Sun. Aug 3rd, 2025

The Australian of the Year Awards, one of the country’s most esteemed honors, is now accepting nominations. Jackie French, a celebrated author and advocate, is urging Australians to recognize their fellow citizens who have made significant contributions to the community. The awards, which have been presented annually since 1960, aim to acknowledge and celebrate outstanding Australians who have demonstrated exceptional achievements and service to the nation. French, who has been involved with the awards for several years, believes that it is essential to recognize the unsung heroes who work tirelessly to make a positive impact on society. She emphasizes that the awards are not just about honoring high-profile individuals, but also about acknowledging the efforts of ordinary people who do extraordinary things. The Australian of the Year Awards comprise four categories: Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year, and Australia’s Local Hero. Each category recognizes individuals who have demonstrated remarkable achievements and contributions in their respective fields. The awards are presented at the state and territory level, with winners progressing to the national level. The national winners are announced on Australia Day, January 26. French encourages Australians to nominate individuals who have made a significant difference in their communities, whether it be through volunteer work, advocacy, or innovative endeavors. She stresses that the nominations process is straightforward and can be completed online. The awards have a long history of recognizing outstanding Australians, including scientists, artists, athletes, and community leaders. Past winners have included notable figures such as Steve Irwin, Ian Kiernan, and Rosie Batty. The awards have also recognized the contributions of lesser-known individuals who have made a profound impact on their communities. French believes that the Australian of the Year Awards play a vital role in promoting national pride and inspiring others to make a positive difference. She hopes that this year’s nominations will reflect the diversity and complexity of Australian society, recognizing individuals from all walks of life who have demonstrated exceptional achievements and service. The nominations process is open to all Australians, and French encourages everyone to participate and recognize their fellow citizens who have made a significant impact. The Australian of the Year Awards are a celebration of Australian excellence and a testament to the country’s strong sense of community and social responsibility. By nominating outstanding individuals, Australians can help to promote a culture of recognition and appreciation for those who have made a positive difference. French’s call to action is a reminder that the Australian of the Year Awards are an important part of the country’s cultural fabric, and that everyone has a role to play in recognizing and celebrating outstanding achievements. As the nominations process gets underway, French is confident that this year’s awards will be just as inspiring and uplifting as previous years. With a long history of recognizing exceptional Australians, the Australian of the Year Awards continue to be an essential part of the country’s annual calendar. The awards serve as a reminder of the importance of community service, volunteerism, and social responsibility, and provide a platform for recognizing and celebrating outstanding achievements. By participating in the nominations process, Australians can help to ensure that the awards continue to thrive and remain an integral part of the country’s cultural landscape.

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