Latest news with #YoungAustralianoftheYear
The Advertiser
4 days ago
- 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.
Canberra Times
06-07-2025
- Science
- Canberra Times
'We both cried': Dr Katrina Wruck reveals the emotional impact of her award
"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."
The Advertiser
03-07-2025
- Science
- The Advertiser
Why this neuroscientist says lauding unsung Aussie achievers is a no-brainer
Neuroscientist Lila Landowski is considered a leading voice in science, technology, engineering and mathematics advocacy. A senior lecturer in biomedical sciences at the University of Tasmania and vice president of Science and Technology Australia, she's previously been declared a "superstar of STEM" and anointed a "science superhero" by Australia's Chief Scientist. Which perhaps explains her other super power: spotting outstanding Australians. Two people nominated by Dr Landowski for the Australian of the Year Awards have gone on to receive the prestigious honour: scientist Dr Katrina Wruck, who is the 2025 Young Australian of the Year; and performer Naarah, Tasmania's Young Australian of the Year in 2024. Dr Landowski has been nominating people for the Australian of the Year Awards for a decade. She says the awards are the ideal platform for shining a spotlight on the country's unsung achievers. A Tasmanian nominee for the awards in 2015, Dr Landowski said she was motivated to nominate Naarah because she believed the First Nations actor and musician had "continuously pushed boundaries, challenged norms and created work that is not only artistically captivating but also socially relevant". "It is a very rare thing to meet someone and have an instant sense of knowing that one day they will change the world," she said. "Since meeting her, I have only grown more certain of my initial impression. Her performances and advocacy has moved audiences and sparked important conversations about Indigenous culture, identity, and representation." Dr Landowski nominated Indigenous Queensland scientist Dr Wruck for her work in remote Aboriginal communities and leadership in the field of industrial chemistry and materials for environmental remediation. "She's an awesome role model," she said of Dr Wruck, who is a member of Science and Technology Australia's diversity equity and inclusion committee. "She was once paid to give a talk - a rarity in science - and instead of spending the money on herself, she used it to travel on Country and teach science to kids in a remote Indigenous community. In a profession where the hours are long, the pay is modest and personal sacrifices are common ... choosing to spend a rare financial win to give back like that is an extraordinary act of generosity." Dr Landowski said the Australian of the Year Awards were "a platform for extraordinary individuals to amplify their voices, share their stories and create broader social impact". "The recognition validates their efforts and helps them reach wider audiences with their important work," she said. "If we pay attention and lift each other up, we'll diversify who gets seen and who gets celebrated. CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE NOW! "As someone from a marginalised background and disadvantaged upbringing, my life could have turned out very differently. Having people who believed in me and think that I was doing things that were important, and acknowledging me for that, I can't explain how important that was to me as a person." Dr Landowski said the awards showcased a diversity of voices: "These are people who have overcome hardship, people with this insatiable drive to succeed, or people who have done something that is really unusual. They've tried to make their lives into something bigger than it could be". The impact of the recognition went far beyond the recipient. "It will inspire others through elevating diverse representations of leadership and authenticity," she said. "Just like the people who nominated me in the past changed my life, we have the power to do the same for others." Dr Landowski: "I nominate people for awards because it fills me with joy and a deep sense of gratitude. It costs nothing but time, and it can change a life. Every time I help someone else, I'm reminded of the people who once did that for me. "Everyone I have nominated has something about them that has struck me, which forms the basis of their story in the application. A spark. A drive. A quirky passion project that turned into something bigger. A sacrifice. Overcoming adversity. That's the foundation of their story. What is it about the nominee that makes their journey different?" 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. Neuroscientist Lila Landowski is considered a leading voice in science, technology, engineering and mathematics advocacy. A senior lecturer in biomedical sciences at the University of Tasmania and vice president of Science and Technology Australia, she's previously been declared a "superstar of STEM" and anointed a "science superhero" by Australia's Chief Scientist. Which perhaps explains her other super power: spotting outstanding Australians. Two people nominated by Dr Landowski for the Australian of the Year Awards have gone on to receive the prestigious honour: scientist Dr Katrina Wruck, who is the 2025 Young Australian of the Year; and performer Naarah, Tasmania's Young Australian of the Year in 2024. Dr Landowski has been nominating people for the Australian of the Year Awards for a decade. She says the awards are the ideal platform for shining a spotlight on the country's unsung achievers. A Tasmanian nominee for the awards in 2015, Dr Landowski said she was motivated to nominate Naarah because she believed the First Nations actor and musician had "continuously pushed boundaries, challenged norms and created