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

Mr Harris has been 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 strong public advocate on issues relating to youth mental health and wellbeing.

“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,” he says.

“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.

“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.”

He is currently 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 actively mentors younger Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders.

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.

Other award recipients include:

• Loga Gandhi, who received the Young Achiever Award for transforming her experience of hardship into leadership and advocacy.  
• Alice Groenhout, who received the Arts and Multimedia Award for her achievements in photography, music, and activism.  
• Dakota Thorne, a world champion powerlifter who received the Personal Achievement Award for overcoming severe injury to achieve record-breaking success, while mentoring children with disability. 
• Rebecca Price, who 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.