2025 Year in Review: Prominent People

In 2025, several Indigenous Australians gained national prominence through major awards, the Federal election, and significant contributions to health, arts, and advocacy.

National Award Recipients

William Tilmouth: An Arrernte man and Stolen Generations survivor, he was awarded the 2025 Human Rights Medal for his lifelong advocacy for justice and self-determination.

William Tilmouth was awarded the 2025 Human Rights Medal for his lifelong advocacy for justice.

Dr. Katrina Wruck: A Mabuigilaig and Goemulgal woman, she was named 2025 Young Australian of the Year for her pioneering research in green chemistry and removing “forever chemicals” from water.

Professor Deborah Cheetham Fraillon AO: A renowned Yorta Yorta soprano who received the Red Ochre Award for Lifetime Achievement at the 2025 First Nations Arts and Culture Awards.

Grant Ngulmiya Nundhirribala: A musician and cultural leader from Arnhem Land named the 2025 Northern Territory Australian of the Year.

Olga Havnen: A Western Arrernte woman recognised in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours for her leadership in Northern Territory health and housing policy.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Katie Kiss.

Political Leaders and Activists

Senator Malarndirri McCarthy: Following the 2025 federal election, she continued her role as the Minister for Indigenous Australians.

Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price: A prominent figure during the 2025 election cycle, she moved from the National Party to the Liberal Party as the Coalition considered its future leadership, before being dumped to the back benches.

Sue-Anne Hunter: Appointed as the new Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Commissioner in 2025. (Main photo).

Megan Krakouer ran for the Senate in the 2025 Federal election.

Megan Krakouer: A prominent social justice advocate who ran for the Senate in the 2025 Federal election.

Katie Kiss: The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, who actively pushed for rights-based reforms and the implementation of UNDRIP throughout the year.

Arts, Science, and Business

Tony Albert: Named Established Artist of the Year at the 2025 First Nations Arts and Culture Awards.

Tony Albert was named Established Artist of the Year at the 2025 First Nations Arts and Culture Awards.

Gutiŋarra Yunupiŋu: A Yolŋu filmmaker and artist who received the Youth Award for achievement in the arts.

Professor Stephen Van Leeuwen: A Wandandy Nunga scientist named joint winner of the 2025 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scientist of the Year.

Nathan Lovett: Founder of Aus Native Foods, recognised with the I2I Award during 2025 Indigenous Business Month.

Lionel Fogarty: A celebrated poet and activist honoured with a Red Ochre Award for lifetime artistic excellence.

• Tomorrow: Business