At a ceremony held in Canberra this evening, the recipients of the 2025 ACT Australian of the Year Awards have been unveiled.
The awardees will represent the ACT at the national Australian of the Year Awards in Canberra on 25 January 2025, joining recipients from other states and territories.
ACT Australian of the Year – Megan Gilmour
Megan Gilmour, co-founder of MissingSchool, has been named the 2025 Australian of the Year for the ACT. Following her own son’s traumatic illness, Megan committed herself to improving school access for the 1.2 million Australian children who miss school due to chronic health conditions. In 2015, she co-authored Australia’s first national report on school isolation, which paved the way for a Commonwealth report the following year. Her 2017 Churchill Fellowship led to the establishment of the world’s first telepresence robot service, reconnecting over 7,000 Australian students with their classrooms from hospitals or home.
As an Honorary Fellow at Deakin University and with her extensive experience across 24 countries, Megan continues to champion “learn-from-anywhere” models for students unable to attend school physically. Her advocacy, reaching 14.1 million Australians in 2024, focuses on sustaining connection to school as essential to children’s well-being.
ACT Senior Australians of the Year – Peter and Marilyn Ralston
Peter Ralston OAM and his wife Marilyn Ralston, founders of Achilles Running Club Canberra, have been named the ACT’s 2025 Senior Australians of the Year. The couple, ages 75 and 74, are dedicated to enabling people with vision impairment and other disabilities to participate in mainstream sporting events. Since 2013, Achilles Canberra has paired volunteer guides with individuals with disabilities at events, helping to foster an inclusive environment.
Peter, who has personally guided vision-impaired athletes at parkrun events over 120 times, was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2020 for his service to sports for people with low vision. Marilyn and Peter are also active in community service through the Lions Club of Canberra Belconnen and St John’s Care, Reid, respectively.
ACT Young Australian of the Year – Daniel Bartholomaeus
Twenty-one-year-old artist and neurodiversity advocate Daniel Bartholomaeus has been recognised as the ACT’s Young Australian of the Year. Daniel, who lives with autism and ADHD, has used his journey through anxiety and depression to mentor others in the neurodivergent community. Despite challenges during his schooling, he now collaborates with organisations like the National Gallery of Australia and the United Nations, encouraging neurodivergent young people to focus on their unique abilities.
Through his art, Daniel bridges the gap between neurotypical and neurodiverse communities, inspiring others to recognise the potential in diversity. He currently mentors with The With Friends Initiative, offering support to young people facing similar challenges.
ACT Local Heroes – Vanessa Brettell and Hannah Costello
The ACT’s 2025 Local Heroes, Vanessa Brettell and Hannah Costello, are co-founders of Cafe Stepping Stone, a social enterprise dedicated to empowering women from refugee and migrant backgrounds. The sustainable vegetarian café provides employment, training, and qualifications to women facing employment barriers. By offering these women opportunities in a supportive environment, Vanessa and Hannah are not only facilitating job readiness but also creating a welcoming space for community connection.
Mark Fraser AO CVO, CEO of the National Australia Day Council, praised the ACT recipients for their commitment to ability and inclusion: “Megan is dedicated to keeping sick children involved in education; Peter and Marilyn ensure vision is not a barrier for those who love to run; Daniel’s art challenges misconceptions about neurodiversity; and Hannah and Vanessa provide pathways to confidence and employment for women creating new lives in Australia.”
For more information about the Australian of the Year Awards, visit australianoftheyear.org.au.
