MEDIA RELEASE
MONDAY 26 JUNE 2023
WHO WILL YOU NOMINATE FOR THE 2024 AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR AWARDS?
IT’S UP TO YOU!
Nominations close midnight Monday 31 July 2023
australianoftheyear.org.au
Did you know the only way a person can be considered for the Australian of the Year Awards is if a member of the public submits a nomination for them?
No matter how well known an individual’s contributions or achievements may be, without a nomination submitted by a member of the public, they will not be in the running.
Now is your chance to tell the National Australia Day Council who you think should be considered for the 2024 awards.
Nominations for the 2024 Australian of the Year Awards will close at midnight AEST on Monday 31 July 2023.
Nominating is easy and can be done online at australianoftheyear.org.au
There are four categories in the awards:
- Australian of the Year
- Senior Australian of the Year (aged 65 years and over)
- Young Australian of the Year (aged 16-30 years)
- Australia’s Local Hero
Chair of the National Australia Day Council, Mr John Foreman OAM, said it only takes one nomination for an individual to be considered for the Awards.
“The Awards are not a popularity contest, they are judged solely on merit, so one nomination is all that’s needed for someone to be a candidate,” said Mr Foreman.
“For 63 years, the Australian of the Year Awards have celebrated exceptional Australians and 2024 could be the year your nomination adds a new name to the honour roll.
“From nominations received, the Awards program recognises 128 people around the country before announcing recipients for each category in all states and territories. The four national recipients are then decided, so your nomination could have a big impact for someone whose story should be shared.
“It’s very simple to submit a nomination and you don’t need to know the person you’re nominating; you just need to tell us a little about what they do and why they’re special.
“Help us find the next group of inspiring Australians – submit your nomination now.”
Criteria
Nominations must be for:
- A living person (unfortunately posthumous awards cannot be granted)
- Australian citizens
When submitting your nomination, consider the selection criteria which includes:
- An inspirational role model for the Australian community
- Demonstrated excellence in their field
- The Local Hero award acknowledges a significant contribution at local community level
There are useful tips for nominating here: https://www.australianoftheyear.org.au/nominate/
If you have difficulty speaking or understanding English, call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) on 131 450 for the cost of a local call. TIS National operates nationally and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for over 160 languages and dialects.
How the Awards process works
The Awards program culminates in the national presentation on 25 January 2024, when four people are announced as Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year and Australia’s Local Hero.
However, the Awards program recognises 128 people around the country each year through the state and territory awards process:
- Once nominations close, each state and territory selects up to four nominees in each award category
- In October-November, the state and territory recipients are announced
- These recipients then become finalists for the national Awards which are announced on the evening of 25 January 2024
- The Awards program is run by the National Australia Day Council. The State & Territory awards are decided by judging panels in each state/territory. The national Awards are decided by the Board of the National Australia Day Council.
- The Prime Minister is invited to announce the Awards on 25 January each year, but has no role in the decision process.
Nominate now at australianoftheyear.org.au by midnight AEST Monday 31 July 2023.
ENDS.
Media enquiries and interview requests: Nicole Browne, media opps 0414 673 762 nicole@mediaopps.com.au
Photos of the 2023 Australian of the Year Award Recipients downloadable at link (please credit as noted)
John Foreman - Bio
John Foreman OAM was recently appointed Chair of the National Australia Day Council, following Danielle Roche OAM who served six years in the role. John is a musical director, event director, pianist and composer. He is the man behind many of the biggest events in Australian entertainment. Currently, John can be seen in the upcoming Aussie Pops Orchestra’s Leading Ladies concert with Casey Donovan, Caroline O’Connor and Silvie Paladino in Sydney on August 5 and Melbourne’s Hamer Hall on August 12 2023.