Australian of the Year

For more than four decades, Carmel Crouch has helped thousands of people with disability gain skills, find work and live independently because she believed in their potential. 

A founding board member of STEPS Group Australia in 1989, and managing director of STEPS Group of Companies, Carmel helped transform a small community organisation into a national leader in training, employment, disability and mental health support services. Under her leadership, STEPS pioneered the only Australian independence college of its kind, STEPS Pathways College. Here, students with disability and autism are empowered to build the skills and confidence needed for lifelong independence.  

Carmel has broadened her impact to migrants, refugees, First Nations communities, and through a string of social enterprises. Carmel has proven time and time again that bringing the right partners together can turn complex social challenges into practical opportunities that strengthen communities, improve individuals' sense of belonging, self-realisation and wellbeing.