Who Is Nova Peris? Age, Biography and Wiki
As of 2025, Nova Peris is 54 years old. She was born in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia, and gained prominence as one of Australia's most talented athletes in both basketball and athletics. Notably, she is celebrated for being the first Aboriginal Australian woman to compete in the Olympics and to be elected to the Australian Senate. Her journey reflects her resilience and dedication to both her sporting career and her commitment to social issues, particularly those affecting Indigenous Australians.
| Occupation | Field Hockey Player |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 25, 1971 |
| Age | 54 Years |
| Birth Place | Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia |
| Horoscope | Pisces |
| Country | Australia |
Popularity
Nova Peris's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Nova Peris stands tall at 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm). Her athletic background as an elite sportswoman contributes to her well-maintained physique. While specifics about her weight and measurements are not publicly disclosed, her active lifestyle certainly indicates a healthy body composition.
Peris has actively supported the Australian Republic Movement (ARM) since 1999, serving as one of its two Deputy Chairs by 2022, and its co-chair from March 2023.
However, by May 2024, she had resigned from the role, saying it had become untenable whilst co-chair, footballer and human rights activist Craig Foster, was making "inaccurate and divisive public statements" regarding Israel and Gaza.
She has been a vocal supporter of Israel, of the Australian Jewish Community, and has been recently noted for her public advocacy against antisemitism.
Peris also argued that the Australian Aboriginal flag has been "misappropriated" by Palestine supporters in the Gaza war protests, a claim challenged by indigenous senator Lidia Thorpe and indigenous academic Chelsea Watego, who noted the history of Aboriginal-Palestinian solidarity in the framework of understanding settler colonialism.
In a 2024 interview with Sky News Australia, she defended her decision to resign from ARM by saying:"'I have a duty I feel as an Aboriginal person who has always stood against all forms of racial discrimination, and I hate the rise of anti-Semitism in this country and I feel for the Jewish people and everyone who has been affected...'"Peris told th
e Times of Israel that she could not "just sit back and see young Jewish kids being attacked the way that they are".
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Nova Peris tends to keep her personal life private. As of 2025, she is believed to be in a relationship, but detailed information about her boyfriend is not widely available. Having previously been married, Nova has children and often reflects on how family plays a crucial role in her life and career.
Her biological father was Indigenous rights activist John Christophersen, although she had no contact with him between the ages of 2 and 16. Her mother, Joan, had been removed from her own mother, and raised in the Catholic mission on Melville Island, as one of the Stolen Generations.
She lived with her family in a Housing Commission unit in Fannie Bay, an inner northern suburb; though her family descends from the Gija people people of East Kimberley, the Yawuru people of West Kimberley and the Muran Clan of the Iwatja people of West Arnhem Land.
She is said to have frequently ran away from school, with sport being her main interest. At age 13, she gave ups athletics when she was selected for the national schoolgirl hockey team.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Nova Peris's net worth is estimated to be around $2 million USD. This figure stems from her dual careers in sports and politics. Her earnings include a salary from her role as a politician and various endorsements she might have received during her athletic career.
Career, Business and Investments
Nova Peris's career began on the sports field, where she shone as a star athlete in the 400m and as a basketball player. Transitioning into politics, she was elected to represent the Northern Territory in the Australian Senate, advocating for Indigenous rights and policies. In addition to her political career, Nova has been involved in several businesses and initiatives aimed at supporting young Indigenous Australians in sports and education.
The Northern Territory News obtained, what they claimed were private emails of now Senator Peris, in October 2014. The newspaper claimed she was conducting an affair with another athlete, and had had sought government funding to arrange a trip together. No evidence was ever produced for the allegations and claims about hacked emails were later dismissed by Federal Police.
Social Network
Nova Peris is active on various social media platforms, including Twitter and Instagram, where she engages with her followers by sharing insights into her life, professional updates, and advocacy work. Her social media presence serves to inspire many, and she often highlights issues related to Indigenous communities and sports.
Although she has left Parliamentary politics, Peris has stayed involved in several high-level political causes, such as the 2023 Voice to Paraliament referendum. In speeches and in an opinion piece, she argued the reform would include Indigenous Australians in national life more. In 2023, she was one of several high-profile Indigenous Australians calling for reparations.
Education
Nova Peris attended St. Philip's College in Alice Springs before embarking on her athletic career. Although specific details about her higher education are limited, her experiences in both athletics and politics have undoubtedly enriched her understanding of social issues, enhancing her contributions to Australian society.
