Why we need more 'champion Australians' like BackTrack's Bernie Shakeshaft
In 2020, its creator Bernie Shakeshaft was named Australia's Local Hero as part of the Australian of the Year Awards, and his phone has been ringing off the hook for five years since.
"I think it has given BackTrack a much broader footprint," Mr Shakeshaft says of the national recognition. "They're pretty big awards, they've given us a bit of national exposure."
"[The phone calls] weren't just from different towns wanting to get something started; It started tweaking the interest of a lot of private wealth or philanthropists, they were looking for organisations they could then back and support themselves."
Based in Armidale in NSW, BackTrack began in 2005 as a job-ready program for high school kids, but Mr Shakeshaft quickly recognised there was no quick fix for kids who might have grown up with trauma or around crime.
He said many kids as young as 11 and 12 might have already been having criminal issues or schooling issues. He and other volunteers saw how many weren't safe at home or were already sleeping rough.
"We started with one little thing, and that was to get those kids at that time work-ready, so we're trying to keep them off the streets at night and trying to keep them out of stolen cars and work out somewhere safe for them to stay," Mr Shakeshaft said.
"And that's where the dogs came into it ... we had tried 50 different things and there were wins, but we hadn't quite cracked it."
He had a litter of working dog puppies, brought them to work one day and said it was a "light bulb" moment when he let them loose on the lawn with the kids.
"That was the first time I saw these wild kids sitting with these pups, and they were so soft and gentle."
It was 2006 when Mr Shakeshaft got a call from a mate asking if he knew about dog high jumping - he didn't - but quickly learned what it was about and decided to give it a crack.
"We grabbed half a dozen dogs, went down there and we won the Armidale Show just with a few mates, then the next week it was the Guyra Show, so we took a few of the kids and they won that, then there was the Walcha Show a few weeks later."
Then came the BackTrack Shed, where they began training programs like welding and metalworking, which included maths and literacy for kids who weren't going to school. Research done by the University of New England showed youth crime plummeted by almost 50 per cent.
Around 2015, they rolled out a pilot program to house and feed nine participants. Suddenly, almost 90 per cent of participants were able to find work. But many struggled with long-term employment, so seven years ago, BackTrack developed its own commercial business to provide work opportunities.
"We'll have our 21st birthday next year, and we're doing a 100-year vision; we want this to be here well past my use-by-date."
Mr Shakeshaft is encouraging others to nominate someone for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards.
He said people putting in hard work in their community normally weren't loud about what they're doing, but nomination alone can give them the drive to keep going.
"You don't go around blowing your own trumpet, you know," he said. "It is a pretty important cause. If you look down the history of Australians of the Year or people winning those awards, it's not people out there broadcasting themselves.
CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE NOW!
"People know about the special stuff that unique individuals are doing, and you see it in your own towns. [Nominating someone] is a marvellous gesture. Even if they don't win the award, to be nominated is pretty cool, and I think it helps people; it motivates them.
"I've met some bloody champion Australians, and getting to meet other down-to-earth, really cool people that are doing something a bit special, it is a part of the journey that has touched me the most. It is eye-opening to see the special things people are doing right across the country.
"That's probably the most special part of the awards, I reckon."
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 australianoftheyear.org.au. Nominations close at midnight on July 31.
Twenty years after it was established, BackTrack has become one of the most successful and sustainable youth development programs in the country.
In 2020, its creator Bernie Shakeshaft was named Australia's Local Hero as part of the Australian of the Year Awards, and his phone has been ringing off the hook for five years since.
"I think it has given BackTrack a much broader footprint," Mr Shakeshaft says of the national recognition. "They're pretty big awards, they've given us a bit of national exposure."
"[The phone calls] weren't just from different towns wanting to get something started; It started tweaking the interest of a lot of private wealth or philanthropists, they were looking for organisations they could then back and support themselves."
Based in Armidale in NSW, BackTrack began in 2005 as a job-ready program for high school kids, but Mr Shakeshaft quickly recognised there was no quick fix for kids who might have grown up with trauma or around crime.
He said many kids as young as 11 and 12 might have already been having criminal issues or schooling issues. He and other volunteers saw how many weren't safe at home or were already sleeping rough.
"We started with one little thing, and that was to get those kids at that time work-ready, so we're trying to keep them off the streets at night and trying to keep them out of stolen cars and work out somewhere safe for them to stay," Mr Shakeshaft said.
"And that's where the dogs came into it ... we had tried 50 different things and there were wins, but we hadn't quite cracked it."
He had a litter of working dog puppies, brought them to work one day and said it was a "light bulb" moment when he let them loose on the lawn with the kids.
"That was the first time I saw these wild kids sitting with these pups, and they were so soft and gentle."
It was 2006 when Mr Shakeshaft got a call from a mate asking if he knew about dog high jumping - he didn't - but quickly learned what it was about and decided to give it a crack.
"We grabbed half a dozen dogs, went down there and we won the Armidale Show just with a few mates, then the next week it was the Guyra Show, so we took a few of the kids and they won that, then there was the Walcha Show a few weeks later."
Then came the BackTrack Shed, where they began training programs like welding and metalworking, which included maths and literacy for kids who weren't going to school. Research done by the University of New England showed youth crime plummeted by almost 50 per cent.
Around 2015, they rolled out a pilot program to house and feed nine participants. Suddenly, almost 90 per cent of participants were able to find work. But many struggled with long-term employment, so seven years ago, BackTrack developed its own commercial business to provide work opportunities.
"We'll have our 21st birthday next year, and we're doing a 100-year vision; we want this to be here well past my use-by-date."
Mr Shakeshaft is encouraging others to nominate someone for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards.
He said people putting in hard work in their community normally weren't loud about what they're doing, but nomination alone can give them the drive to keep going.
"You don't go around blowing your own trumpet, you know," he said. "It is a pretty important cause. If you look down the history of Australians of the Year or people winning those awards, it's not people out there broadcasting themselves.
CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE NOW!
"People know about the special stuff that unique individuals are doing, and you see it in your own towns. [Nominating someone] is a marvellous gesture. Even if they don't win the award, to be nominated is pretty cool, and I think it helps people; it motivates them.
"I've met some bloody champion Australians, and getting to meet other down-to-earth, really cool people that are doing something a bit special, it is a part of the journey that has touched me the most. It is eye-opening to see the special things people are doing right across the country.
"That's probably the most special part of the awards, I reckon."
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 australianoftheyear.org.au. Nominations close at midnight on July 31.
Twenty years after it was established, BackTrack has become one of the most successful and sustainable youth development programs in the country.
In 2020, its creator Bernie Shakeshaft was named Australia's Local Hero as part of the Australian of the Year Awards, and his phone has been ringing off the hook for five years since.
"I think it has given BackTrack a much broader footprint," Mr Shakeshaft says of the national recognition. "They're pretty big awards, they've given us a bit of national exposure."
"[The phone calls] weren't just from different towns wanting to get something started; It started tweaking the interest of a lot of private wealth or philanthropists, they were looking for organisations they could then back and support themselves."
Based in Armidale in NSW, BackTrack began in 2005 as a job-ready program for high school kids, but Mr Shakeshaft quickly recognised there was no quick fix for kids who might have grown up with trauma or around crime.
He said many kids as young as 11 and 12 might have already been having criminal issues or schooling issues. He and other volunteers saw how many weren't safe at home or were already sleeping rough.
"We started with one little thing, and that was to get those kids at that time work-ready, so we're trying to keep them off the streets at night and trying to keep them out of stolen cars and work out somewhere safe for them to stay," Mr Shakeshaft said.
"And that's where the dogs came into it ... we had tried 50 different things and there were wins, but we hadn't quite cracked it."
He had a litter of working dog puppies, brought them to work one day and said it was a "light bulb" moment when he let them loose on the lawn with the kids.
"That was the first time I saw these wild kids sitting with these pups, and they were so soft and gentle."
It was 2006 when Mr Shakeshaft got a call from a mate asking if he knew about dog high jumping - he didn't - but quickly learned what it was about and decided to give it a crack.
"We grabbed half a dozen dogs, went down there and we won the Armidale Show just with a few mates, then the next week it was the Guyra Show, so we took a few of the kids and they won that, then there was the Walcha Show a few weeks later."
Then came the BackTrack Shed, where they began training programs like welding and metalworking, which included maths and literacy for kids who weren't going to school. Research done by the University of New England showed youth crime plummeted by almost 50 per cent.
Around 2015, they rolled out a pilot program to house and feed nine participants. Suddenly, almost 90 per cent of participants were able to find work. But many struggled with long-term employment, so seven years ago, BackTrack developed its own commercial business to provide work opportunities.
"We'll have our 21st birthday next year, and we're doing a 100-year vision; we want this to be here well past my use-by-date."
Mr Shakeshaft is encouraging others to nominate someone for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards.
He said people putting in hard work in their community normally weren't loud about what they're doing, but nomination alone can give them the drive to keep going.
"You don't go around blowing your own trumpet, you know," he said. "It is a pretty important cause. If you look down the history of Australians of the Year or people winning those awards, it's not people out there broadcasting themselves.
CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE NOW!
"People know about the special stuff that unique individuals are doing, and you see it in your own towns. [Nominating someone] is a marvellous gesture. Even if they don't win the award, to be nominated is pretty cool, and I think it helps people; it motivates them.
"I've met some bloody champion Australians, and getting to meet other down-to-earth, really cool people that are doing something a bit special, it is a part of the journey that has touched me the most. It is eye-opening to see the special things people are doing right across the country.
"That's probably the most special part of the awards, I reckon."
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 australianoftheyear.org.au. Nominations close at midnight on July 31.
Twenty years after it was established, BackTrack has become one of the most successful and sustainable youth development programs in the country.
In 2020, its creator Bernie Shakeshaft was named Australia's Local Hero as part of the Australian of the Year Awards, and his phone has been ringing off the hook for five years since.
"I think it has given BackTrack a much broader footprint," Mr Shakeshaft says of the national recognition. "They're pretty big awards, they've given us a bit of national exposure."
"[The phone calls] weren't just from different towns wanting to get something started; It started tweaking the interest of a lot of private wealth or philanthropists, they were looking for organisations they could then back and support themselves."
Based in Armidale in NSW, BackTrack began in 2005 as a job-ready program for high school kids, but Mr Shakeshaft quickly recognised there was no quick fix for kids who might have grown up with trauma or around crime.
He said many kids as young as 11 and 12 might have already been having criminal issues or schooling issues. He and other volunteers saw how many weren't safe at home or were already sleeping rough.
"We started with one little thing, and that was to get those kids at that time work-ready, so we're trying to keep them off the streets at night and trying to keep them out of stolen cars and work out somewhere safe for them to stay," Mr Shakeshaft said.
"And that's where the dogs came into it ... we had tried 50 different things and there were wins, but we hadn't quite cracked it."
He had a litter of working dog puppies, brought them to work one day and said it was a "light bulb" moment when he let them loose on the lawn with the kids.
"That was the first time I saw these wild kids sitting with these pups, and they were so soft and gentle."
It was 2006 when Mr Shakeshaft got a call from a mate asking if he knew about dog high jumping - he didn't - but quickly learned what it was about and decided to give it a crack.
"We grabbed half a dozen dogs, went down there and we won the Armidale Show just with a few mates, then the next week it was the Guyra Show, so we took a few of the kids and they won that, then there was the Walcha Show a few weeks later."
Then came the BackTrack Shed, where they began training programs like welding and metalworking, which included maths and literacy for kids who weren't going to school. Research done by the University of New England showed youth crime plummeted by almost 50 per cent.
Around 2015, they rolled out a pilot program to house and feed nine participants. Suddenly, almost 90 per cent of participants were able to find work. But many struggled with long-term employment, so seven years ago, BackTrack developed its own commercial business to provide work opportunities.
"We'll have our 21st birthday next year, and we're doing a 100-year vision; we want this to be here well past my use-by-date."
Mr Shakeshaft is encouraging others to nominate someone for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards.
He said people putting in hard work in their community normally weren't loud about what they're doing, but nomination alone can give them the drive to keep going.
"You don't go around blowing your own trumpet, you know," he said. "It is a pretty important cause. If you look down the history of Australians of the Year or people winning those awards, it's not people out there broadcasting themselves.
CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE NOW!
"People know about the special stuff that unique individuals are doing, and you see it in your own towns. [Nominating someone] is a marvellous gesture. Even if they don't win the award, to be nominated is pretty cool, and I think it helps people; it motivates them.
"I've met some bloody champion Australians, and getting to meet other down-to-earth, really cool people that are doing something a bit special, it is a part of the journey that has touched me the most. It is eye-opening to see the special things people are doing right across the country.
"That's probably the most special part of the awards, I reckon."
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 australianoftheyear.org.au. Nominations close at midnight on July 31.
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The Advertiser
16-07-2025
- The Advertiser
'The bulldozers keep coming': wildlife carer's race to save vanishing koalas
Wildlife rescuer CLAIRE SMITH, Queensland's Local Hero for 2025, is using her Australian of the Year Awards platform to rally community support for an endangered Aussie icon. As the founder of Wildlife Rescue Sunshine Coast, I've spent more than two decades rescuing and caring for wildlife. I've held kangaroo joeys in my arms as they took their last breath. I've carried injured gliders and broken koalas from the roadside, casualties of a world moving too fast and a system that refuses to slow down. And I've watched helplessly as forests are flattened to nothing but dust and fenceposts. I couldn't watch this story unfold any more without writing a new ending, so I co-founded the environmental organisation Barefoot on the Ground in 2024. Barefoot on the Ground is not just another wildlife charity. It's everything I know in my bones to be necessary for change: connection, protection and action. Our project is about more than just saving animals - it's about reconnecting people with the land we've forgotten how to listen to and creating a future where wildlife is not something we talk about in the past tense. Koalas, once abundant, are endangered in Queensland, NSW and the ACT and sliding toward extinction. That's hard fact. According to the Australian Koala Foundation, we may have fewer than 50,000 wild koalas left across our country. In some regions, numbers are so low that they're no longer viable populations. This is known as being "functionally extinct". And yet, the bulldozers keep coming. Queensland is one of the worst regions in the world for deforestation. Australia ranks on the Global Deforestation Frontline List with 23 other countries like the Congo and Brazil. Between 2016 and 2024, more than 3 million hectares of bushland was cleared in Queensland alone. That's about the size of Switzerland. Even with 2022's official classification of koalas as endangered, land-clearing continues and development rolls on, often with no environmental checks. Planning loopholes are enormous. I've seen koalas run over, attacked by dogs, orphaned and starving because they have nowhere to go. We don't just need to care about koalas - we need to fight for them. Barefoot on the Ground plans to create a wildlife education and conservation centre on 400 acres of pristine, remnant bushland in the Somerset region of Southeast Queensland. This habitat is classified as core koala territory by the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation. This property is more than just beautiful bush. It has connectivity to D'Aguilar National Park, D'Aguilar State Forest and sits within reach of Lake Wivenhoe and Somerset Dam. The area is rich in eucalyptus forests and vine thickets - exactly what koalas and greater gliders need to thrive. And it's home to other threatened species like powerful owls and grey-headed flying foxes. Our goal is to create a living safe haven where orphaned koala joeys that have cleared hospital care can be gently reintroduced to the wild in a protected, monitored environment. Operating under a scientific research permit to track and support their progress, we will make sure every one of these precious creatures has the best chance of long-term survival. The centre will also be an education hub offering hands-on, residential learning for school children. We want kids to stand barefoot on the ground, to hear a koala grunt at dusk, to look up and see a glider leap through the trees and to have close, personal contact with animals. It's one thing to learn about extinction from a textbook, but it's another thing entirely to feel a wild animal's heartbeat against your hand. We also plan to offer low-impact, eco-tourism experiences and run a commercial