Australian of the Year

Review the four award categories and pick the one that best fits your nominee.

• Australian of the Year – Open to all Australians aged 16 and over who are role models in any field.
• Senior Australian of the Year – Celebrates those aged 65 and over who continue to make a significant impact.
• Young Australian of the Year – Recognises 16 to 30-year-olds driving change and inspiring others.
• Australia’s Local Hero – Highlights individuals making a difference at the local community level.

Note: We may move your nomination to a more appropriate category.

Check your nominee meets age and citizenship requirements, and award guidelines.

• Are they Australian? Your nominee must be an Australian citizen and at least 16 years old by 26 January.
• No self-nominations – You can’t nominate yourself.
• Political roles – Sitting politicians or current vice-regal officers can’t be nominated. Retired officials may be considered if they’re making a difference outside their former duties.
• Individual focus – These Awards highlight individual achievements; groups or couples are usually not eligible.
• Unfortunately, Awards will not be given posthumously. 
• Multiple nominations – One nomination is enough! Extra nominations don’t improve the nominee’s chance of being selected.
• What the panel look for – Someone who has made a significant contribution to Australia or community, excels in their field and inspires others through their actions. 
• See additional information on eligibility and guidelines. 

Share their basic information, highlight their achievements and attach relevant documents.

• Nominee details – Provide their name, state/territory and other information including any attachments or links (it’s okay if you don’t have everything).
• Tell their story – Explain why your nominee stands out, how they excel in their field and the difference they’ve made in their community or beyond.
• Real examples – Share specific achievements, challenges they’ve overcome or ways they inspire others.
• Keep it clear & concise – Quality beats quantity, so stick to the facts and avoid repetition.
• Save & submit – You can save your progress and finish later, but don’t forget to submit before the deadline.

Double-check everything AND click “Submit” to finalise your nomination before 31 July.

• Deadline– Nominations close 31 July for the following year’s Awards. Any nominations received after this deadline will be saved for the subsequent Awards season.
• Stay tuned – State and territory Awards ceremonies are held later in the year, with the nominees announced on our website. If your nominee has been shortlisted, we'll contact them direct.
• Key dates – Stay on top of important milestones. 
• Hard copy nomination form – Download the form.