Australian of the Year

Since its inception in 1960, the Australian of the Year Awards (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 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.

The Queensland recipients of the 2024 Awards were announced at a ceremony in Brisbane in November 2023:

  • The 2024 Queensland Australian of the Year is Founder of Men of Business, Marco Renai.
  • The 2024 Queensland Senior Australian of the Year are Founders of Havafeed Relief, Reverend Robyn and Reverend Dr Lindsay Burch.
  • The 2024 Queensland Young Australian of the Year is Olympian Emma McKeon AM.
  • The 2024 Queensland Local Hero is Founder of Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum of Natural History and outback tourism advocate, David Elliott OAM.

The national Australian of the Year Awards were held in Canberra on the eve of Australia Day 2024 where Emma McKeon AM and David Elliot OAM were recognised as the national recipients.

Queensland’s Emma McKeon AM was named the 2024 Young Australian of the Year, recognising her success as Australia’s most decorated Olympian along with advocating for disadvantaged children and youth through her ambassador role with UNICEF Australia.

Queensland’s David Elliott OAM was named 2024 Local Hero for his dedication to preserving Australia’s Natural History through the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum and creating outback tourism opportunities for rural Queensland.

To nominate for the 2025 Awards, visit the Australian of the Year Awards website.

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