2025 Australia’s Local Hero, Hannah Costello, visited Islamic School of Canberra before the end of Term 3, to inspire students and announce the school’s Aussie of the Month.
As special guest for the assembly, Hannah shared her story and the impact of Café Stepping Stone, a Canberra-based social enterprise that provides pathways and community for migrant and refugee women, co-founded with fellow Australia’s Local Hero, Vanessa Brettell. For supporting women with employment, training and a sense of belonging, Hannah and Vanessa were recognised in the Australian of the Year Awards.
Hannah addressed and engaged with students, before she announced student, Taseen, as Aussie of the Month, which was met with huge applause.
Also in attendance was Nicole Harman and Georgie Priddis from the National Australia Day Council, the organisation that presents the Australian of the Year Awards, and Naheed Hafiz, Community Liaison Officer at the Department of Home Affairs, Aussie of the Month program partner.
Australian of the Year Alumni school visits are made possible due to the affiliation between the Australian of the Year Awards and Aussie of the Month, and so are exclusive to Aussie of the Month schools. To sign up to program, click here.
