Nominate your pick for Australian of the Year

THE National Australia Day council is now accepting public nominations for the 2019 Australian of the Year Awards.

The awards recognise everyday people who are great at what they do, contribute to Australian society and inspire those around them.

They could be quiet achievers, community members, leaders in their field of work, household names or unknown heroes.

The awards were created in 1960 as a focal point for Australia Day celebrations and a forum for the recognition of outstanding achievement.

There are four categories: Australian of the Year, Australia’s Local Hero, Young Australian of the Year and Senior Australian of the Year.

The last local winner was Geelong-based paediatrician Dr Bernard Jenner, who was named Australia’s Local Hero (Victoria) in 2007.

Dr Jenner was the former head of paediatrics at the University Geelong Hospital Barwon Health and St John of God Hospitals, and the founder of two charities: Gateways Support Services, which assists children with disabilities and their families, and Hope Bereavement Care, which supports anyone affected by the sudden death of a child.

Nominations can be submitted online at australianoftheyear.org.au and close at midnight on July 31. Finalists will be announced later in 2018 and the national Awards will be announced on the evening of January 25, 2019 in Canberra.

Local councils have encouraged people to make a nomination.

“It would be fantastic to see another Geelong person named Australian of the Year and no doubt there are many worthy recipients in our community,” Geelong mayor Bruce Harwood said.

“If you know someone who should be Australian of the Year, make sure you submit a nomination by July 31.”