work that is not only artistically captivating but also socially relevant". "It is a very rare thing to meet someone and have an instant sense of knowing that one day they will change the world," she said. "Since meeting her, I have only grown more certain of my initial impression. Her performances and advocacy has moved audiences and sparked important conversations about Indigenous culture, identity, and representation." Dr Landowski nominated Indigenous Queensland scientist Dr Wruck for her work in remote Aboriginal communities and leadership in the field of industrial chemistry and materials for environmental remediation. "She's an awesome role model," she said of Dr Wruck, who is a member of Science and Technology Australia's diversity equity and inclusion committee. "She was once paid to give a talk - a rarity in science - and instead of spending the money on herself, she used it to travel on Country and teach science to kids in a remote Indigenous community. In a profession where the hours are long, the pay is modest and personal sacrifices are common ... choosing to spend a rare financial win to give back like that is an extraordinary act of generosity." Dr Landowski said the Australian of the Year Awards were "a platform for extraordinary individuals to amplify their voices, share their stories and create broader social impact". "The recognition validates their efforts and helps them reach wider audiences with their important work," she said. "If we pay attention and lift each other up, we'll diversify who gets seen and who gets celebrated. CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE NOW! "As someone from a marginalised background and disadvantaged upbringing, my life could have turned out very differently. Having people who believed in me and think that I was doing things that were important, and acknowledging me for that, I can't explain how important that was to me as a person." Dr Landowski said the awards showcased a diversity of voices: "These are people who have overcome hardship, people with this insatiable drive to succeed, or people who have done something that is really unusual. They've tried to make their lives into something bigger than it could be". The impact of the recognition went far beyond the recipient. "It will inspire others through elevating diverse representations of leadership and authenticity," she said. "Just like the people who nominated me in the past changed my life, we have the power to do the same for others." Dr Landowski: "I nominate people for awards because it fills me with joy and a deep sense of gratitude. It costs nothing but time, and it can change a life. Every time I help someone else, I'm reminded of the people who once did that for me. "Everyone I have nominated has something about them that has struck me, which forms the basis of their story in the application. A spark. A drive. A quirky passion project that turned into something bigger. A sacrifice. Overcoming adversity. That's the foundation of their story. What is it about the nominee that makes their journey different?" 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. Neuroscientist Lila Landowski is considered a leading voice in science, technology, engineering and mathematics advocacy. A senior lecturer in biomedical sciences at the University of Tasmania and vice president of Science and Technology Australia, she's previously been declared a "superstar of STEM" and anointed a "science superhero" by Australia's Chief Scientist. Which perhaps explains her other super power: spotting outstanding Australians. Two people nominated by Dr Landowski for the Australian of the Year Awards have gone on to receive the prestigious honour: scientist Dr Katrina Wruck, who is the 2025 Young Australian of the Year; and performer Naarah, Tasmania's Young Australian of the Year in 2024. Dr Landowski has been nominating people for the Australian of the Year Awards for a decade. She says the awards are the ideal platform for shining a spotlight on the country's unsung achievers. A Tasmanian nominee for the awards in 2015, Dr Landowski said she was motivated to nominate Naarah because she believed the First Nations actor and musician had "continuously pushed boundaries, challenged norms and created work that is not only artistically captivating but also socially relevant". "It is a very rare thing to meet someone and have an instant sense of knowing that one day they will change the world," she said. "Since meeting her, I have only grown more certain of my initial impression. Her performances and advocacy has moved audiences and sparked important conversations about Indigenous culture, identity, and representation." Dr Landowski nominated Indigenous Queensland scientist Dr Wruck for her work in remote Aboriginal communities and leadership in the field of industrial chemistry and materials for environmental remediation. "She's an awesome role model," she said of Dr Wruck, who is a member of Science and Technology Australia's diversity equity and inclusion committee. "She was once paid to give a talk - a rarity in science - and instead of spending the money on herself, she used it to travel on Country and teach science to kids in a remote Indigenous community. In a profession where the hours are long, the pay is modest and personal sacrifices are common ... choosing to spend a rare financial win to give back like that is an extraordinary act of generosity." Dr Landowski said the Australian of the Year Awards were "a platform for extraordinary individuals to amplify their voices, share their stories and create broader social impact". "The recognition validates their efforts and helps them reach wider audiences with their important work," she said. "If we pay attention and lift each other up, we'll diversify who gets seen and who gets