Australian of the Year Awards

Nominate now for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards!

Each year, our nation celebrates the diverse and remarkable contributions of exceptional Australians through the Australian of the Year Awards.

Australians of the Year inspire us with their extraordinary achievements, significant contributions to our nation or community and challenge us to make our own contribution to creating a better Australia.

The Australian of the Year Awards relies entirely on public nominations!

"Extraordinary Australians are all around us but if we don't know about them, they can't be recognised. When you see them or hear about them, nominate them so we can consider them."

National Australia Day Council Chair, John Foreman AM

We encourage you to nominate and spotlight the extraordinary Australians among us - the local legends and changemakers whose efforts have significantly enriched our communities and inspire others through their actions.

Nominations are open across 4 categories: 

• • • Australian of the Year, celebrating the achievements and contributions of eminent Australians who are role models for us all. Open to all Australians over 16.
    • Senior Australian of the Year, recognising those Australians ages 65 and over who continue to achieve and make a difference. 
    • Young Australian of the Year, celebrating inspiring 16- to 30-year-olds who have accomplished great thinks in all walks of life. 
    • Australia's Local Hero, acknowledging individuals making a difference at the local level in their communities.

Nominating is easy and can be done by anyone. Head to australianoftheyear.org.au for more information and submit the details of someone you know.

Nominations are open all year round, nominations for the 2026 Awards close 31 July 2025. 

Congratulations to the 2025 NSW Australian of the Year Award recipients!

The 2025 NSW Australians of the Year were announced at a ceremony at Sydney’s Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) on Wednesday, 15 November 2024.

These incredible Aussies were honoured for inspiring us through their incredible achievements and challenging us to make our own contribution to creating a better Australia.

Pictured from left to right

• 2025 NSW Local Hero - Martha Jabour OAM, co-founder of the Homicide Victims Support Group.
• 2025 NSW Australian of the Year - Kath Koschel, founder of Kindness Factory.
• 2025 NSW Senior of the Year - Dr Karl Kruszelnicki AM, science enthusiast and educator.
• 2025 NSW Young Australian of the Year - Maddison O'Grady, mental health advocate and researcher.

NSW’s Australian of the Year recipients will join recipients from other states and territories for the national awards ceremony where the national award recipients will be announced in Canberra on January 25 the eve of Australia Day.

For more information, visit australianoftheyear.org.au.