offs for vulnerable children around the globe. For a start, more people learnt about the charity Wheelchair for Kids, which provides free wheelchairs and occupational therapy expertise for children in developing countries. The wheelchairs are assembled in a factory in WA by retirees. Brother Olly said in the weeks after winning Senior Australian of the Year, he was approached by a local woman who wanted to donate 1000 wheelchairs. "I said, 'You do realise that's going to cost you $275,000?'," Brother Pickett said. "She said, 'Yes, I've come into a bit of money'. She said, 'I saw the ad in the paper and it got to me. I want to help 1000 little kids'. I said, 'That's amazing'." She was serious, too, because she had a representative of her bank with her to make the transfer. "Just to see the smiles on the kids' faces. That you're able to help someone who you might never meet," he said. "We all want to help these little kids. Otherwise, they'd be all lying on the ground. And so it gives them some dignity in their life." Dr Wruck 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 winning the Young Australian of the Year, 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 [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." Dr Wruck and Brother Olly on July 2 attended a special event for subscribers of The Canberra Times and had dinner at Government House with Governor-General Sam Mostyn. They were due to appear on Sunrise on Thursday morning from the Stepping Stones cafe at Strathnairn, with the business's co-founders Vanessa Brettell and Hannah Costello who were the recipients of the 2025 Australia's Local Hero award. Nominations for the 2026 awards are open again in the categories of Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year and Australia's Local Hero. Brother Olly said he already had a nomination in mind, while Dr Wruck also urged people to put forward someone they knew. "Definitely nominate them," she said, adding that the other nominees for 2025 Young Australian of the Year had become her firm friends. "A really, beautiful supportive bunch," she said.
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.
