Australian of the Year Awards
For over 211 years, Australia Post has been at the heart of Australian communities, connecting them with each other and the world. Beyond parcels, letters and services we're also connecting people through stories of hope, resilience and community service. We’re thrilled to recognise the incredible Australian of the Year Award State and Territory recipients who make such a profound contribution to their communities and the nation.
Congratulations to our Australian of the Year Grace Tame, an outspoken advocate for survivors of sexual assault.
We’re proud to support the Australian of the Year Award, which celebrates everyday Aussies who show an unwavering dedication to serving their communities.
2021 state and territory recipients
We’re proud to congratulate the following state and territory award recipients.
Previous national, state and territory winners
Recipients of state, territory and national awards are role models who have strived to create a better Australia.
Here are some of their extraordinary achievements.
Dr James Muecke AM
2020 Australian of the Year
James Muecke began his medical career in Kenya where he also discovered a passion for fighting blindness. Today he is recognised for his focus on type 2 diabetes as the leading cause of blindness in adults.
Sue Salthouse
2020 ACT Senior Australian of the Year
Sue Salthouse experienced the systemic inequality facing people with disabilities after a horse riding accident put her in a wheelchair at the age of 45. She was a disability advocate determined to bring about positive social change.
Nic Marchesi and Lucas Patchett
2016 Young Australians of the Year
Best mates Nic and Lucas launched Orange Sky Laundry to offer free mobile laundry to communities needing this service. It’s helped to foster dignity and respect among people from all walks of life.
Rachel Downie
2020 QLD Australian of the Year
Rachel Downie founded Stymie in 2014 after losing a Year 9 student to suicide. Stymie provides young people with a platform to report bullying and speak up when things aren’t right.
Bernie Shakeshaft
2020 Local Hero
Since its launch in 2006, BackTrack’s extraordinary team has helped more than 1,000 children reconnect with their education, families and community. We chat to founder and CEO Bernie Shakeshaft about what he’d like people to better understand about the community he works with.
Bridie Duggan
2017 NT Young Australian of the Year
After losing a childhood friend to suicide, Bridie Duggan was determined to raise awareness of mental illness and suicide prevention. Within a month, she raised $27,000 for mental health organisation LIVIN.
Kevin Kadirgamar
2018 NT Young Australian of the Year
Kevin Kadirgamar’s firsthand experience of civil conflict led to him becoming a voice for the vulnerable. He’s been recognised for his work championing the rights of migrants and refugees in Australia.
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