Each year our nation celebrates the diverse and remarkable contributions of extraordinary Australians through the Australian of the Year Awards.
Australians of the Year inspire us through their achievements and challenge us to make our own contribution to creating a better Australia.
2022 nominations now open
Nominations for the 2022 Australian of the Year are now open.
If there's someone you think should be considered, you can nominate them via the Australian of the Year website.
Nominations received after 31 July will be considered for the 2023 Australian of the Year.

2021 recipients
Pictured are:
- 2021 NSW Young Australian of the Year – Nathan Parker
- 2021 NSW Local Hero – Rosemary Kariuki
- 2021 NSW Australian of the Year – Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons AFSM
- 2021 NSW Senior Australian of the Year – Aunty Isabel Reid
Visit the Australian of the Year website to learn more about the 2021 finalists and previous winners.
Tip
Take the time to check that your nominee meets the eligibility criteria.
Tour of Honour
Since 2010, NSW has supported a ‘Tour of Honour’ for NSW or national recipients of the Australian of the Year Awards. The tour brings recipients of the nation’s most respected honour to school students and community members around NSW, and provides an opportunity to promote the Australian of the Year Awards program.
2019 Tour of Honour
The 2019 Tour of Honour took NSW recipients Kurt Fearnley AO (NSW Australian of the Year), Heather Lee OAM (Senior) and Sophie Smith (Local Hero) to the regional NSW town of Maitland. The group visited Bolwarra Public School, Maitland High School, Opal nursing home and Maitland PCYC.
2017 Tour of Honour
The 2017 Tour of Honour took NSW recipients Deng Adut (NSW Australian of the Year), Dr John Knight AM (Senior), Arthur Alla (Young) and Josephine Peter (Local Hero) to the far western NSW town of Broken Hill. In addition to school visits, the group participated in a School of the Air lesson, visited nursing homes and met Royal Flying Doctor Service staff.
2016 Tour of Honour
The 2016 Tour of Honour took NSW recipients Elizabeth Broderick AO (NSW Australian of the Year), Professor Gordian Fulde AO (Senior), Melissa Abu-Gazaleh (Young) and Dr Catherine Keenan (Local Hero) to the North Coast of NSW for three days to visit schools, Port Macquarie Base Hospital and the then-brand-new UNSW Medical Research and Education facility.