Australian of the Year Awards

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Australian of the Year

Dr Richard Harris SC OAM and Dr Craig Challen SC OAM
Dr Richard Harris SC OAM from South Australia and Dr Craig Challen SC OAM from Western Australia are the 2019 Australians of the Year for their heroic efforts as part of an international rescue mission to save 12 boys from flooded caves in Thailand.

Senior Australian of the Year

Dr Suzanne Packer AM
Since starting her career as a paediatrician in 1972, Dr Sue Packer AM has worked tirelessly to advocate for the rights of children. Sue has been a leader in child abuse prevention and treatment and a champion of the importance of early childhood environments for the developing brain.

Young Australian of the Year

Mr Danzal Baker
Working across rap, dance, acting and graffiti, Danzal Baker is a multi-talented, multi-lingual, Indigenous artist. He achieved mainstream success rapping in the Yolngu Matha language, coming 17th in Triple J’s Hottest 100 2017. He uses his talent to inspire Indigenous youth to embrace their culture and take up leadership positions.

Local Hero

Kate and Tick Everett
Following the tragic death of their teenage daughter, Amy ‘Dolly’ Everett in January 2018, following extensive bullying, Kate and Tick Everett founded Dolly’s Dream to create positive change and a legacy to their daughter. Their advocacy has resulted in governments taking childhood bullying and its devastating impacts more seriously.

Where is it next?

Learn about the objects of personal significance from the 2019 Award recipients

Previous Award Recipients

Award Recipients

Learn about some of the remarkable Australians recognised by the Awards in previous years.

Tips for Nominating

Give your nominee the best chance of recognition in the Awards and follow these simple tips.

Latest news &
announcements

Nominate now for 60th Australian of the Year Awards

6 June 2019

January 2020 will mark the 60th anniversary of the Australian of the Year Awards, honouring and celebrating great Australians from all walks of life. You can help find the 2020 Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year and Australia’s Local Hero in this significant anniversary year, simply by nominating someone you admire at australianofthyear.org.au by 31 July 2019.

2019 Australian of the Year Awards announced

25 January 2019

8:30pm, Canberra: Cave-diving medics who helped save a boys’ soccer team in Thailand, parents fighting childhood bullying after the loss of their daughter, a paediatrician advocating for the prevention of child abuse and a musician inspiring indigenous youth while keeping Yolngu Matha language alive through rap have been announced as the 2019 Australians of the Year.