Time to nominate a local legend

WE see them and hear about them every day – unsung community heroes, inspiring achievers, lifechanging mentors: extraordinary Australians we think should be recognised for their contributions.

Now is the time to give recognition by nominating who you think should be considered for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards.

Did you know a person can only be considered for an Australian of the Year Award if a member of the public submits a nomination on their behalf?

Your single nomination could see them join 128 state and territory selected representatives and, ultimately, be honoured in one of four categories:

• Australian of the Year

• Senior Australian of the Year (65+)

• Young Australian of the Year (16-30)

• Australia’s Local Hero

Have your say before it’s too late.

Nominations close at midnight AEST Thursday 31 July 2025 – it’s easy to submit a nomination at australianoftheyear.org.au

It’s Easy To Nominate:

• One nomination is enough – the Awards are judged on merit so multiple submissions are not required

• You don’t need to know them personally – simply outline what they do or how they’ve contributed

• No permission needed – nominate first, the Awards program will handle the rest

• Stay anonymous if you prefer – the Awards program respects a nominator’s preference for privacy

Give extraordinary Australians the recognition they deserve – nominate today at australianoftheyear.org.au.

How The Awards Program Works

From the public’s nominations, each state and territory announce a recipient in each category. These state and territory award recipients then become the national finalists for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards to be announced on the evening of 25 January 2026 in Canberra.

The 2025 Australians of the Year are:

2025 Australian of the Year Neale Daniher AO

2025 Senior Australian of the Year Brother Thomas Oliver Pickett AM

2025 Young Australian of the Year Dr Katrina Wruck

2025 Australia’s Local Heroes Vanessa Brettell & Hannah Costello