Otis Hope Carey announced as 2025 Children’s Day ambassador

Renowned artist and former professional surfer Otis Hope Carey will lead celebrations for National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day 2025.

SNAICC – National Voice for our Children announced the appointment ahead of this year’s campaign, which will celebrate the strength, stories and voices of First Nations children across the country.

As a celebrated painter, former surfing champion and father of three, Carey brings a powerful blend of creative expression, cultural pride and lived experience to the role. His deep connection to Country, shaped through his art, surfing and storytelling, reflects the rich and continuing traditions of his Gumbaynggirr and Bundjalung heritage.

“Children’s Day is a time to reflect on our kids’ strength and resilience, and to celebrate their voices, their rights and their futures,” SNAICC said in a statement. “We are beyond thrilled to welcome Otis as our 2025 ambassador, and we look forward to sharing his heart, art and story.”

Grounded in culture and community

Carey’s early learning journey began at Kulai Preschool Aboriginal Corporation, a community-led service on Gumbaynggirr Country that has provided culturally strong education to generations of children since 1961.

Led by his mother, Aunty Julie Carey, the preschool is known for its commitment to embedding Aboriginal language and traditions in everyday learning, a legacy that continues to influence Otis’ art and parenting.

Now, as ambassador, Carey will use his profile and storytelling to help champion the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and to promote this year’s Children’s Day theme across the country. 

SNAICC said it was “beyond thrilled” to welcome Carey to the role and looked forward to sharing his heart, art and story throughout this year’s campaign. 

For more on National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day, visit: www.aboriginalchildrensday.com.au

SNAICC encourages early learning services to download free resources, hold local events, and promote the day’s message with children and families.

To find out more about this year’s campaign, visit: www.aboriginalchildrensday.com.au