Australian of the Year
Since its inception in 1960, the Australian of the Year Awards has provided a focal point for Australia Day celebrations and a forum for the recognition of outstanding achievement.
The Awards recognise inspiring individuals who lead as role models for their communities, their state and the nation and are presented across four categories:
- 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 years olds who have accomplished great things in all walks of life.
- Australia’s Local Hero—acknowledges people making a difference in their local community.
The Queensland recipients of the 2023 Awards were announced at a ceremony in Brisbane in November 2022 as:
- The 2023 Queensland Australian of the Year is First Nations composer and educator William Barton.
- The 2023 Queensland Senior Australian of the Year is Bravehearts Foundation fundraiser Claude Harvey OAM.
- The 2023 Queensland Young Australian of the Year is community advocate Talei Elu.
- The 2023 Queensland Local Hero is humanitarian and aide for vulnerable mothers Melissa Redsell.
The national Australian of the Year Awards were held in Canberra on the eve of Australia Day 2023.
To nominate for the 2024 program, visit the Australian of the Year Awards website.
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.