native plant nursery to support the centre's overheads. To bring this vision to life, we are raising $4 million to purchase and protect this property. It's a big number. But the cost of doing nothing is greater. We're also seeking partnerships with universities, foundations and conservation agencies to build a network of support. Barefoot on the Ground is just a starting place for change. We need thousands of Australians awakened and activated around the country. We need donations, yes, but more than that, we need a movement. A national grassroots campaign to stop the destruction of koala habitat, protect what's left and rebuild what we can. Koalas don't need more petitions that go nowhere and fall on deaf ears. They need land. They need trees. They need space to live and raise their young. They just want to be left alone. But this isn't just about saving animals. It's about saving ourselves. Because when the forests fall silent, when the last koala disappears, we lose something ancient and essential. It's time to decide what kind of legacy we want to leave behind. Being named the Queensland's 2025 Local Hero in the Australian of the Year Awards was the greatest honour of my life. It has made a huge difference to Barefoot on the Ground. Within four weeks of receiving my award, I was sitting with the Premier in a private meeting discussing the environment. I have told my story on regional and national radio and TV and this has elevated the cause beyond my wildest expectations. READ THEIR STORIES I'm currently touring Queensland talking to communities about the truth about our vanishing koalas. The Australian of the Year Awards have given me this platform and I'm grateful for the nomination from one member of the public that changed everything. That's why I believe you should nominate someone for next year's awards. Not someone famous. Not someone chasing glory. But someone you see showing up, day after day, heart and soul, for something bigger than themselves. The quiet achievers. The fighters. The people who keep going, even when no one's watching. CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE NOW! A nomination isn't just an award - it's a recognition that what they do matters. And when one of us is recognised, it lifts all of us. So, if you know someone who's making a difference, nominate them. You have until July 31 to make it happen. Shine a light on their work. Let them know the impact they're having is seen and valued. Because this country needs more heroes. And chances are, you already know one. Wildlife rescuer CLAIRE SMITH, Queensland's Local Hero for 2025, is using her Australian of the Year Awards platform to rally community support for an endangered Aussie icon. As the founder of Wildlife Rescue Sunshine Coast, I've spent more than two decades rescuing and caring for wildlife. I've held kangaroo joeys in my arms as they took their last breath. I've carried injured gliders and broken koalas from the roadside, casualties of a world moving too fast and a system that refuses to slow down. And I've watched helplessly as forests are flattened to nothing but dust and fenceposts. I couldn't watch this story unfold any more without writing a new ending, so I co-founded the environmental organisation Barefoot on the Ground in 2024. Barefoot on the Ground is not just another wildlife charity. It's everything I know in my bones to be necessary for change: connection, protection and action. Our project is about more than just saving animals - it's about reconnecting people with the land we've forgotten how to listen to and creating a future where wildlife is not something we talk about in the past tense. Koalas, once abundant, are endangered in Queensland, NSW and the ACT and sliding toward extinction. That's hard fact. According to the Australian Koala Foundation, we may have fewer than 50,000 wild koalas left across our country. In some regions, numbers are so low that they're no longer viable populations. This is known as being "functionally extinct". And yet, the bulldozers keep coming. Queensland is one of the worst regions in the world for deforestation. Australia ranks on the Global Deforestation Frontline List with 23 other countries like the Congo and Brazil. Between 2016 and 2024, more than 3 million hectares of bushland was cleared in Queensland alone. That's about the size of Switzerland. Even with 2022's official classification of koalas as endangered, land-clearing continues and development rolls on, often with no environmental checks. Planning loopholes are enormous. I've seen koalas run over, attacked by dogs, orphaned and starving because they have nowhere to go. We don't just need to care about koalas - we need to fight for them. Barefoot on the Ground plans to create a wildlife education and conservation centre on 400 acres of pristine, remnant bushland in the Somerset region of Southeast Queensland. This habitat is classified as core koala territory by the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation. This property is more than just beautiful bush. It has connectivity to D'Aguilar National Park, D'Aguilar State Forest and sits within reach of Lake Wivenhoe and Somerset Dam. The area is rich in eucalyptus forests and vine thickets - exactly what koalas and greater gliders need to thrive. And it's home to other threatened species like powerful owls and grey-headed flying foxes. Our goal is to create a living safe haven where orphaned koala joeys that have cleared hospital care can be gently reintroduced to the wild in a protected, monitored environment. Operating under a scientific research permit to track and support their progress, we will make sure every one of these precious creatures has the best chance of long-term survival. The centre will also be an education hub offering hands-on, residential learning for school children. We want kids to stand barefoot on the ground, to hear a koala grunt at dusk, to look up and see a glider leap through the trees and to have close, personal contact with animals. It's one thing to learn about extinction from a textbook, but it's another thing entirely to feel a wild animal's heartbeat against your hand. We also plan to offer low-impact, eco-tourism experiences and run a commercial native plant nursery to support the centre's overheads. To bring this vision to life, we are raising $4 million to purchase and protect this property. It's a big number. But the cost of doing nothing is greater. We're also seeking partnerships with universities, foundations and conservation agencies to build a network of support. Barefoot on the Ground is just a starting place for change. We need thousands of Australians awakened and activated around the country. We need donations, yes, but more than that, we need a movement. A national grassroots campaign to stop the destruction of koala habitat, protect what's left and rebuild what we can. Koalas don't need more petitions that go nowhere and fall on deaf ears. They need land. They need trees. They need space to live and raise their young. They just want to be left alone. But this isn't just about saving animals. It's about saving ourselves. Because when the forests fall silent, when the last koala disappears, we lose something ancient and essential. It's time to decide what kind of legacy we want to leave behind. Being named the Queensland's 2025 Local Hero in the Australian of the Year Awards was the greatest honour of my life. It has made a huge difference to Barefoot on the Ground. Within four weeks of receiving my award, I was sitting with the Premier in a private meeting discussing the environment. I have told my story on regional and national radio and TV and this has elevated the cause beyond my wildest expectations. READ THEIR STORIES I'm currently touring Queensland talking to communities about the truth about our vanishing koalas. The Australian of the Year Awards have given me this platform and I'm grateful for the nomination from one member of the public that changed everything. That's why I believe you should nominate someone for next year's awards. Not someone famous. Not someone chasing glory. But someone you see showing up, day after day, heart and soul, for something bigger than themselves. The quiet achievers. The fighters. The people who keep going, even when no one's watching. CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE NOW! A nomination isn't just an award - it's a recognition that what they do matters. And when one of us is recognised, it lifts all of us. So, if you know someone who's making a difference, nominate them. You have until July 31 to make it happen. Shine a light on their work. Let them know the impact they're having is seen and valued. Because this country needs more heroes. And chances are, you already know one. Wildlife rescuer CLAIRE SMITH, Queensland's Local Hero for 2025, is using her Australian of the Year Awards platform to rally community support for an endangered Aussie icon. As the founder of Wildlife Rescue Sunshine Coast, I've spent more than two decades rescuing and caring for wildlife. I've held kangaroo joeys in my arms as they took their last breath. I've carried injured gliders and broken koalas from the roadside, casualties of a world moving too fast and a system that refuses to slow down. And I've watched helplessly as forests are flattened to nothing but dust and fenceposts. I couldn't watch this story unfold any more without writing a new ending, so I co-founded the environmental organisation Barefoot on the Ground in 2024. Barefoot on the Ground is not just another wildlife charity. It's everything I know in my bones to be necessary for change: connection, protection and action. Our project is about more than just saving animals - it's about reconnecting people with the land we've forgotten how to listen to and creating a future where wildlife is not something we talk about in the past tense. Koalas, once abundant, are endangered in Queensland, NSW and the ACT and sliding toward extinction. That's hard fact. According to the Australian Koala Foundation, we may have fewer than 50,000 wild koalas left across our country. In some regions, numbers are so low that they're no longer viable populations. This is known as being "functionally extinct". And yet, the bulldozers keep coming. Queensland is one of the worst regions in the world for deforestation. Australia ranks on the Global Deforestation Frontline List with 23 other countries like the Congo and Brazil. Between 2016 and 2024, more than 3 million hectares of bushland was cleared in Queensland alone. That's about the size of Switzerland. Even with 2022's official