Good Design Australia has appointed Governor-General Sam Mostyn as patron of the organisation.
Mostyn will officially take over the role as patron at the 2025 Australian Good Design Awards Ceremony at ICC Sydney on October 17, 2025.
Her appointment comes at a crucial time as global economies transition to a low-carbon future and address social concerns including ageing populations, affordable housing and the impacts of climate change.
“Design is one of our most powerful tools for solving complex challenges and imagining new opportunities and possibilities,” Mostyn said.
The organisation noted that design-related industries contribute about $67.5 billion per year to the Australian economy, representing more than 3.5 per cent of GDP, equivalent to the size of the construction industry.
Among the patron’s roles is to select and award the Michael Bryce Patron’s Award for Australian Design.
The award recognises an Australian-designed project that demonstrates excellence in design and innovation and has the potential to have a significant impact on the nation’s quality of life.
“With a distinguished career spanning corporate leadership, policy advice, social impact, sustainability and gender equality, the Governor-General is uniquely placed to support and help showcase the role of design across every sector of Australia’s economy and society,” Jan Owen, outgoing patron of Good Design Australia, said.
“Under the Governor-General’s patronage, Good Design Australia will expand its efforts to recognise, reward and promote design capability, foster cross-sector collaboration, and highlight the critical role design plays in shaping a better future for Australia.”
Meanwhile, submission of entries for the Australian Good Design Awards will close on May 2, 2025.