The 2025 Australian of the Year Awards for South Australia have highlighted an exceptional group of individuals who exemplify leadership, dedication, and community spirit. These recipients will now represent South Australia at the national awards in Canberra on January 25, 2025.
SA Australian of the Year – Professor Leah Bromfield
Professor Leah Bromfield, a respected figure in child protection, has spent over 20 years driving evidence-based change to tackle child abuse. As the director at the Australian Centre for Child Protection, she has developed innovative frameworks that have influenced policy both in South Australia and nationally. Her tireless advocacy has contributed to significant shifts in how we understand and respond to child protection.
SA Senior Australian of the Year – Charles Jackson OAM
With over 50 years of commitment to Indigenous advocacy, Charles Jackson OAM’s journey is one of resilience and service. From his early years as a drover to becoming Australia’s first Aboriginal Justice of the Peace in 1978, Charles has championed his community tirelessly. Today, he leads as a knowledge holder for the Flinders Ranges Nation, working towards making Wilpena Pound a world heritage site, and runs Urndu, an organisation dedicated to providing culturally appropriate training and support for people with disabilities.
SA Young Australian of the Year – Amber Brock-Fabel
At just 20 years old, Amber Brock-Fabel is empowering youth to have their voices heard. Founding the South Australian Youth Forum at 17, Amber has provided a platform for young people to discuss and advocate on critical issues such as climate change, gender equality, and youth loneliness. Her leadership has garnered national and international attention, including representation at the United Nations Summit of the Future.
SA Local Heroes – Sobia and Irfan Hashmi
Sobia and Irfan Hashmi, dedicated pharmacists and community leaders, have revolutionised healthcare access in South Australia’s rural areas. Over the past 20 years, they established six pharmacies where healthcare was previously difficult to access. Committed to serving diverse communities, they employ staff fluent in 21 languages and mentor overseas-trained pharmacists, helping thousands integrate into the workforce. Their initiatives have won numerous accolades, including the SA Multicultural Governor’s Award in 2022.
2025 Australian of the Year for South Australia nominees are:
Professor Leah Bromfield – Child protection expert (Adelaide)
Dr Sarah Cannard – Aerospace engineer (Cockatoo Valley)
Grantley Stevens – Commissioner, South Australian Police
Dr Hannah Wardill – Cancer researcher (Prospect)
2025 Senior Australian of the Year for South Australia
Charles Jackson OAM – Indigenous advocate and knowledge holder (Quorn)
Anne Burgess AM – Anti-ageism advocate (Adelaide)
Dr Devinder Grewal – GP and medical services provider (Port Augusta)
Keith Preston – Arts and events manager, artist (Adelaide)
2025 Young Australian of the Year for South Australia
Amber Brock-Fabel – Founder, South Australian Youth Forum (Adelaide)
Denzel James – Environmental advocate (Adelaide)
Andriana Petrakis – International tennis champion, coach and autism advocate (Adelaide)
Kushi Venkatesh – Comedian, reporter and content creator (Adelaide)
2025 Local Hero for South Australia
Sobia and Irfan Hashmi – Pharmacists and migrant community leaders (Glen Osmond)
Shane Hryhorec – Disability advocate (Port Adelaide)
Lisa O’Malley – Foster carer and co-founder, The Carer Project (Andrews Farm)
Dinah Thomasset – Founder, Villagehood Australia (Henley Beach South)
These remarkable individuals demonstrate the power of leadership, compassion, and community dedication. As National Australia Day Council CEO Mark Fraser AO CVO remarked, “To all our nominees it is a privilege to hear your stories. We are reminded that compassion, kindness and standing up for our neighbour are values we honour as a society and by doing so, we all receive a healthy dose of optimism. “
To watch the livestream on the South Australia’s Australian of the Year Awards, here.
