Nominations for the 2027 Australian of the Year Awards close 31 July 2026
Australians are being urged to nominate the people whose leadership, service and achievements are shaping the nation, with nominations for the 2027 Australian of the Year Awards closing on 31 July 2026.
The National Australia Day Council is calling on Australians to recognise those making a meaningful impact in communities across the country, whether they are widely known or making a difference away from the spotlight.
You do not need to know a person personally to nominate them. Many nominees are people Australians have seen, heard about or been inspired by through their work, advocacy or community contribution.
A nomination simply asks who the person is, what they have done and why their contribution matters.
The Awards rely entirely on public nominations, and just one nomination is enough for a person to be considered.
“Every year, these Awards begin with someone taking the time to recognise another person’s contribution. A nomination can shine a light on extraordinary Australians whose work is improving lives, strengthening communities and helping shape the nation,” said Mr Todd Ashurst, Interim CEO, National Australia Day Council.
One nomination can:
- Bring national attention to important work
- Amplify an individual’s impact
- Help unlock opportunities for further support and recognition
Nominations can be submitted online in minutes. Nominators may also remain anonymous, and nominees are not told who nominated them.
AWARD CATEGORIES
The Australian of the Year Awards recognise individuals across four categories:
- Australian of the Year
- Senior Australian of the Year (65 years and over)
- Young Australian of the Year (16–30 years)
- Australia’s Local Hero
Each state and territory selection panel chooses four recipients, one in each award category. Those 32 recipients then go on to represent their state or territory at the national awards announcement in Canberra on 25 January 2027.
HOW TO NOMINATE
Nominations can be submitted online at australianoftheyear.org.au
Nominations close at midnight AEST, Friday 31 July 2026.
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