Australian of the Year Awards

Congratulations to the 2026 NSW Australian of the Year Award recipients!

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

The Australia Day Council of NSW congratulates the 2026 NSW Australian of the Year recipients who were announced at a ceremony at The Calyx, Botanic Gardens of Sydney on Monday, 10 November 2025.

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 above from left to right:

• 2026 NSW Local Hero - Theresa Mitchell, Carer for the Homeless

Theresa Mitchell cares for people who are homeless or in crisis, providing a compassionate lifeline for people who’ve fallen through the gaps 

• 2026 NSW Senior Australian of the Year - Professor Henry Brodaty AO, Dementia Treatment Pioneer

Professor Henry Brodaty is transforming the diagnosis, care and prevention of dementia – improving countless lives, both in Australia and around the world.

• 2026 NSW Australian of the Year - Dr Alison Thompson OAM, Global Humanitarian

Dr Alison Thompson has deployed over 30,000 volunteers to the world’s worst disaster zones – bringing humanitarian assistance and medical aid to over 18 million people.  

• 2026 NSW Young Australian of the Year - Nedd Brockmann, Ultramarathon Runner for Homelessness

Nedd Brockmann, a then 23-year-old electrician from Forbes, had a goal – to run across Australia and inspire people to do more for themselves and the homeless.  

The NSW recipients will join the recipients from other states and territories at the national Australian of the Year Awards ceremony, where the national award recipients will be announced in Canberra on Sunday, 25 January 2026.

For more information, visit australianoftheyear.org.au.

Nominate now for the 2027 Australian of the Year Awards!

Nominate someone who inspires you with their extraordinary achievements, significant contributions to the community and challenges us all to make our own contributions! 

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 2027 Awards close 31 July 2026. 

Pictured above 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.