classification of koalas as endangered, land-clearing continues and development rolls on, often with no environmental checks. Planning loopholes are enormous. I've seen koalas run over, attacked by dogs, orphaned and starving because they have nowhere to go. We don't just need to care about koalas - we need to fight for them. Barefoot on the Ground plans to create a wildlife education and conservation centre on 400 acres of pristine, remnant bushland in the Somerset region of Southeast Queensland. This habitat is classified as core koala territory by the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation. This property is more than just beautiful bush. It has connectivity to D'Aguilar National Park, D'Aguilar State Forest and sits within reach of Lake Wivenhoe and Somerset Dam. The area is rich in eucalyptus forests and vine thickets - exactly what koalas and greater gliders need to thrive. And it's home to other threatened species like powerful owls and grey-headed flying foxes. Our goal is to create a living safe haven where orphaned koala joeys that have cleared hospital care can be gently reintroduced to the wild in a protected, monitored environment. Operating under a scientific research permit to track and support their progress, we will make sure every one of these precious creatures has the best chance of long-term survival. The centre will also be an education hub offering hands-on, residential learning for school children. We want kids to stand barefoot on the ground, to hear a koala grunt at dusk, to look up and see a glider leap through the trees and to have close, personal contact with animals. It's one thing to learn about extinction from a textbook, but it's another thing entirely to feel a wild animal's heartbeat against your hand. We also plan to offer low-impact, eco-tourism experiences and run a commercial native plant nursery to support the centre's overheads. To bring this vision to life, we are raising $4 million to purchase and protect this property. It's a big number. But the cost of doing nothing is greater. We're also seeking partnerships with universities, foundations and conservation agencies to build a network of support. Barefoot on the Ground is just a starting place for change. We need thousands of Australians awakened and activated around the country. We need donations, yes, but more than that, we need a movement. A national grassroots campaign to stop the destruction of koala habitat, protect what's left and rebuild what we can. Koalas don't need more petitions that go nowhere and fall on deaf ears. They need land. They need trees. They need space to live and raise their young. They just want to be left alone. But this isn't just about saving animals. It's about saving ourselves. Because when the forests fall silent, when the last koala disappears, we lose something ancient and essential. It's time to decide what kind of legacy we want to leave behind. Being named the Queensland's 2025 Local Hero in the Australian of the Year Awards was the greatest honour of my life. It has made a huge difference to Barefoot on the Ground. Within four weeks of receiving my award, I was sitting with the Premier in a private meeting discussing the environment. I have told my story on regional and national radio and TV and this has elevated the cause beyond my wildest expectations. READ THEIR STORIES I'm currently touring Queensland talking to communities about the truth about our vanishing koalas. The Australian of the Year Awards have given me this platform and I'm grateful for the nomination from one member of the public that changed everything. That's why I believe you should nominate someone for next year's awards. Not someone famous. Not someone chasing glory. But someone you see showing up, day after day, heart and soul, for something bigger than themselves. The quiet achievers. The fighters. The people who keep going, even when no one's watching. CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE NOW! A nomination isn't just an award - it's a recognition that what they do matters. And when one of us is recognised, it lifts all of us. So, if you know someone who's making a difference, nominate them. You have until July 31 to make it happen. Shine a light on their work. Let them know the impact they're having is seen and valued. Because this country needs more heroes. And chances are, you already know one. Wildlife rescuer CLAIRE SMITH, Queensland's Local Hero for 2025, is using her Australian of the Year Awards platform to rally community support for an endangered Aussie icon. As the founder of Wildlife Rescue Sunshine Coast, I've spent more than two decades rescuing and caring for wildlife. I've held kangaroo joeys in my arms as they took their last breath. I've carried injured gliders and broken koalas from the roadside, casualties of a world moving too fast and a system that refuses to slow down. And I've watched helplessly as forests are flattened to nothing but dust and fenceposts. I couldn't watch this story unfold any more without writing a new ending, so I co-founded the environmental organisation Barefoot on the Ground in 2024. Barefoot on the Ground is not just another wildlife charity. It's everything I know in my bones to be necessary for change: connection, protection and action. Our project is about more than just saving animals - it's about reconnecting people with the land we've forgotten how to listen to and creating a future where wildlife is not something we talk about in the past tense. Koalas, once abundant, are endangered in Queensland, NSW and the ACT and sliding toward extinction. That's hard fact. According to the Australian Koala Foundation, we may have fewer than 50,000 wild koalas left across our country. In some regions, numbers are so low that they're no longer viable populations. This is known as being "functionally extinct". And yet, the bulldozers keep coming. Queensland is one of the worst regions in the world for deforestation. Australia ranks on the Global Deforestation Frontline List with 23 other countries like the Congo and Brazil. Between 2016 and 2024, more than 3 million hectares of bushland was cleared in Queensland alone. That's about the size of Switzerland. Even with 2022's official classification of koalas as endangered, land-clearing continues and development rolls on, often with no environmental checks. Planning loopholes are enormous. I've seen koalas run over, attacked by dogs, orphaned and starving because they have nowhere to go. We don't just need to care about koalas - we need to fight for them. Barefoot on the Ground plans to create a wildlife education and conservation centre on 400 acres of pristine, remnant bushland in the Somerset region of Southeast Queensland. This habitat is classified as core koala territory by the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation. This property is more than just beautiful bush. It has connectivity to D'Aguilar National Park, D'Aguilar State Forest and sits within reach of Lake Wivenhoe and Somerset Dam. The area is rich in eucalyptus forests and vine thickets - exactly what koalas and greater gliders need to thrive. And it's home to other threatened species like powerful owls and grey-headed flying foxes. Our goal is to create a living safe haven where orphaned koala joeys that have cleared hospital care can be gently reintroduced to the wild in a protected, monitored environment. Operating under a scientific research permit to track and support their progress, we will make sure every one of these precious creatures has the best chance of long-term survival. The centre will also be an education hub offering hands-on, residential learning for school children. We want kids to stand barefoot on the ground, to hear a koala grunt at dusk, to look up and see a glider leap through the trees and to have close, personal contact with animals. It's one thing to learn about extinction from a textbook, but it's another thing entirely to feel a wild animal's heartbeat against your hand. We also plan to offer low-impact, eco-tourism experiences and run a commercial native plant nursery to support the centre's overheads. To bring this vision to life, we are raising $4 million to purchase and protect this property. It's a big number. But the cost of doing nothing is greater. We're also seeking partnerships with universities, foundations and conservation agencies to build a network of support. Barefoot on the Ground is just a starting place for change. We need thousands of Australians awakened and activated around the country. We need donations, yes, but more than that, we need a movement. A national grassroots campaign to stop the destruction of koala habitat, protect what's left and rebuild what we can. Koalas don't need more petitions that go nowhere and fall on deaf ears. They need land. They need trees. They need space to live and raise their young. They just want to be left alone. But this isn't just about saving animals. It's about saving ourselves. Because when the forests fall silent, when the last koala disappears, we lose something ancient and essential. It's time to decide what kind of legacy we want to leave behind. Being named the Queensland's 2025 Local Hero in the Australian of the Year Awards was the greatest honour of my life. It has made a huge difference to Barefoot on the Ground. Within four weeks of receiving my award, I was sitting with the Premier in a private meeting discussing the environment. I have told my story on regional and national radio and TV and this has elevated the cause beyond my wildest expectations. READ THEIR STORIES I'm currently touring Queensland talking to communities about the truth about our vanishing koalas. The Australian of the Year Awards have given me this platform and I'm grateful for the nomination from one member of the public that changed everything. That's why I believe you should nominate someone for next year's awards. Not someone famous. Not someone chasing glory. But someone you see showing up, day after day, heart and soul, for something bigger than themselves. The quiet achievers. The fighters. The people who keep going, even when no one's watching. CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE NOW! A nomination isn't just an award - it's a recognition that what they do matters. And when one of us is recognised, it lifts all of us. So, if you know someone who's making a difference, nominate them. You have until July 31 to make it happen. Shine a light on their work. Let them know the impact they're having is seen and valued. Because this country needs more heroes. And chances are, you already know one.
