Which organization awards the Australian of the Year?

The National Australia Day Council awards the Australian of the Year. The council is an Australian Government-owned not-for-profit social enterprise and serves as the national coordinating body for both Australia Day activities and the Australian of the Year Awards.

The main award began in 1960 and recognises an Australian whose achievements and service have made an outstanding contribution to the country. The announcement is traditionally made around Australia Day, with the national ceremony held on Australia Day Eve in Canberra in recent years.

The council also administers companion honours: Young Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year and Australia’s Local Hero. These awards broaden the program beyond a single national winner and recognise achievement, community service and inspirational citizenship.

A frequent confusion is between the council and the Prime Minister’s Office. The Prime Minister may announce or present the honours at official events, but the National Australia Day Council is the organisation responsible for the awards program.