MEDIA RELEASE
18 NOVEMBER 2024
2025 AUSTRALIANS OF THE YEAR FOR QUEENSLAND ANNOUNCED
2025 Australian of the Year for Queensland - Geoffrey Smith (Yeronga)
2025 Senior Australian of the Year for Queensland - Dr Bronwyn Herbert (Wynnum North)
2025 Young Australian of the Year for Queensland - Dr Katrina Wruck (Logan)
2025 Local Hero for Queensland - Claire Smith (Nambour)
Awards event livestreamed via australianoftheyear.org.au
The 2025 Australian of the Year Awards recipients for Queensland have been announced at a ceremony in Brisbane this evening.
The Queensland recipients will join those from the other states and territories for the national awards to be announced on 25 January 2025.
The 2025 Australian of the Year for Queensland is Geoffrey Smith, co-founder, Australian Spatial Analytics.
Data analyst Geoffrey Smith recognised the untapped potential of neurodivergent people to contribute to the workforce in Australia.
Geoffrey co-founded Australian Spatial Analytics (ASA), a work-integrated social enterprise providing
geo-spatial and engineering services, addressing a skills shortage in the technology industry. Of their employees, 80 per cent are neurodivergent and 61 per cent have come from long-term unemployment, reflecting the social barriers that are often experienced by neurodivergent people.
While the unemployment rate for adults with autism is some ten times higher than that of the general population, 35-year-old Geoffrey knows that their unique skillset can make them an asset in the workplace. ASA’s inclusive practices include a range of workplace supports for executive functioning, social interactions and sensory sensitivities, facilitating participation to employees’ full potential, developing skills and leadership, and providing stable, long-term employment.
Geoffrey is a Social Impact Leadership Australia recipient, and through ASA, aims to employ 1,000 people by 2030.
Social worker and scholar, Dr Bronwyn Herbert, is the 2025 Senior Australian of the Year for Queensland.
Dr Bronwyn Herbert completed a Bachelor of Social Work at age 40 years, her master’s at age 61 years, and was awarded her PhD last year at age 90 years.
As a child, Bronwyn saw her parents give food and clothing to people who were struggling. Then, as a new widow experiencing grief with a newborn, she noticed no help was available to a young couple in the same hospital who had lost their baby. Bronwyn enrolled in a social work course and embarked on a career
that has lasted 60 years.
As a social worker, Bronwyn noticed many children who experienced homelessness with their parents, fell into homelessness as adults. She wanted to know why – and retired at 81 so she would have time to study this for her thesis.
Now 91, Bronwyn’s work and research has changed countless lives nationally and contributed to a better understanding of homelessness and how to break the cycle.
The 2025 Young Australian of the Year for Queensland is scientist, Dr Katrina Wruck.
Dr Katrina Wruck’s research is giving back to remote communities. Based on her research, Katrina has set up a profit-for-purpose business, Nguki Kula Green Labs, which is poised to transform the consumer goods sector by harnessing the power of green chemistry, while inspiring others to step into STEM.
Katrina’s method of converting mining by-products to zeolite LTA – which can remove contaminants from water that cause hardness – will be commercialised. Her postdoctoral research examines how to break down dangerous ‘forever chemicals’ into benign ones. Altogether, Katrina’s work is a possible foundation for reducing global contamination.
A proud Mabuigilaig and Goemulgal woman who has long advocated for First Nations knowledge, 30-year-old Katrina also participates in community engagement programs.
She is frequently told by the students she speaks to that she’s the first Indigenous scientist they’ve met. Her work has been recognised with several awards and she is already well known in her field.
Claire Smith, Founder of Wildlife Rescue Sunshine Coast, is the 2025 Local Hero for Queensland.
Claire Smith is a fierce protector of all living things, but especially native Australian wildlife.
She is the founder of Wildlife Rescue Sunshine Coast, the first dedicated, volunteer-run, 24-hour wildlife rescue service in Queensland. The group’s purpose is threefold: education, rescue and rehabilitation.
Over decades of advocacy and conservation, 59-year-old Claire has actively forged vital relationships within the community, educating people about wildlife management through online resources and speaking on radio and in person. She engages with all levels of government to advise on policy decisions, motivating them to take action to protect native species through habitat preservation.
Claire raised over $600,000 to directly assist those caring for injured animals after the 2019 bushfires. She also fundraised to establish Queensland’s first dedicated kangaroo hospital and purchase two wildlife ambulances to facilitate more animal rescues. Claire inspires others to join her fight to protect our precious native fauna with her compassion and determination.
“These national awards highlight and honour Queenslanders who are making a lasting impact and empowering communities across the state and the nation,” said Premier of Queensland and Minister for Veterans, David Crisafulli.
“The recipients are being acknowledged for their exceptional contributions to Queensland and for inspiring others, including myself, through their dedication, compassion and determination.
“I would like to thank all of the nominees and congratulate the recipients on their achievements and I wish them well at the national ceremony on the eve of Australia Day.”
National Australia Day Council CEO Mark Fraser AO CVO congratulated the recipients for Queensland.
“The Queensland award recipients are all committed to making a difference and we look forward to welcoming them to Canberra,” said Mark.
“Geoffrey’s approach to inclusiveness and ability is making a difference for people and business; Bronwyn has dedicated a lifetime to helping others and creating change; Katrina’s research is creating a healthier outlook for our future and the environment; while Claire’s dedication and influence is saving our wildlife.”
For more information on the Australian of the Year Awards, visit australianoftheyear.org.au.
ENDS.
EMBARGO NOTE: Media attending the awards event may report award recipients as they are announced on stage OR watch the livestream at australianoftheyear.org.au - once each award is announced, it can be reported.
MEDIA CONTACT: Nicole Browne on 0414 673 762 / nicole@mediaopps.com.au
PHOTOS: From the awards announcement event can be downloaded as available after approx. 8:45pm Sydney time from this link (credit NADC/Salty Dingo): QLD Media Distribution photos - High res