celebrated. CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE NOW! "As someone from a marginalised background and disadvantaged upbringing, my life could have turned out very differently. Having people who believed in me and think that I was doing things that were important, and acknowledging me for that, I can't explain how important that was to me as a person." Dr Landowski said the awards showcased a diversity of voices: "These are people who have overcome hardship, people with this insatiable drive to succeed, or people who have done something that is really unusual. They've tried to make their lives into something bigger than it could be". The impact of the recognition went far beyond the recipient. "It will inspire others through elevating diverse representations of leadership and authenticity," she said. "Just like the people who nominated me in the past changed my life, we have the power to do the same for others." Dr Landowski: "I nominate people for awards because it fills me with joy and a deep sense of gratitude. It costs nothing but time, and it can change a life. Every time I help someone else, I'm reminded of the people who once did that for me. "Everyone I have nominated has something about them that has struck me, which forms the basis of their story in the application. A spark. A drive. A quirky passion project that turned into something bigger. A sacrifice. Overcoming adversity. That's the foundation of their story. What is it about the nominee that makes their journey different?" 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. Neuroscientist Lila Landowski is considered a leading voice in science, technology, engineering and mathematics advocacy. A senior lecturer in biomedical sciences at the University of Tasmania and vice president of Science and Technology Australia, she's previously been declared a "superstar of STEM" and anointed a "science superhero" by Australia's Chief Scientist. Which perhaps explains her other super power: spotting outstanding Australians. Two people nominated by Dr Landowski for the Australian of the Year Awards have gone on to receive the prestigious honour: scientist Dr Katrina Wruck, who is the 2025 Young Australian of the Year; and performer Naarah, Tasmania's Young Australian of the Year in 2024. Dr Landowski has been nominating people for the Australian of the Year Awards for a decade. She says the awards are the ideal platform for shining a spotlight on the country's unsung achievers. A Tasmanian nominee for the awards in 2015, Dr Landowski said she was motivated to nominate Naarah because she believed the First Nations actor and musician had "continuously pushed boundaries, challenged norms and created work that is not only artistically captivating but also socially relevant". "It is a very rare thing to meet someone and have an instant sense of knowing that one day they will change the world," she said. "Since meeting her, I have only grown more certain of my initial impression. Her performances and advocacy has moved audiences and sparked important conversations about Indigenous culture, identity, and representation." Dr Landowski nominated Indigenous Queensland scientist Dr Wruck for her work in remote Aboriginal communities and leadership in the field of industrial chemistry and materials for environmental remediation. "She's an awesome role model," she said of Dr Wruck, who is a member of Science and Technology Australia's diversity equity and inclusion committee. "She was once paid to give a talk - a rarity in science - and instead of spending the money on herself, she used it to travel on Country and teach science to kids in a remote Indigenous community. In a profession where the hours are long, the pay is modest and personal sacrifices are common ... choosing to spend a rare financial win to give back like that is an extraordinary act of generosity." Dr Landowski said the Australian of the Year Awards were "a platform for extraordinary individuals to amplify their voices, share their stories and create broader social impact". "The recognition validates their efforts and helps them reach wider audiences with their important work," she said. "If we pay attention and lift each other up, we'll diversify who gets seen and who gets celebrated. CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE NOW! "As someone from a marginalised background and disadvantaged upbringing, my life could have turned out very differently. Having people who believed in me and think that I was doing things that were important, and acknowledging me for that, I can't explain how important that was to me as a person." Dr Landowski said the awards showcased a diversity of voices: "These are people who have overcome hardship, people with this insatiable drive to succeed, or people who have done something that is really unusual. They've tried to make their lives into something bigger than it could be". The impact of the recognition went far beyond the recipient. "It will inspire others through elevating diverse representations of leadership and authenticity," she said. "Just like the people who nominated me in the past changed my life, we have the power to do the same for others." Dr Landowski: "I nominate people for awards because it fills me with joy and a deep sense of gratitude. It costs nothing but time, and it can change a life. Every time I help someone else, I'm reminded of the people who once did that for me. "Everyone I have nominated has something about them that has struck me, which forms the basis of their story in the application. A spark. A drive. A quirky passion project that turned into something bigger. A sacrifice. Overcoming adversity. That's the foundation of their story. What is it about the nominee that makes their journey different?" 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.
