Across the country, extraordinary Australians are contributing to their communities in big and small ways.
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,” said Todd Ashurst, Interim CEO, National Australia Day Council.
“A nomination can shine a light on extraordinary Australians whose work is improving lives, strengthening communities and helping shape the nation.”
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.
2027 Australian of the Year nominations open
Nominations can be submitted online at australianoftheyear.org.au.
Nominations close at midnight AEST on Friday, 31 July 2026.
