The Prime Minister Officially Launches the Call for Nominations For The Australian Of The Year Awards 2007

The Prime Minister officially opened nominations for the Australian of the Year Awards 2007, calling on all Australians to nominate someone for Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year and Australia's Local Hero.

"A great way to thank those great Australians whom we admire and who inspire us with their achievements and contributions to our society is to nominate them for an Australian of the Year Award," said the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister was joined by current Australian of the Year Professor Ian Frazer and Australia's Local Hero Toni Hoffman as well as community service volunteers from the NSW State Emergency Service, Rural Fire Service, Volunteer Coastal Patrol, Surf Lifesaving Australia and St John Ambulance.

'Everyone has an opinion on who should be Australian of the Year - so get a nomination form or go to australianoftheyear.gov.au and tell us who you want to receive an Australian of the Year Award." Lisa Curry Kenny, Chair of the National Australia Day Council said.

There are four categories in the Australian of the Year Awards:

·                     Australian of the Year - open to all Australians who deserve recognition for their extraordinary achievements, contributions to the community and nation and who are exemplary ambassadors for Australia;

·                     Senior Australian of the Year - recognises those Australians aged 60 years and over who continue to achieve and contribute to the community;

·                     Young Australian of the Year - recognises those extraordinary young Australians aged 16-25 years who are contributing to our community;

·                     Australia's Local Hero - recognises Australians who make a real difference in their local communities and whose outstanding contributions enrich the lives of those around them.

Nominations close Friday 28 August 2006.

Anyone could be Australian of the Year but somebody has to nominate them - Why not you!!