Two months ago we saw the Western Australian nominees announced at Government House. Now we farewell them to Canberra.  They each take inspiration for the nation with them. 

The Australian of the Year Awards have been recognising Australian spirit since 1960.  One hundred years earlier the building in which we now gather first opened. The Constitutional Centre of Western Australia started as the first secondary school in Western Australia in 1858. 

The Albanese Labor Government is committed to supporting families, children and communities in the Northern Territory and to help address the disproportionate rates of gender-based violence in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

In an effort to stop violence before it starts, three new community-led Men’s Wellness Centres will be established in the Top End to provide support for First Nations men and boys with multiple and complex needs to recognise signs of healthy and unhealthy relationships.

SENATOR THE HON KATY GALLAGHER, MINISTER FOR GOVERNMENT SERVICES: I've just come straight from Government House this morning, where I've been sworn in as the Minister for Government Services, a really important portfolio and I'm so thrilled to have it have responsibility for it. Government Services is one of those portfolios that touches probably every Australian one way or another, through Medicare or through Centrelink payments or through child support. So, it's a really important way that Australians interact with government.

It is one week until Australia Day 2025 and all Australians are encouraged to visit www.australiaday.org.au to find local events and plan their day. 

The Australian Government has provided financial support for more than 750 Australia Day 2025 community events in every state and territory. 

ROSS SOLLY, HOST: Just before we came off air yesterday morning, we told you that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had announced his reshuffle. I had to do a double take, because the first thing I was told was that ACT Senator Katy Gallagher had managed to get herself a new portfolio and I thought, that can’t be right, because she’s already got about 26 of them. But yes indeed, she’s had Government Services added to Finance, Public Service, Women and a whole heap of other things. Senator Katy Gallagher joins us this morning. Good morning, Senator.

The Albanese and Cook Labor Governments are investing $6 million to expand First Nations tourism in Western Australia, ensuring more visitors can connect with the rich culture and stories of Aboriginal communities.

The Albanese Government is co-investing $17 million through Strategic Indigenous Tourism Projects (SITP) with states and territories to grow First Nations tourism around the country.

In Western Australia, this includes supporting the popular Camping with Custodians (CwC) program, part of the state’s Jina: Western Australian Aboriginal Tourism Action Plan.

LYRELLA COUZENS, HOST: So, despite the CLP coming to power with a pledge of $180 million for domestic violence services, that funding hasn't really been seen on the ground. And already, tragically, one woman has died this year, allegedly at the hands of her partner in Alice Springs. So, advocates are now saying, well, look, if this money doesn't hit the ground and start to flow soon, we are going to see more deaths. Senator for the Northern Territory, the Minister for indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy, you're hearing the urgency there from advocates.

Topics: 50th Connected Beginnings site for First Nations children,  Remote Jobs and Economic Development Program, Closing the Gap.

GIULIA BERTOGLIO, ABC KUNUNURRA: Why are you here in Kununurra today?

Topics: Community media, Remote Jobs and Economic Development Program, First Nations tourism, Connected Beginnings site for First Nations children in Kununurra, Closing the Gap.

SCOTTY DAY, HOST: The reason that we’ve hung around a little bit is to say a very good morning and welcome back to Kununurra for the Senator, the Honourable Malarndirri McCarthy, a very good morning to you, Senator. How are you?

The Albanese Government has expanded the successful Connected Beginnings program to 50 communities across Australia, helping more First Nations children thrive in the crucial early years.

Minister for Early Childhood Education Dr Anne Aly and Minister for Indigenous Australians Senator Malarndirri McCarthy today announced $2.4 million for Binarri-binyja yarrawoo Aboriginal Corporation Limited to deliver the Connected Beginnings program in Kununurra, Western Australia.