THE NEXT AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR COULD BE FROM YOUR COMMUNITY
MEDIA RELEASE
15 June ,2026
-Nominations for the 2027 Australian of the Year Awards close 31 July 2026
australianoftheyear.org.au
Australians are encouraged to nominate people in their communities who are making a real difference,
with nominations for the 2027 Australian of the Year Awards closing on 31 July 2026.
Across the country, extraordinary Australians are contributing to their communities in ways both big and
small. Some are well known, while many are quietly changing lives every day. The National Australia Day
Council is calling on Australians to shine a light on these stories by submitting a nomination.
The Awards rely entirely on public nominations, and it only takes one nomination for someone to be
considered. Nominating is simple: explain who the person is, what they have done and why their
contribution matters.
“Every year these Awards begin with someone taking the time to recognise another person’s
contribution. A nomination can shine a light on extraordinary Australians whose work is improving lives,
strengthening communities and helping shape the nation,” said Todd Ashurst, Interim CEO, National
Australia Day Council.
One nomination can:
• Raise the profile of important work
• Recognise the contribution of an individual
• Open the door to further recognition
Importantly, nominators do not need to know the person they put forward personally. Many nominees
are people Australians have seen, heard about, or been inspired by through their work, leadership or
service. Nominators can also choose to remain anonymous.
AWARD CATEGORIES
The Australian of the Year Awards recognise outstanding Australians across four categories:
• Australian of the Year
• Senior Australian of the Year (65 years and over)
• Young Australian of the Year (16–30 years)
• Australia’s Local Hero
Each state and territory selection panel chooses four recipients, one in each award category. Those 32
recipients then represent their state or territory at the national awards announcement in Canberra on 25
January 2027.
HOW TO NOMINATE & DEADLINE
Nominations can be submitted online at australianoftheyear.org.au.
Nominations close at midnight AEST on Friday, 31 July 2026.
• Previous award recipients
• Australian of the Year Awards program spokesperson: Todd Ashurst, Interim CEO, National Australia Day
Counci
