Katrina Fanning AO PSM, a Wiradjuri woman, has been named Canberra Citizen of the Year for 2023 for her dedication to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

“Over many years, Ms Fanning has made a significant contribution in our community as the head of secretariat at the Coalition of Peaks on Closing the Gap, director at Coolamon Advisors, a past Chair of the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body, as well as her contribution to rugby league at a local, national, and international level,” Chief Minister Andrew Barr said.

Ms Fanning was ACT Australian of the Year in 2020. In 2014, she was named Canberra Woman of the Year, and ACT NAIDOC Person of the Year.

She was made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) this year for distinguished service to the Indigenous community through education and health initiatives, and to sport.

• Over 50 ACT residents recognised in 2023 Australia Day honours (25 January)
• Katrina Fanning runs support programs for Indigenous businesses (11 July 2022)
• Canberra Raiders launch bid for 2023 NRLW licence (29 November 2021)
• ‘Self-determination in action’: ACT government backs Indigenous solutions (9 February 2021)
• Katrina Fanning: My favourite things (23 January 2020)
• Fanning’s jersey part of enlivening exhibition (19 December 2019)
• Outstanding women top ACT Australian of the Year Awards (31 October 2019)

As director of Coolamon Advisors, an Indigenous majority owned and managed consultancy company, Ms Fanning provides meaningful contributions to Indigenous development, participation, and equity.

Ms Fanning was the chairperson of the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body (2017-2021) and was the head of secretariat, Coalition of Peaks on Closing the Gap (2021-2022).

A professional rugby league player, Ms Fanning was an inaugural Jillaroo who represented Australia 26 times throughout her 14-year career. She was appointed chairperson with the Australian Rugby League Indigenous Council in 2012; was the president of Australia Women’s Rugby League; has been a director of the Canberra Raiders since 2018; and is president of the Canberra Women’s Rugby League.

“I congratulate Ms Fanning on this recognition, and I look forward to seeing her continued positive impact on our community over the coming 12 months and beyond,” Mr Barr said.

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