The National Australia Day Council is calling on citizens across the country to play a pivotal role in one of the nation’s most esteemed traditions by nominating outstanding individuals for the 2025 Australian of the Year Awards. With the simple act of nominating, Australians can spotlight the unsung heroes among us, individuals whose dedication, achievements and spirit of service inspire and shape our nation. Nominations for the 2025 Australian of the Year Awards will close at midnight AEST 31 July 2024. Nominating is easy and can be done online at australianoftheyear.org.auThe only way in which a person can be considered for the Australian of the Year Awards is if a member of the public submits a nomination for them. “It only takes one nomination for someone to be considered for these prestigious awards,” says National Australia Day Council Chair Mr John Foreman AM “Every nomination tells a story of inspiration and achievement. This is your opportunity to ensure that those making a significant impact, often quietly and without seeking recognition, are celebrated at a national level.” Since 1960, the Australian of the Year Awards have been testament to the extraordinary contributions of individuals across various fields, including arts, science, education and community service. 

There are four categories in the awards:
•    Australian of the Year
•    Senior Australian of the Year (aged 65 years and over)
•    Young Australian of the Year (aged 16-30 years)
•    Australia’s Local Hero

Nominating someone for the Australian of the Year Awards is a straightforward process accessible to all Australians.  “By highlighting the stories of individuals who embody the best of Australia’s values and achievements, you play a part in crafting a legacy of inspiration for future generations,” Mr Foreman commented “We want to discover the stories of Australians who are making a difference, whether they’re working within their local community, innovating in their field or leading social change. The process is simple, with nominations submitted via the Australian of the Year Awards website. This year, let’s ensure that no deserving story goes unnoticed. Whether they are leaders in their field, champions for the underrepresented or the quiet achievers making a daily difference, your nomination can bring their story to the national stage.” The Awards program culminates in the national presentation on 25 January 2025, when four people are announced as Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year and Australia’s Local Hero. 

However, the Awards program – run by the National Australia Day Council – recognises 128 people around the country each year through the state and territory awards process:
•    Once nominations close, each state and territory selects up to four nominees in each award category
•    In November, the state and territory recipients are announced at presentations around the country
•    These recipients then become finalists for the national Awards, announced on the evening of
25 January 2025
•    The state and territory recipients are decided by judging panels in each state/territory
•    The national Awards are decided by the Board of the National Australia Day Council
•    The Prime Minister is invited to announce the national Awards each year, but has no role in the decision process

The National Australia Day Council encourages all Australians to think about who inspires them, who makes a difference in their communities and who represents the values we hold dear as a nation. “This is your chance to say ‘thank you’ and ‘we see you’ to an extraordinary Australian by nominating them for the 2025 Australian of the Year Awards,” concluded Mr Foreman  “Don’t let the stories of our nation’s heroes go untold. Nominate an inspiring Australian today and be part of a cherished national tradition.” Nominate now at australianoftheyear.org.au by midnight AEST 31 July 2024.