The Advertiser
30-06-2025
- The Advertiser
Why we need more 'champion Australians' like BackTrack's Bernie Shakeshaft
Twenty years after it was established, BackTrack has become one of the most successful and sustainable youth development programs in the country. In 2020, its creator Bernie Shakeshaft was named Australia's Local Hero as part of the Australian of the Year Awards, and his phone has been ringing off the hook for five years since. "I think it has given BackTrack a much broader footprint," Mr Shakeshaft says of the national recognition. "They're pretty big awards, they've given us a bit of national exposure." "[The phone calls] weren't just from different towns wanting to get something started; It started tweaking the interest of a lot of private wealth or philanthropists, they were looking for organisations they could then back and support themselves." Based in Armidale in NSW, BackTrack began in 2005 as a job-ready program for high school kids, but Mr Shakeshaft quickly recognised there was no quick fix for kids who might have grown up with trauma or around crime. He said many kids as young as 11 and 12 might have already been having criminal issues or schooling issues. He and other volunteers saw how many weren't safe at home or were already sleeping rough. "We started with one little thing, and that was to get those kids at that time work-ready, so we're trying to keep them off the streets at night and trying to keep them out of stolen cars and work out somewhere safe for them to stay," Mr Shakeshaft said. "And that's where the dogs came into it ... we had tried 50 different things and there were wins, but we hadn't quite cracked it." He had a litter of working dog puppies, brought them to work one day and said it was a "light bulb" moment when he let them loose on the lawn with the kids. "That was the first time I saw these wild kids sitting with these pups, and they were so soft and gentle." It was 2006 when Mr Shakeshaft got a call from a mate asking if he knew about dog high jumping - he didn't - but quickly learned what it was about and decided to give it a crack. "We grabbed half a dozen dogs, went down there and we won the Armidale Show just with a few mates, then the next week it was the Guyra Show, so we took a few of the kids and they won that, then there was the Walcha Show a few weeks later." Then came the BackTrack Shed, where they began training programs like welding and metalworking, which included maths and literacy for kids who weren't going to school. Research done by the University of New England showed youth crime plummeted by almost 50 per cent. Around 2015, they rolled out a pilot program to house and feed nine participants. Suddenly, almost 90 per cent of participants were able to find work. But many struggled with long-term employment, so seven years ago, BackTrack developed its own commercial business to provide work opportunities. "We'll have our 21st birthday next year, and we're doing a 100-year vision; we want this to be here well past my use-by-date." Mr Shakeshaft is encouraging others to nominate someone for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards. He said people putting in hard work in their community normally weren't loud about what they're doing, but nomination alone can give them the drive to keep going. "You don't go around blowing your own trumpet, you know," he said. "It is a pretty important cause. If you look down the history of Australians of the Year or people winning those awards, it's not people out there broadcasting themselves. CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE NOW! "People know about the special stuff that unique individuals are doing, and you see it in your own towns. [Nominating someone] is a marvellous gesture. Even if they don't win the award, to be nominated is pretty cool, and I think it helps people; it motivates them. "I've met some bloody champion Australians, and getting to meet other down-to-earth, really cool people that are doing something a bit special, it is a part of the journey that has touched me the most. It is eye-opening to see the special things people are doing right across the country. "That's probably the most special part of the awards, I reckon." 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. Twenty years after it was established, BackTrack has become one of the most successful and sustainable youth development programs in the country. In 2020, its creator Bernie Shakeshaft was named Australia's Local Hero as part of the Australian of the Year Awards, and his phone has been ringing off the hook for five years since. "I think it has given BackTrack a much broader footprint," Mr Shakeshaft says of the national recognition. "They're pretty big awards, they've given us a bit of national exposure." "[The phone calls] weren't just from different towns wanting to get something started; It started tweaking the interest of a lot of private wealth or philanthropists, they were looking for organisations they could then back and support themselves." Based in Armidale in NSW, BackTrack began in 2005 as a job-ready program for high school kids, but Mr Shakeshaft quickly recognised there was no quick fix for kids who might have grown up with trauma or around crime. He said many kids as young as 11 and 12 might have already been having criminal issues or schooling issues. He and other volunteers saw how many weren't safe at home or were already sleeping rough. "We started with one little thing, and that was to get those kids at that time work-ready, so we're trying to keep them off the streets at night and trying to keep them out of stolen cars and work out somewhere safe for them to stay," Mr Shakeshaft said. "And that's where the dogs came into it ... we had tried 50 different things and there were wins, but we hadn't quite cracked it." He had a litter of working dog puppies, brought them to work one day and said it was a "light bulb" moment when he let them loose on the lawn with the kids. "That was the first time I saw these wild kids sitting with these pups, and they were so soft and gentle." It was 2006 when Mr Shakeshaft got a call from a mate asking if he knew about dog high jumping - he didn't - but quickly learned what it was about and decided to give it a crack. "We grabbed half a dozen dogs, went down there and we won the Armidale Show just with a few mates, then the next week it was the Guyra Show, so we took a few of the kids and they won that, then there was the Walcha Show a few weeks later." Then came the BackTrack Shed, where they began training programs like welding and metalworking, which included maths and literacy for kids who weren't going to school. Research done by the University of New England showed youth crime plummeted by almost 50 per cent. Around 2015, they rolled out a pilot program to house and feed nine participants. Suddenly, almost 90 per cent of participants were able to find work. But many struggled with long-term employment, so seven years ago, BackTrack developed its own commercial business to provide work opportunities. "We'll have our 21st birthday next year, and we're doing a 100-year vision; we want this to be here well past my use-by-date." Mr Shakeshaft is encouraging others to nominate someone for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards. He said people putting in hard work in their community normally weren't loud about what they're doing, but nomination alone can give them the drive to keep going. "You don't go around blowing your own trumpet, you know," he said. "It is a pretty important cause. If you look down the history of Australians of the Year or people winning those awards, it's not people out there broadcasting themselves. CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE NOW! "People know about the special stuff that unique individuals are doing, and you see it in your own towns. [Nominating someone] is a marvellous gesture. Even if they don't win the award, to be nominated is pretty cool, and I think it helps people; it motivates them. "I've met some bloody champion Australians, and getting to meet other down-to-earth, really cool people that are doing something a bit special, it is a part of the journey that has touched me the most. It is eye-opening to see the special things people are doing right across the country. "That's probably the most special part of the awards, I reckon." 