judging panel:
Sheryl Hedges

Assistant Secretary Sheryl Hedges is a trailblazing senior executive serving as the head of the First Nations Water Branch within the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.

As a proud Walbanga/Walbunja woman, Sheryl brings a unique perspective, unparalleled dedication, and a wealth of experience to her role as a leader and advocate for First Nations communities.

Sheryl started her journey as a dedicated public servant with a distinguished career in law enforcement. Prior to her current role, she served as a Detective Sergeant in the Australian Federal Police, where her tenacity, intellect, and commitment to justice earned her recognition and respect among her peers. Her unwavering determination to make a difference led her to additionally serve her country as a Captain in the Australian Army Reserve, where she demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and a deep sense of duty.

Sheryl is actively engaged in shaping policies and initiatives aimed at improving better outcomes for First Nations peoples with a specific focus on creating improved water access, management, and ownership for First Nations individuals in the Murray-Darling Basin and throughout Australia.

In addition to her impressive career, Sheryl is a die hard Sydney Swans loyalist, a Eurovision Song Contest tragic, and an avid supporter of education and mentorship programs, inspiring the next generation to pursue their dreams and make a difference in their communities. Her legacy is not just in the policies she shapes or the positions she holds but in the lives she positively influences every day.