What is the Australian of the Year award?
The Australian of the Year award recognizes an outstanding Australian who has made a significant contribution to the nation. The award was first presented in 1960 and is announced each year on the eve of Australia Day.
The awards are run by the National Australia Day Council. There are four categories: Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year and Australia's Local Hero.
Nominations come from the public. State and territory finalists are chosen before the national winners are announced at a ceremony in Canberra.
Notable recipients
The first Australian of the Year was scientist Sir Macfarlane Burnet in 1960. Other recipients have included Dawn Fraser, Evonne Goolagong, Fred Hollows, Fiona Wood, Ash Barty and Grace Tame.
The award often reflects issues of national importance. Winners have used their year to raise awareness of causes such as mental health, child sexual abuse, Indigenous rights and medical research.
Some winners have been sports stars, while others have been scientists, doctors, activists and community leaders. The award is one of the highest-profile public honors in Australia.