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. Twenty years after it was established, BackTrack has become one of the most successful and sustainable youth development programs in the country. In 2020, its creator Bernie Shakeshaft was named Australia's Local Hero as part of the Australian of the Year Awards, and his phone has been ringing off the hook for five years since. "I think it has given BackTrack a much broader footprint," Mr Shakeshaft says of the national recognition. "They're pretty big awards, they've given us a bit of national exposure." "[The phone calls] weren't just from different towns wanting to get something started; It started tweaking the interest of a lot of private wealth or philanthropists, they were looking for organisations they could then back and support themselves." Based in Armidale in NSW, BackTrack began in 2005 as a job-ready program for high school kids, but Mr Shakeshaft quickly recognised there was no quick fix for kids who might have grown up with trauma or around crime. He said many kids as young as 11 and 12 might have already been having criminal issues or schooling issues. He and other volunteers saw how many weren't safe at home or were already sleeping rough. "We started with one little thing, and that was to get those kids at that time work-ready, so we're trying to keep them off the streets at night and trying to keep them out of stolen cars and work out somewhere safe for them to stay," Mr Shakeshaft said. "And that's where the dogs came into it ... we had tried 50 different things and there were wins, but we hadn't quite cracked it." He had a litter of working dog puppies, brought them to work one day and said it was a "light bulb" moment when he let them loose on the lawn with the kids. "That was the first time I saw these wild kids sitting with these pups, and they were so soft and gentle." It was 2006 when Mr Shakeshaft got a call from a mate asking if he knew about dog high jumping - he didn't - but quickly learned what it was about and decided to give it a crack. "We grabbed half a dozen dogs, went down there and we won the Armidale Show just with a few mates, then the next week it was the Guyra Show, so we took a few of the kids and they won that, then there was the Walcha Show a few weeks later." Then came the BackTrack Shed, where they began training programs like welding and metalworking, which included maths and literacy for kids who weren't going to school. Research done by the University of New England showed youth crime plummeted by almost 50 per cent. Around 2015, they rolled out a pilot program to house and feed nine participants. Suddenly, almost 90 per cent of participants were able to find work. But many struggled with long-term employment, so seven years ago, BackTrack developed its own commercial business to provide work opportunities. "We'll have our 21st birthday next year, and we're doing a 100-year vision; we want this to be here well past my use-by-date." Mr Shakeshaft is encouraging others to nominate someone for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards. He said people putting in hard work in their community normally weren't loud about what they're doing, but nomination alone can give them the drive to keep going. "You don't go around blowing your own trumpet, you know," he said. "It is a pretty important cause. If you look down the history of Australians of the Year or people winning those awards, it's not people out there broadcasting themselves. CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE NOW! "People know about the special stuff that unique individuals are doing, and you see it in your own towns. [Nominating someone] is a marvellous gesture. Even if they don't win the award, to be nominated is pretty cool, and I think it helps people; it motivates them. "I've met some bloody champion Australians, and getting to meet other down-to-earth, really cool people that are doing something a bit special, it is a part of the journey that has touched me the most. It is eye-opening to see the special things people are doing right across the country. "That's probably the most special part of the awards, I reckon." 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. Twenty years after it was established, BackTrack has become one of the most successful and sustainable youth development programs in the country. In 2020, its creator Bernie Shakeshaft was named Australia's Local Hero as part of the Australian of the Year Awards, and his phone has been ringing off the hook for five years since. "I think it has given BackTrack a much broader footprint," Mr Shakeshaft says of the national recognition. "They're pretty big awards, they've given us a bit of national exposure." "[The phone calls] weren't just from different towns wanting to get something started; It started tweaking the interest of a lot of private wealth or philanthropists, they were looking for organisations they could then back and support themselves." Based in Armidale in NSW, BackTrack began in 2005 as a job-ready program for high school kids, but Mr Shakeshaft quickly recognised there was no quick fix for kids who might have grown up with trauma or around crime. He said many kids as young as 11 and 12 might have already been having criminal issues or schooling issues. He and other volunteers saw how many weren't safe at home or were already sleeping rough. "We started with one little thing, and that was to get those kids at that time work-ready, so we're trying to keep them off the streets at night and trying to keep them out of stolen cars and work out somewhere safe for them to stay," Mr Shakeshaft said. "And that's where the dogs came into it ... we had tried 50 different things and there were wins, but we hadn't quite cracked it." He had a litter of working dog puppies, brought them to work one day and said it was a "light bulb" moment when he let them loose on the lawn with the kids. "That was the first time I saw these wild kids sitting with these pups, and they were so soft and gentle." It was 2006 when Mr Shakeshaft got a call from a mate asking if he knew about dog high jumping - he didn't - but quickly learned what it was about and decided to give it a crack. "We grabbed half a dozen dogs, went down there and we won the Armidale Show just with a few mates, then the next week it was the Guyra Show, so we took a few of the kids and they won that, then there was the Walcha Show a few weeks later." Then came the BackTrack Shed, where they began training programs like welding and metalworking, which included maths and literacy for kids who weren't going to school. Research done by the University of New England showed youth crime plummeted by almost 50 per cent. Around 2015, they rolled out a pilot program to house and feed nine participants. Suddenly, almost 90 per cent of participants were able to find work. But many struggled with long-term employment, so seven years ago, BackTrack developed its own commercial business to provide work opportunities. "We'll have our 21st birthday next year, and we're doing a 100-year vision; we want this to be here well past my use-by-date." Mr Shakeshaft is encouraging others to nominate someone for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards. He said people putting in hard work in their community normally weren't loud about what they're doing, but nomination alone can give them the drive to keep going. "You don't go around blowing your own trumpet, you know," he said. "It is a pretty important cause. If you look down the history of Australians of the Year or people winning those awards, it's not people out there broadcasting themselves. CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE NOW! "People know about the special stuff that unique individuals are doing, and you see it in your own towns. [Nominating someone] is a marvellous gesture. Even if they don't win the award, to be nominated is pretty cool, and I think it helps people; it motivates them. "I've met some bloody champion Australians, and getting to meet other down-to-earth, really cool people that are doing something a bit special, it is a part of the journey that has touched me the most. It is eye-opening to see the special things people are doing right across the country. "That's probably the most special part of the awards, I reckon." 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
18-05-2025
- The Advertiser
Who inspires you? Who will you nominate for our next Australian of the Year?
