Claire Smith, Founder of Wildlife Rescue Sunshine Coast, was named the 2025 Local Hero for Queensland at the 2025 Australian of the Year Awards recipients for Queensland ceremony held in Brisbane on Monday night.
A fierce protector of all living things, but especially native Australian wildlife, 59-year-old Claire founded the first dedicated, volunteer-run, 24-hour wildlife rescue service in Queensland with a purpose to educate, rescue and rehabilitate.
Over decades of advocacy and conservation, she has actively forged 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 more than $600,000 to directly assist those caring for injured animals after the 2019 bushfires and 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.
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.
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 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.
Based on her research, 30-year-old 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.
“These national awards highlight and honour Queenslanders who are making a lasting impact and empowering communities across the state and the nation,” Queensland Premier David Crisafulli said.
National Australia Day Council CEO Mark Fraser said the Queensland award recipients were all committed to making a difference.
“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,” he said.
The Queensland recipients will join those from the other states and territories for the national awards to be announced on 25 January 2025.
For more information on the Australian of the Year Awards, visit australianoftheyear.org.au.
