The Australian of the Year award goes to….two people today!
Craig Challen and Richard Harris were both up for the Australian of the Year award today for their brave efforts in rescuing the Thai soccer team that was trapped in a cave for two weeks last year.
The awards committee, which gave out the award last night, praised both men equally for their “selflessness, courage and willingness to help others”, resulting in both men winning the award due to their work with the diving crews that saved the boys.
Craig Challen & Richard Harris have been cave diving partners for years
It’s the first time that the award has been won by more than two people, with you’re grandparents favourite rockers The Seekers taking out the honors in 1967.
The list of duties performed by the two men is truly mental and reads like something out of a Matthew Reilly novel.
Both stayed in the underwater cave system for three days when the rescue occurred, with Harris swimming the length of the cave system, performed medical checks on the children and administered anaesthetic to each of them, whilst Challen transported the children to safety.
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Other winners from last night’s ceremony included Indigenous rapper Baker Boy (Young Australian of the Year), Dr Suzanne Packer, for her work championing children’s rights (Senior Australian of the Year) & Kate and Tick Everett, founders of the Dolly’s Dream anti bullying organisation (local hero award).
Marryunna, the break-out single from Baker Boy, which came in at #17 on last year’s Hottest 100
In partnership with Grill Mates and Stubb’s BBQ Sauce.
As the final notes rang out across the Byron Events Farm on Easter Sunday, Bluesfest 2025 cemented itself as one of the most memorable editions in the festival’s rich 35-year history. Across four sun-drenched days from April 17 to 20, over 80 acts delivered pure magic to thousands of music lovers — but it wasn’t just the music that had tongues wagging.
This year, the sweet, smoky scent of southern BBQ became an unofficial stage, thanks to a crowd-pleasing activation from Grill Mates and Stubb’s BBQ Sauce. The sizzling pop-up was impossible to miss (or resist), with festival-goers lining up for smoked beef briskets and barbecued chicken flavoured with Stubb's sauces and Grill Mates seasonings. The combo of bold flavours and good vibes made the BBQ tent one of the most talked-about hangouts of the weekend — the unofficial meeting point for mates between sets and the perfect pairing for a cold one in hand.
Musically, Bluesfest 2025 delivered the goods in spades. From the legendary Chaka Khan’s soul-drenched set on Sunday night to the thunderous riffs of Tom Morello on Friday, there was no shortage of jaw-dropping moments. Crowded House returned home to a rapturous welcome, playing to a packed-out crowd who sang every lyric like gospel. Vance Joy, ever the crowd-pleaser, delivered a golden hour set that felt tailor-made for Byron’s balmy autumn air, while The Cat Empire brought their signature genre-blending energy to a sweaty, stomping dance floor.
Gary Clark Jr. was a standout, melting faces and hearts with a set that swung from blues to psychedelic rock to gospel, while local legends like CW Stoneking and King Stingray kept the Aussie roots strong and soulful.
The weather, too, came to the party — delivering that perfect Byron blend of warm days and cool, clear nights. It was gumboots-optional all weekend, with sunsets casting a golden glow over the hills and punters sprawled on picnic blankets, sipping local brews and soaking in the soundtrack.
But more than just a festival, Bluesfest has always been about community — and this year that spirit felt stronger than ever. Whether you were front row for your favourite artist, vibing in the dance tent, or swapping stories over pulled pork and coleslaw, there was an unmistakable feeling of connection and celebration.
And just as the last amps cooled down, organisers gave fans something else to cheer about: the announcement that Bluesfest will return in 2026. After a few turbulent years and whispers about the festival’s future, it’s official — the music (and BBQ) will play on.
In partnership with Grill Mates and Stubb’s BBQ Sauce.
As the final notes rang out across the Byron Events Farm on Easter Sunday, Bluesfest 2025 cemented itself as one of the most memorable editions in the festival’s rich 35-year history. Across four sun-drenched days from April 17 to 20, over 80 acts delivered pure magic to thousands of music lovers — but it wasn’t just the music that had tongues wagging.
This year, the sweet, smoky scent of southern BBQ became an unofficial stage, thanks to a crowd-pleasing activation from Grill Mates and Stubb’s BBQ Sauce. The sizzling pop-up was impossible to miss (or resist), with festival-goers lining up for smoked beef briskets and barbecued chicken flavoured with Stubb's sauces and Grill Mates seasonings. The combo of bold flavours and good vibes made the BBQ tent one of the most talked-about hangouts of the weekend — the unofficial meeting point for mates between sets and the perfect pairing for a cold one in hand.
Musically, Bluesfest 2025 delivered the goods in spades. From the legendary Chaka Khan’s soul-drenched set on Sunday night to the thunderous riffs of Tom Morello on Friday, there was no shortage of jaw-dropping moments. Crowded House returned home to a rapturous welcome, playing to a packed-out crowd who sang every lyric like gospel. Vance Joy, ever the crowd-pleaser, delivered a golden hour set that felt tailor-made for Byron’s balmy autumn air, while The Cat Empire brought their signature genre-blending energy to a sweaty, stomping dance floor.
Gary Clark Jr. was a standout, melting faces and hearts with a set that swung from blues to psychedelic rock to gospel, while local legends like CW Stoneking and King Stingray kept the Aussie roots strong and soulful.
The weather, too, came to the party — delivering that perfect Byron blend of warm days and cool, clear nights. It was gumboots-optional all weekend, with sunsets casting a golden glow over the hills and punters sprawled on picnic blankets, sipping local brews and soaking in the soundtrack.
But more than just a festival, Bluesfest has always been about community — and this year that spirit felt stronger than ever. Whether you were front row for your favourite artist, vibing in the dance tent, or swapping stories over pulled pork and coleslaw, there was an unmistakable feeling of connection and celebration.
And just as the last amps cooled down, organisers gave fans something else to cheer about: the announcement that Bluesfest will return in 2026. After a few turbulent years and whispers about the festival’s future, it’s official — the music (and BBQ) will play on.