Do you remember where you were when you learned that Neale Daniher AO had been named 2025 Australian of the Year? How did the news make you feel? Were you excited for him? Happy with the decision? Proud to be Australian? And did it make you think of anyone else who might also be deserving of such an honour? I've been looking at some of the online comments from around the time of the announcement and there's a strong theme that emerges: "so deserving"; "a very worthy recipient"; "unbelievably great selection"; "inspirational". Across the country, the news that Neale had received Australia's most prestigious civilian honour was greeted with great jubilation and pride. And somewhere, in a lounge room, kitchen or backyard, one Aussie in particular would have been punching the air with extra exuberance: the person who nominated Neale. READ MORE: Seeking Aussies who make us proud Because, in order for anyone to be considered for this prestigious award, they must first be nominated by a member of the public. That's where you come in. Who do you think should be the next Australian of the Year? I'll give you a moment to think about it. There are four categories in the Australian of the Year Awards: Young Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Australia's Local Hero and, of course, the Australian of the Year. Since 1960, the awards have shone well-deserved spotlights on the achievements, passion, excellence and community service of hundreds of great Australians: community leaders, charity workers, musicians, sportspeople, scientists, advocates, doctors and more. It's an extraordinary list of amazing people. Over the years, recipients have represented the rich diversity of our Australian community and have embodied the broad spectrum of Australian life. CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE NOW The awards have become an important part of the fabric of our society. By celebrating the very best of Australian values - kindness, compassion, excellence, ambition, generosity - the Australians of the Year help define the Australian character. These remarkable people have helped our community contemplate what it means to be Australian. Take this year's recipients, for example: 2025 Young Australian of the Year, Dr Katrina Wruck, is a brilliant, ground-breaking scientist and a proud Mabuigilaig and Goemulgal woman whose revolutionary research is helping remote communities and inspiring others to study STEM; Senior Australian of the Year, the inspirational Brother Thomas "Olly" Pickett AM, co-founded Wheelchairs for Kids, which has provided more than 60,000 custom-built wheelchairs to children in more than 80 countries; Australia's Local Heroes, Vanessa Brettell and Hannah Costello, have provided life-changing employment opportunities to women from disadvantaged backgrounds at their fabulous café, Stepping Stone; and Australian of the Year, Neale Daniher has inspired us all with his incredible work as co-founder of FightMND, a charity that has raised and invested over $115 million for medical research to find a cure for motor neurone disease. He is a true Aussie champion. In order to be considered for their awards, each of the amazing Australians was, firstly, nominated by a member of the public. Their nominations were among thousands submitted from across Australia. Then, state and territory-based selection panels came together to discuss, deliberate then anonymously vote to choose the local recipients in each category. The state and territory recipients were announced in November 2024 - and were all then in the running for the national awards. Then, one quiet December morning, the National Australia Council came together to commence what would be two days of highly confidential discussion, debate, consideration and, ultimately, an anonymous vote to decide who, from among the state and territory awardees, will be our national recipients in each category. In January, all state and territory nominees were invited to Canberra where, on the eve of Australia Day, the Prime Minister announced the names of the national recipients. Each year, it's a wonderful, life-changing moment for the awardees, and an exciting opportunity for Australians to acknowledge these outstanding citizens. Remember, in order to reach this point, each potential recipient must first have been nominated by a member of the public. So, have you thought about who you'll nominate? CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE NOW It's worth bearing in mind that some nominees are known to their nominator, but others are not. You might consider submitting the name of a member of the family, a friend or colleague who is an outstanding Australian making a significant difference in your community. Alternatively, you may wish to tell us about someone you've never met, but whose achievements you admire; perhaps someone you've seen on television, read about or discovered online. Some nominees - like Neale, for example - are already household names; others have been quietly working away in their field of endeavour but may not be widely known. It doesn't matter. We are looking for Australians who make a significant contribution the community, excel in their field and have the potential to inspire Australians. To the people who nominated Katrina, Olly, Hannah, Vanessa and Neale - thank you. By simply taking the time to nominate these great Australians, you have made a considerable contribution to your country and helped inspire your fellow citizens. And if you've never nominated anyone - now's the time. Who inspires you? Who is outstanding, brilliant, unique, excellent? Who will be the next Australian of the Year? If you see them, or hear about them, nominate them. It starts with you. Do you remember where you were when you learned that Neale Daniher AO had been named 2025 Australian of the Year? How did the news make you feel? Were you excited for him? Happy with the decision? Proud to be Australian? And did it make you think of anyone else who might also be deserving of such an honour? I've been looking at some of the online comments from around the time of the announcement and there's a strong theme that emerges: "so deserving"; "a very worthy recipient"; "unbelievably great selection"; "inspirational". Across the country, the news that Neale had received Australia's most prestigious civilian honour was greeted with great jubilation and pride. And somewhere, in a lounge room, kitchen or backyard, one Aussie in particular would have been punching the air with extra exuberance: the person who nominated Neale. READ MORE: Seeking Aussies who make us proud Because, in order for anyone to be considered for this prestigious award, they must first be nominated by a member of the public. That's where you come in. Who do you think should be the next Australian of the Year? I'll give you a moment to think about it. There are four categories in the Australian of the Year Awards: Young Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Australia's Local Hero and, of course, the Australian of the Year. Since 1960, the awards have shone well-deserved spotlights on the achievements, passion, excellence and community service of hundreds of great Australians: community leaders, charity workers, musicians, sportspeople, scientists, advocates, doctors and more. It's an extraordinary list of amazing people. Over the years, recipients have represented the rich diversity of our Australian community and have embodied the broad spectrum of Australian life. CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE NOW The awards have become an important part of the fabric of our society. By celebrating the very best of Australian values - kindness, compassion, excellence, ambition, generosity - the Australians of the Year help define the Australian character. These remarkable people have helped our community contemplate what it means to be Australian. Take this year's recipients, for example: 2025 Young Australian of the Year, Dr Katrina Wruck, is a brilliant, ground-breaking scientist and a proud Mabuigilaig and Goemulgal woman whose revolutionary research is helping remote communities and inspiring others to study STEM; Senior Australian of the Year, the inspirational Brother Thomas "Olly" Pickett AM, co-founded Wheelchairs for Kids, which has provided more than 60,000 custom-built wheelchairs to children in more than 80 countries; Australia's Local Heroes, Vanessa Brettell and Hannah Costello, have provided life-changing employment opportunities to women from disadvantaged backgrounds at their fabulous café, Stepping Stone; and Australian of the Year, Neale Daniher has inspired us all with his incredible work as co-founder of FightMND, a charity that has raised and invested over $115 million for medical research to find a cure for motor neurone disease. He is a true Aussie champion. In order to be considered for their awards, each of the amazing Australians was, firstly, nominated by a member of the public. Their nominations were among thousands submitted from across Australia. Then, state and territory-based selection panels came together to discuss, deliberate then anonymously vote to choose the local recipients in each category. The state and territory recipients were announced in November 2024 - and were all then in the running for the national awards. Then, one quiet December morning, the National Australia Council came together to commence what would be two days of highly confidential discussion, debate, consideration and, ultimately, an anonymous vote to decide who, from among the state and territory awardees, will be our national recipients in each category. In January, all state and territory nominees were invited to Canberra where, on the eve of Australia Day, the Prime Minister announced the names of the national recipients. Each year, it's a wonderful, life-changing moment for the awardees, and an exciting opportunity for Australians to acknowledge these outstanding citizens. Remember, in order to reach this point, each potential recipient must first have been nominated by a member of the public. So, have you thought about who you'll nominate? CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE NOW It's worth bearing in mind that some nominees are known to their nominator, but others are not. You might consider submitting the name of a member of the family, a friend or colleague who is an outstanding Australian making a significant difference in your community. Alternatively, you may wish to tell us about someone you've never met, but whose achievements you admire; perhaps someone you've seen on television, read about or discovered online. Some nominees - like Neale, for example - are already household names; others have been quietly working away in their field of endeavour but may not be widely known. It doesn't matter. We are looking for Australians who make a significant contribution the community, excel in their field and have the potential to inspire Australians. To the people who nominated Katrina, Olly, Hannah, Vanessa and Neale - thank you. By simply taking the time to nominate these great Australians, you have made a considerable contribution to your country and helped inspire your fellow citizens. And if you've never nominated anyone - now's the time. Who inspires you? Who is outstanding, brilliant, unique, excellent? Who will be the next Australian of the Year? If you see them, or hear about them, nominate them. It starts with you. Do