News.com.au
04-05-2025
- Politics
- News.com.au
Winners and losers: The MPs who lost their seats in Labor's election bloodbath
Labor's surprise electoral landslide has left a trail of ruined political careers in its wake. It was a wild night that saw seats fly to the Labor Party that weren't even on the ALP's radar. In one case, in the seat of Petrie in Queensland, the party had to be convinced to buy the candidate corflutes because they believed she had no chance of winning her seat. Here are the 2025 election's biggest losers. DICKSON – Liberal MP Peter Dutton In the biggest upset of the night, former journalist Ali France won the seat of Dickson. It has long been a marginal seat. Indeed Mr Dutton tried to bail on it in 2009 and move to another seat, but got beaten by a woman, Karen Andrews. The Liberal Party repeatedly dismissed the Prime Minister's constant claim the seat was in play. It was all 'mind games', Liberal strategists said, scoffing at the possibility. To be fair, even the Labor Party had it at the bottom of a list of seats it hoped to grab in Queensland. It was a list that started with Brisbane, held by the Greens, and Bonner and Longman. Dickson was, as mentioned, at the bottom. Disability advocate Ali France's life changed in 2011 when she was pinned by a car in a shopping centre car park while with one of her sons. It resulted in one of her legs being amputated above the knee. Last year, she lost her eldest son, Henry, to leukaemia. And the father of her children, Clive France, lost his battle with cancer in 2023. 'I'm a single mother, I have a disability, I have a mortgage, I'm struggling with the cost of living,' she said. BANKS – Liberal MP David Coleman Liberal MP David Coleman was parachuted into the foreign affairs portfolio despite the fact the Deputy Liberal leader Sussan Ley, who had the right to choose her own portfolio, wanted the job. Peter Dutton overruled her and now both men have lost their jobs and their place in parliament. Banks fell to Labor with a 4.9 per cent swing. The seat was won by Zhi Soon, a lifelong local, father, respected education policy adviser and former Australian diplomat in Afghanistan. Zhi was named Young Australian of the Year in the ACT in 2008. BASS – Liberal MP Bridget Archer One of the last Liberal moderates standing, Bridget Archer was hit by a wild 10 per cent swing. The rebel Liberal MP crossed the floor to support elements of Labor's 2030 emissions reduction target, endorsed Labor housing policies and voted with the government in a censure motion against the former prime minister Scott Morrison over his multiple ministries. 'I do not accept any of the explanations put forward by the former prime minister for his actions, and I'm deeply disappointed by the lack of genuine apology or, more importantly, understanding of the impact of these decisions,' the Tasmanian Liberal said during a debate over the censure motion. BONNER – Liberal MP Ross Vasta It was a similar story in the seat of Bonner in Queensland where Ross Vasta copped a whopping 10 per cent swing. First elected in 2004, he lost his seat in the 2007 Ruddslide before returning to fight another day. DEAKIN – Liberal MP Michael Sukkar Liberal MP Michael Sukkar was the architect of the Coalition's housing portfolio to connect with voters in the outer suburbs. Instead, they booted him out in a savage swing. He would have expected a promotion if he had survived, but now he's out of parliament. PETRIE – Liberal MP Luke Howarth In the Queensland seat of Petrie, the ALP believed it had no chance against the Liberals' Luke Howarth. So much so that the party had to be convinced to pay for corflutes, the posters that appear on fences and poles all over the electorate. The candidate, former army officer cadet Emma Comer, was parachuted in six weeks before the election. She worked in the office of Anthony Albanese. 'As a renter living in Kippa-Ring, Emma knows that the cost of living is putting pressure on everyone's budget. She will always stand up for our community to ensure we have a government that looks out for us,'' the ALP's promotional material said. 'Labor's number one priority has been delivering cost of living relief with bigger tax cuts for every taxpayer, 20% off student debt, energy bill relief, cheaper childcare, strengthening Medicare, and cheaper medicines.' BRADDON – Liberal MP Gavin Pearce It was a Liberal Party wipeout in Tasmania with a stunning 15 per cent swing in the electorate of Braddon. Labor Senator Anne Urquhart took on a lesser-known Liberal candidate Mal Hingston and won. BRISBANE AND GRIFFITH The Labor Party believed it had a good chance to win one Greens seat back: the seat of Brisbane, held by Stephen Bates. Max Chandler-Mather, the Greens' housing spokesman, was thought to have a stronger chance of holding his seat. But instead they both fell like dominoes. Other victims of election night were Liberal Jeremy Neal in Leichhardt, Liberal James Stevens in Sturt, Liberal Vince Connelly in Moore and Liberal Jenny Ware in Hughes.
