Australian of the Year

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards.

For more than 65 years, the Australian of the Year Awards have celebrated the achievements and contributions of extraordinary Australians.

Every day, all around Australia, extraordinary people create moments that inspire. We can all play our part by giving these Australians the recognition they deserve.

The four awards categories are:

  • Australian of the Year—celebrating the achievements and contributions of eminent Australians who are role models for us all.
  • Senior Australian of the Year—recognising those Australians aged 65 and over who continue to achieve and make a difference.
  • Young Australian of the Year—celebrating inspiring 16 to 30 year olds who have accomplished great things in all walks of life.
  • Australia's Local Hero—acknowledges people making a difference in their local community.

To nominate for the 2026 Awards, visit the Australian of the Year Awards website.

Past recipients demonstrate inspiration, contribution and excellence in their fields. Queensland's Dr Katrina Wruck was named the 2025 Young Australian of the Year for her green chemistry research and advocacy for preserving First Nations knowledge.

2025 awards recipients

2025 Queensland Australian of the Year

Geoffrey Smith

Geoffrey Smith

Co-founder of Australian Spatial Analytics

2025 Queensland Senior Australian of the Year

Dr Bronwyn Herbert

Dr Bronwyn Herbert

Social worker and scholar

2025 Young Australian of the Year

Dr Katrina Wruck

Dr Katrina Wruck

Scientist

2025 Queensland Local Hero

Claire Smith

Claire Smith

Founder of Wildlife Rescue Sunshine Coast

To view previous Australian of the Year nominees or recipients, visit the Australian of the Year Awards honour roll.

Follow us on Facebook to receive Australia Day and Australian of the Year Awards updates and remember to Reflect, Respect and Celebrate the outstanding achievements of our fellow Australians.

The Australian of the Year Awards is a program of the National Australia Day Council, managed in Queensland by the Queensland Government.