you remember where you were when you learned that Neale Daniher AO had been named 2025 Australian of the Year? How did the news make you feel? Were you excited for him? Happy with the decision? Proud to be Australian? And did it make you think of anyone else who might also be deserving of such an honour? I've been looking at some of the online comments from around the time of the announcement and there's a strong theme that emerges: "so deserving"; "a very worthy recipient"; "unbelievably great selection"; "inspirational". Across the country, the news that Neale had received Australia's most prestigious civilian honour was greeted with great jubilation and pride. And somewhere, in a lounge room, kitchen or backyard, one Aussie in particular would have been punching the air with extra exuberance: the person who nominated Neale. READ MORE: Seeking Aussies who make us proud Because, in order for anyone to be considered for this prestigious award, they must first be nominated by a member of the public. That's where you come in. Who do you think should be the next Australian of the Year? I'll give you a moment to think about it. There are four categories in the Australian of the Year Awards: Young Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Australia's Local Hero and, of course, the Australian of the Year. Since 1960, the awards have shone well-deserved spotlights on the achievements, passion, excellence and community service of hundreds of great Australians: community leaders, charity workers, musicians, sportspeople, scientists, advocates, doctors and more. It's an extraordinary list of amazing people. Over the years, recipients have represented the rich diversity of our Australian community and have embodied the broad spectrum of Australian life. CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE NOW The awards have become an important part of the fabric of our society. By celebrating the very best of Australian values - kindness, compassion, excellence, ambition, generosity - the Australians of the Year help define the Australian character. These remarkable people have helped our community contemplate what it means to be Australian. Take this year's recipients, for example: 2025 Young Australian of the Year, Dr Katrina Wruck, is a brilliant, ground-breaking scientist and a proud Mabuigilaig and Goemulgal woman whose revolutionary research is helping remote communities and inspiring others to study STEM; Senior Australian of the Year, the inspirational Brother Thomas "Olly" Pickett AM, co-founded Wheelchairs for Kids, which has provided more than 60,000 custom-built wheelchairs to children in more than 80 countries; Australia's Local Heroes, Vanessa Brettell and Hannah Costello, have provided life-changing employment opportunities to women from disadvantaged backgrounds at their fabulous café, Stepping Stone; and Australian of the Year, Neale Daniher has inspired us all with his incredible work as co-founder of FightMND, a charity that has raised and invested over $115 million for medical research to find a cure for motor neurone disease. He is a true Aussie champion. In order to be considered for their awards, each of the amazing Australians was, firstly, nominated by a member of the public. Their nominations were among thousands submitted from across Australia. Then, state and territory-based selection panels came together to discuss, deliberate then anonymously vote to choose the local recipients in each category. The state and territory recipients were announced in November 2024 - and were all then in the running for the national awards. Then, one quiet December morning, the National Australia Council came together to commence what would be two days of highly confidential discussion, debate, consideration and, ultimately, an anonymous vote to decide who, from among the state and territory awardees, will be our national recipients in each category. In January, all state and territory nominees were invited to Canberra where, on the eve of Australia Day, the Prime Minister announced the names of the national recipients. Each year, it's a wonderful, life-changing moment for the awardees, and an exciting opportunity for Australians to acknowledge these outstanding citizens. Remember, in order to reach this point, each potential recipient must first have been nominated by a member of the public. So, have you thought about who you'll nominate? CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE NOW It's worth bearing in mind that some nominees are known to their nominator, but others are not. You might consider submitting the name of a member of the family, a friend or colleague who is an outstanding Australian making a significant difference in your community. Alternatively, you may wish to tell us about someone you've never met, but whose achievements you admire; perhaps someone you've seen on television, read about or discovered online. Some nominees - like Neale, for example - are already household names; others have been quietly working away in their field of endeavour but may not be widely known. It doesn't matter. We are looking for Australians who make a significant contribution the community, excel in their field and have the potential to inspire Australians. To the people who nominated Katrina, Olly, Hannah, Vanessa and Neale - thank you. By simply taking the time to nominate these great Australians, you have made a considerable contribution to your country and helped inspire your fellow citizens. And if you've never nominated anyone - now's the time. Who inspires you? Who is outstanding, brilliant, unique, excellent? Who will be the next Australian of the Year? If you see them, or hear about them, nominate them. It starts with you. Do you remember where you were when you learned that Neale Daniher AO had been named 2025 Australian of the Year? How did the news make you feel? Were you excited for him? Happy with the decision? Proud to be Australian? And did it make you think of anyone else who might also be deserving of such an honour? I've been looking at some of the online comments from around the time of the announcement and there's a strong theme that emerges: "so deserving"; "a very worthy recipient"; "unbelievably great selection"; "inspirational". Across the country, the news that Neale had received Australia's most prestigious civilian honour was greeted with great jubilation and pride. And somewhere, in a lounge room, kitchen or backyard, one Aussie in particular would have been punching the air with extra exuberance: the person who nominated Neale. READ MORE: Seeking Aussies who make us proud Because, in order for anyone to be considered for this prestigious award, they must first be nominated by a member of the public. That's where you come in. Who do you think should be the next Australian of the Year? I'll give you a moment to think about it. There are four categories in the Australian of the Year Awards: Young Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Australia's Local Hero and, of course, the Australian of the Year. Since 1960, the awards have shone well-deserved spotlights on the achievements, passion, excellence and community service of hundreds of great Australians: community leaders, charity workers, musicians, sportspeople, scientists, advocates, doctors and more. It's an extraordinary list of amazing people. Over the years, recipients have represented the rich diversity of our Australian community and have embodied the broad spectrum of Australian life. CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE NOW The awards have become an important part of the fabric of our society. By celebrating the very best of Australian values - kindness, compassion, excellence, ambition, generosity - the Australians of the Year help define the Australian character. These remarkable people have helped our community contemplate what it means to be Australian. Take this year's recipients, for example: 2025 Young Australian of the Year, Dr Katrina Wruck, is a brilliant, ground-breaking scientist and a proud Mabuigilaig and Goemulgal woman whose revolutionary research is helping remote communities and inspiring others to study STEM; Senior Australian of the Year, the inspirational Brother Thomas "Olly" Pickett AM, co-founded Wheelchairs for Kids, which has provided more than 60,000 custom-built wheelchairs to children in more than 80 countries; Australia's Local Heroes, Vanessa Brettell and Hannah Costello, have provided life-changing employment opportunities to women from disadvantaged backgrounds at their fabulous café, Stepping Stone; and Australian of the Year, Neale Daniher has inspired us all with his incredible work as co-founder of FightMND, a charity that has raised and invested over $115 million for medical research to find a cure for motor neurone disease. He is a true Aussie champion. In order to be considered for their awards, each of the amazing Australians was, firstly, nominated by a member of the public. Their nominations were among thousands submitted from across Australia. Then, state and territory-based selection panels came together to discuss, deliberate then anonymously vote to choose the local recipients in each category. The state and territory recipients were announced in November 2024 - and were all then in the running for the national awards. Then, one quiet December morning, the National Australia Council came together to commence what would be two days of highly confidential discussion, debate, consideration and, ultimately, an anonymous vote to decide who, from among the state and territory awardees, will be our national recipients in each category. In January, all state and territory nominees were invited to Canberra where, on the eve of Australia Day, the Prime Minister announced the names of the national recipients. Each year, it's a wonderful, life-changing moment for the awardees, and an exciting opportunity for Australians to acknowledge these outstanding citizens. Remember, in order to reach this point, each potential recipient must first have been nominated by a member of the public. So, have you thought about who you'll nominate? CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE NOW It's worth bearing in mind that some nominees are known to their nominator, but others are not. You might consider submitting the name of a member of the family, a friend or colleague who is an outstanding Australian making a significant difference in your community. Alternatively, you may wish to tell us about someone you've never met, but whose achievements you admire; perhaps someone you've seen on television, read about or discovered online. Some nominees - like Neale, for example - are already household names; others have been quietly working away in their field of endeavour but may not be widely known. It doesn't matter. We are looking for Australians who make a significant contribution the community, excel in their field and have the potential to inspire Australians. To the people who nominated Katrina, Olly, Hannah, Vanessa and Neale - thank you. By simply taking the time to nominate these great Australians, you have made a considerable contribution to your country and helped inspire your fellow citizens. And if you've never nominated anyone - now's the time. Who inspires you? Who is outstanding, brilliant, unique, excellent? Who will be the next Australian of the Year? If you see them, or hear about them, nominate them. It starts with you.
