The 2025 King’s Birthday Honours have celebrated Aboriginal leaders whose lifelong contributions to education, culture, media, and social justice have profoundly shaped their communities.
From fierce activists to cultural advocates, these leaders have built foundations that continue to empower and inspire.
Dr Geraldine Atkinson AO
Dr Geraldine Atkinson, a proud Bangerang and Wiradjuri woman, has spent over four decades breaking down barriers in Indigenous education.
As President of the Victorian Aboriginal Education Association Incorporated (VAEAI) since 1999, Dr Atkinson has led change in Indigenous education policy, fighting for spaces where culture and community drive learning.
Her leadership as Co-Chair of the First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria was pivotal in the state’s treaty process, showing what’s possible when First Nations people lead the way.
Aunty Millie Ingram
Aunty Millie Ingram, a Wiradjuri Elder, moved to Redfern from Cowra in the 1950s seeking work, but her journey soon led her to become a fierce political activist and community leader.
Along with her family, she founded Redfern’s first Aboriginal Community-Controlled early childhood centre, providing a vital space for young Aboriginal children to build confidence and pride in their cultural identity.
“We knew that we’d need to give our young Aboriginal people a good start before they went into mainstream schools because at that time, racism was pretty bad.
"We had to make sure we built some confidence in our children so they would be proud of their Aboriginality," she told NITV.
Aunty Millie’s work in nurturing and empowering the next generation continues to be a source of pride for her community.
“Last year I was recognised as Elder of the Year for NAIDOC, and that’s by my Aboriginal peers, so that was exciting too. So, I’ll accept the award because people are happy to give me an award, I’m happy to take it, and I’ll take it in good grace.”
Marcus Stewart
Marcus Stewart’s work in truth-telling and justice has been game-changing. As the inaugural Co-Chair of the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria, Marcus helped establish the Yoorrook Justice Commission, Australia’s first truth-telling process.
“It was nation-leading work and it redefined the political relationship between our community and the Victorian government, so it’s an absolute honour and privilege, but the work continues.”
Professor Uncle Mark Rose
Professor Uncle Mark Rose, a Gunditjmara man, has dedicated his life to elevating Indigenous knowledge.
With years of experience leading Indigenous knowledge programs at four Australian universities, Uncle Mark’s work is driven by a singular vision: to see Aboriginal history included in the national curriculum.
“Every time one of our kids walks across the stage at graduation, it’s another significant step towards the liberation of our people through education.”
Jeremy Heathcote
Jeremy Heathcote’s 21 years of work with his men’s group have focused on breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide prevention in Aboriginal communities.
His approach to mental health is grounded in community support, mentorship, and education. Jeremy believes that we must give young people the tools to speak openly about mental health and create positive change in their communities.
“It’s about empowering our community. We have to educate and mentor the young ones coming through so they understand there’s no shame in talking about mental health.”
The Late Samuel Bush-Blanasi
Posthumously recognised, Samuel Bush-Blanasi, former Chairman of the Northern Land Council, was instrumental in securing sea Country rights.
James Daniel Remedio AO
James Daniel Remedio, a trailblazer in Aboriginal media, has been posthumously honoured with the Officer of the Order of Australia for his significant contribution to Indigenous media and cultural voice.
From his early days in Bendigo to leading national organisations like Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association (CAAMA) and Kool N Deadly (3KND), James’s leadership helped build platforms that gave Aboriginal people the space to share their stories and express their truths.
Olga Havnen
Olga Havnen has been recognised in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours for her lifelong commitment to Aboriginal rights, social justice, and community leadership.
A proud Western Arrernte woman, Ms Havnen has played a pivotal role in shaping policy and advocacy across health, housing, and education in the Northern Territory, and is widely respected for her work empowering First Nations communities.
Professor Raymond William Lovett
Professor Raymond Lovett, a proud Ngiyampaa Wongaibon man, has been honoured in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours for his significant service to Indigenous health and research.
As an epidemiologist, Professor Lovett has led groundbreaking work improving health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, combining rigorous research with deep cultural knowledge and community engagement.
Karen Michelle Milward
Karen Milward is a proud Yorta Yorta woman whose work has shaped the landscape of Aboriginal affairs in Australia.
With a career spanning decades, she has championed self-determination, strengthened Aboriginal-led organisations, and influenced national policy through her expertise in governance and community development.
Ambrose Mungala Chalarimeri
A proud Kwini man, Mr Ambrose Mungala Chalarimeri has devoted his career to advancing cultural preservation, community empowerment, and social justice.
Roy Coulthard
Uncle Roy Coulthard is a proud Adnyamathanha Elder and master carver with the Yurtu Ardla Project.
He has been honoured with multiple NAIDOC awards, including Male Elder of the Year (2019) and a Lifetime Achievement Award (2010), reflecting his lasting impact on Indigenous arts and culture.
Beverley Eleanor Eaton
Proud Wiradjuri woman Beverley Eleanor Eaton has devoted her life to serving her community in the Blue Mountains.
Her dedication to community well-being and cultural preservation has made a lasting impact in the region.
Roslyn Helen Fogg
Mrs Roslyn Helen Fogg, a proud Dharug woman, is being recognised for dedicating her life to serving her community.
Cheryl Susan Goh
Mrs Cheryl Susan Goh, a proud Dharug woman from Penrith, has dedicated decades to serving Sydney’s Indigenous community and advancing education.
She has taught Aboriginal Studies and Humanities at TAFE NSW Western Sydney for over 25 years and currently contributes as Director of Muru Mittigar Limited and member of the Dharug Ngurra Aboriginal Corporation.
Scott Desmond Gorringe
A proud Mithaka man, Scott Gorringe has dedicated over 20 years to Indigenous education, working tirelessly to support and empower Aboriginal communities.
Jeremy Heathcote
Jeremy Heathcote has dedicated over 25 years to advancing Indigenous community health.
From his early involvement with the Babana Aboriginal Men’s Group to leadership roles in community-led health initiatives and academia, Jeremy’s work has been grounded in the resilience and wisdom of First Nations peoples.
His commitment to self-determination, justice, and collaboration continues to inspire positive change across Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Harold Urial Matthew
A proud Torres Strait Islander man from Thursday Island, Harold Matthew has dedicated himself to community well-being.
Beyond his personal achievements, he co-founded and inspired the "Deadly Runners" group, which now brings together over 60 members to promote health, connection, and culture through running. His ongoing commitment has made a lasting impact on Thursday Island.
Jean Phillips
Dr Aunty Jean Phillips is a respected Aboriginal Christian leader with over 60 years of ministry.
Born on Cherbourg Mission, she has dedicated her life to justice, serving Indigenous communities and fostering reconciliation across churches. Aunty Jean’s leadership continues to inspire and uplift Aboriginal Christian voices nationwide.
Elizabeth Rebecca Thomson
Elizabeth Rebecca (Aunty Becky) Thomson is a proud founding member and long-serving Chairperson of the Winnam Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Corporation.
For over 40 years, she has tirelessly advocated for the Indigenous community of Wynnum, establishing vital aged care and wellness services and supporting children, families, and Elders.
