Professor Deborah Cheetham Fraillon AO

Soprano, composer and arts pioneer

2025 VIC Australian of the Year Nominee

Professor Deborah Cheetham Fraillon AO is a Yorta Yorta/Yuin soprano, composer and educator who has been a leader and pioneer in Australia for 35 years. 

Deborah champions the voice and visibility of Indigenous musicians through her achievements as artistic director of Short Black Opera Company, Dhungala Children’s Choir and as First Nations Creative Chair of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. 

In 2010, Deborah created Australia’s first Indigenous opera, Pecan Summer, and has composed for ensembles and artists around Australia.  In 2018, Deborah established the One Day In January project to nurture Indigenous orchestral musicians and Ensemble Dutala, Australia’s First Nations chamber ensemble. 

Her achievements have been recognised with significant awards including the Don Banks Music Award, Queensland Government – Australian Women in Music Lifetime Achievement Award, the JC Williamson Lifetime Achievement Award and an Honorary Doctorate from University of South Australia. In 2014, Deborah was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia.