SHAILER Park’s own Katrina Wruck is 2025 Young Australian of the Year.
The young scientist was in great company at the Australia Day awards ceremony in Canberra, named alongside Neale Daniher who is Australian of the Year.
Dr Wruck donates much of her time to youth in remote communities.
As a chemist, she has established a game-changing laundry product set to help save the environment.
She was featured on the front page of MyCity Logan when she was nominated in November, quoted as saying “we need more of me.”
She was referring to comments from students who told her she was the first indigenous scientist they had seen.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese presented Sunday’s award at the National Arboretum in Canberra.
Premier David Crisafulli congratulated Dr Wruck on the honour. She was the only Queenslander to win a national award.
“Dr Katrina Wruck has long advocated for First Nations knowledge and shared her passion for science with others,” Mr Crisafulli said.
“There are many wonderful people across Queensland who demonstrate dedication and selflessness every day and Dr Wruck is among that group of amazing Queenslanders.
“As 2025 Young Australian of the Year, I am confident she will use this platform to create more opportunities for young Australians and through her work, advocate for greener practices.”
Based on her research, Dr Wruck has set up Nguki Kula Green Labs, which is poised to transform the consumer goods sector by harnessing the power of green chemistry.
Her method of converting mining byproducts to zeolite LTA – which can remove contaminants from water that cause hardness – will be commercialised.
Her post-doctoral research examines how to break down dangerous ‘forever chemicals’ into benign ones.
Altogether, Katrina’s work is a possible foundation for reducing global contamination.
Dr Wrick is a proud Mabuigilaig and Goemulgal woman who has long advocated for First Nations knowledge.
