Peter Harris, a young Wiradjuri cultural leader, has been named the 2025 Young Canberra Citizen of the Year.

The Young Canberra Citizen of the Year Awards honour individuals and groups aged 12 to 25 who have made significant contributions to the ACT community across leadership, sustainability, the arts, personal achievement and advocacy. 

An award ceremony was held on Friday 7 November at the Belconnen Arts Centre.

Mr Harris was recognised for his achievements in grassroots advocacy and work towards systemic reform, bridging community and government to support youth mental health and cultural connection. 

Mr Harris is a public advocate on issues relating to youth mental health and wellbeing. He is co-designing the ACT’s first Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Youth Mental Health Service Model, and helped establish Canberra’s first Aboriginal Community Controlled Suicide Prevention Service, embedding culturally safe approaches.

Mr Harris also serves as Vice-President of the Winnunga Warriors Basketball Club, and mentors younger Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders. 

“Being nominated for the Young Canberra Citizen of the Year Award is an honour that reflects the spirit of my community that is built on strength, hope, and self-determination,” Mr Harris said.

“My advocacy has always been about creating pathways for our young people to stand proud in who they are and to see themselves as the change-makers of tomorrow.

“This recognition is not just for me, but for every voice that has fought to make our communities stronger, more connected, and grounded in culture.

“Throughout my career I have had the privilege of working in Aboriginal health roles at NGO’s, ACCO Peak Bodies and within Government fostering a focus and shared commitment in improving social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

“This award is an opportunity for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people to individually reflect on the difference they make in their community and to empower self-determination for Whole-Of-Community outcomes.”

Michael Pettersson MLA, Minister for Children, Youth and Families, congratulated Mr Harris for his achievements and for his steadfast commitment to improving outcomes for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.  

“Peter Harris is an inspiring young leader who takes on complex issues and, through his advocacy and reform work, is making a significant difference in the lives of so many young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Canberrans,” Mr Pettersson said. 

Other award recipients: 

• Loga Gandhi received the Young Achiever Award for transforming her experience of hardship into leadership and advocacy. Loga overcame serious illness and went on to excel academically, while mentoring peers and representing Canberra on national debating stages. 
• Alice Groenhout received the Arts and Multimedia Award for her achievements in photography, music, and activism. Her award-winning photographs challenge stigma, foster inclusivity, and empower LGBTIQA+ communities.  
• Dakota Thorne, a world champion powerlifter, received the Personal Achievement Award for overcoming severe injury to achieve record-breaking success, while mentoring children with disability. 
• Rebecca Price received the Environment and Sustainability Award for her achievements as a sustainability leader, mobilising hundreds of peers across ACT schools through the Inter-School Sustainability Council, resulting in systemic change. 
• The Canberra High School Period Products Pilot received the Group Achievement Award. The six young women who spearheaded the Pilot were recognised for their advocacy to reduce period poverty, which informed ACT legislation and sparked territory-wide reform, resulting in greater access to free period products in ACT schools and community locations. 

Highly commended nominees were celebrated for their authenticity, courage, innovation and collaboration: Annelise McEvoy, Price Magero, Eloise Higgins, Taryn Lee, Lolita Ruckert, Eco-délégués (Telopea Park School), and Cultural Crescendo (AMAN). 

Mr Pettersson congratulated all winners and nominees for their contributions to the Territory:

“The ACT is fortunate to have so many young people driving positive change in our community. Their dedication and commitment to making Canberra a happier, healthier and more equitable place to live is truly remarkable.” 

The Young Canberra Citizen of the Year Awards are delivered annually by the ACT Government, and sponsored by Beyond Bank Australia, Ginninderry, Anglicare ACT, the Australian Catholic University, and the ACT Youth Advisory Council.