Media Release Kodie Mason, a Dharawal leader from the La Perouse Aboriginal community, has been named Young Sydneysider of the Year at the 2025 Sydney Awards.
“What drives me is Aboriginal people didn’t have a lot of freedoms, they didn’t get opportunities to go to school, to go to work, they weren’t allowed to have businesses,” she said.
“The treatment they went through has always been in the back of my mind, and how lucky I am to live here today.
“Anything I did for work, I wanted it to be for our people and making our lives better. That’s why I chose to do my degree in policy, because that’s where I think we can make the most change.
Kodie Mason works on Closing the Gap policy as a Senior Policy Officer at the NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (AECG), ensuring Aboriginal voices are heard in all levels of policy. She is also the founder of Malima, a social enterprise focused on preserving Indigenous culture.
Kaija Bunton, Kodie’s mum, said: “There’s so many things I’m proud of Kodie for – how inspiring she is, not only to me or our family, but for the wider community. Younger generations look up to her and really see that you can achieve your goals.”
The Committee for Sydney’s Young Sydneysider of the Year Award, supported by KPMG, celebrates emerging leaders who are doing the work to make Sydney the best city in the world.
Eamon Waterford, CEO of the Committee for Sydney, said: “Kodie stands at the intersection of tradition and transformation – honouring her ancestors while creating pathways for generations to come.”
“Her unwavering commitment to preserving and passing on cultural knowledge and championing change on behalf of her community makes her a young Sydneysider who’s already making profound difference. Absolutely one to watch.”
Doug Ferguson, NSW Chair and Head of Asia & International Markets at KPMG, said: “As an Elevate RAP partner and a long-term supporter of Jawun, KPMG is thrilled to see Kodie win this prestigious youth award. We applaud her determined vision and celebrate her success with her family and community of supporters.”
Professor Leonie Tickle, Executive Dean of Macquarie Business School, said: “Kodie Mason’s leadership is inspiring a new generation – she is preserving culture, empowering community, and showing what’s possible when tradition and innovation come together for lasting impact.”
Reflecting on her work, Kodie credits the time learning at her pop’s side for the cultural knowledge that underpins so much of her impact and career.
“I grew up learning from my pop, he has a lot of cultural knowledge he’s been able to share with me – he calls it ‘bush school.’
“I’ve been learning weaving, learning all about native plants, a lot about our family and where we come from, our stories.
“I’ve been able to use that knowledge that I’ve learnt from him, and share it.
“To be able to do the work that I do, whether that’s through Malima or through my work with the government, everything that I do is about empowering my community, and preserving my knowledge and culture.”
Designed to celebrate people whose efforts make Sydney the greatest city in the world, there are five categories: Sydneysider of the Year, Young Sydneysider of the Year, Project of the Year, Local Project of the Year, and Unsung Hero.
The judging panel for the awards included:
- Kate Russell, CEO of Supply Nation
- Chris Minns, Premier of NSW
- Beau Neilson, Owner and Operator of The Vanguard
- Mark Speakman, NSW Liberal Leader
- Usman Iftikhar, CEO of Catalysr
- Gabrielle Trainor AO, Pro Chancellor of Western Sydney University
- Professor Leonie Tickle, Executive Dean of Macquarie Business School
- Nicholas Hansen, Deputy Editor of The Daily Telegraph
- Christine Covington, Consultant and Head of Gender Equality at Corrs Chambers Westgarth
- Gail Connolly PSM, CEO of City of Parramatta.
The Sydney Awards are supported by major partner Macquarie Business School, media partner The Daily Telegraph, and award sponsors Aurecon, Australian Unity, Aqualand, Coles, Endeavour Energy and KPMG.