Three respected community leaders have been announced as finalists for the 2025 National NAIDOC Female Elder of the Year Award, which will be presented at Saturday's awards ceremony in Boorloo (Perth).

The annual honour recognises an Elder who has made a significant contribution to their community and to advancing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

This year's finalists are Aunty Rosalie Kickett, Aunty Eleanor Bourke and Aunty Ellen Trevorrow — each an outstanding candidate in their own right.

Aunty Eleanor Bourke, a Wergaia and Wamba Wamba Elder, is currently chair of the Yoorrook Justice Commission — Australia's first truth-telling body. Over a decades-long career, she has played a key role in Aboriginal research, human rights, and development. She's also served as both a member and Co-Chair of the Victorian Aboriginal Treaty Working Group and helped guide the establishment of the First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria.

"It is humbling and also a great honour to be nominated for this award alongside Rosalie Kickett and Ellen Trevorrow, both of whom have made incredible lifelong contributions to Aboriginal rights, culture and community," Aunty Eleanor said.

Aunty Ellen Trevorrow is a Senior Ngarrindjeri Elder who, alongside her late husband Tom, helped establish Camp Coorong — a cultural education centre — in the early 1980s.

A highly respected weaver with more than 40 years of experience, her dedication to preserving and teaching Ngarrindjeri culture has earned recognition both in Australia and internationally, with her work exhibited in major institutions.

Also nominated is Aunty Rosalie Kickett, a proud Wilman, Beelya, Ballardong, Menang, Bibbulmen Nyoongar Nation Yok, whose work focuses on empowering Aboriginal people — especially those who are incarcerated.

Armed with an associate degree in mental health and counselling, Aunty Rosalie travels widely to deliver vital training in Aboriginal mental health and suicide prevention.

She also serves as a Lifeline Australia National First Nations Family and Domestic Violence Subject Matter Expert, working to ensure women in community are safe, supported and heard.

The winner will be announced at the National NAIDOC Awards Ceremony on Saturday, July 5.