Kiama’s 2022 Australian of the year - Maria Baiden
Kiama Council has announced lay Marist Maria Baiden as Australia Day Citizen of the Year for 2022.
Maria has received the Award for her humanitarian efforts with Rosemary Kariuki (Local Hero Australian of the Year 2022), welcoming vulnerable migrant women and their families to her farm in Gerringong.
The pair’s humanitarian work has received worldwide attention thanks to the documentary film “Rosemary’s Way”.
The award also recognises Maria’s progressive approaches to animal husbandry and land management.
Maria and husband Gerhard maintain a strong emphasis on animal ethics in managing their Wagyu beef cattle herd on their Rose Valley property.
This progressive approach has also seen the establishment of a rainforest reserve on their land, featuring more than 500 native plants, with the support of local Landcare groups and the Aboriginal community.
Maria Baden is the former leader of Marist Laity Australia. Maria played a foundational part in establishing Marist Laity Australia in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Maria continues to play an active role in Marist Laity Australia.
Maria has also been an active promoter of Christian meditation. Over the years running many Christian meditation groups and initiatives in her local Kiama area.
We congratulate Maria for all her work and recognise her deep connections between her Social Justice work and her spirituality.
In January 2026, Maria decided to step down from the Marist Way Committee. Since its foundation in 2003, she has played a pivotal role in its development. Thank you, Maria, for all that you do and continue to do as a Lay Marist.
(Audio Available)
