Latest news with #AustralianoftheYearAwards
The Advertiser
4 days ago
- Science
- The Advertiser
Why this neuroscientist says lauding unsung Aussie achievers is a no-brainer
Neuroscientist Lila Landowski is considered a leading voice in science, technology, engineering and mathematics advocacy. A senior lecturer in biomedical sciences at the University of Tasmania and vice president of Science and Technology Australia, she's previously been declared a "superstar of STEM" and anointed a "science superhero" by Australia's Chief Scientist. Which perhaps explains her other super power: spotting outstanding Australians. Two people nominated by Dr Landowski for the Australian of the Year Awards have gone on to receive the prestigious honour: scientist Dr Katrina Wruck, who is the 2025 Young Australian of the Year; and performer Naarah, Tasmania's Young Australian of the Year in 2024. Dr Landowski has been nominating people for the Australian of the Year Awards for a decade. She says the awards are the ideal platform for shining a spotlight on the country's unsung achievers. A Tasmanian nominee for the awards in 2015, Dr Landowski said she was motivated to nominate Naarah because she believed the First Nations actor and musician had "continuously pushed boundaries, challenged norms and created work that is not only artistically captivating but also socially relevant". "It is a very rare thing to meet someone and have an instant sense of knowing that one day they will change the world," she said. "Since meeting her, I have only grown more certain of my initial impression. Her performances and advocacy has moved audiences and sparked important conversations about Indigenous culture, identity, and representation." Dr Landowski nominated Indigenous Queensland scientist Dr Wruck for her work in remote Aboriginal communities and leadership in the field of industrial chemistry and materials for environmental remediation. "She's an awesome role model," she said of Dr Wruck, who is a member of Science and Technology Australia's diversity equity and inclusion committee. "She was once paid to give a talk - a rarity in science - and instead of spending the money on herself, she used it to travel on Country and teach science to kids in a remote Indigenous community. In a profession where the hours are long, the pay is modest and personal sacrifices are common ... choosing to spend a rare financial win to give back like that is an extraordinary act of generosity." Dr Landowski said the Australian of the Year Awards were "a platform for extraordinary individuals to amplify their voices, share their stories and create broader social impact". "The recognition validates their efforts and helps them reach wider audiences with their important work," she said. "If we pay attention and lift each other up, we'll diversify who gets seen and who gets celebrated. CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE NOW! "As someone from a marginalised background and disadvantaged upbringing, my life could have turned out very differently. Having people who believed in me and think that I was doing things that were important, and acknowledging me for that, I can't explain how important that was to me as a person." Dr Landowski said the awards showcased a diversity of voices: "These are people who have overcome hardship, people with this insatiable drive to succeed, or people who have done something that is really unusual. They've tried to make their lives into something bigger than it could be". The impact of the recognition went far beyond the recipient. "It will inspire others through elevating diverse representations of leadership and authenticity," she said. "Just like the people who nominated me in the past changed my life, we have the power to do the same for others." Dr Landowski: "I nominate people for awards because it fills me with joy and a deep sense of gratitude. It costs nothing but time, and it can change a life. Every time I help someone else, I'm reminded of the people who once did that for me. "Everyone I have nominated has something about them that has struck me, which forms the basis of their story in the application. A spark. A drive. A quirky passion project that turned into something bigger. A sacrifice. Overcoming adversity. That's the foundation of their story. What is it about the nominee that makes their journey different?" Help find the 2025 Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year and Australia's Local Hero by nominating someone you admire. The only way someone can be considered for the annual awards, which were first presented in 1960, is if a member of the public nominates them. Nominate online at Nominations close at midnight on July 31. Neuroscientist Lila Landowski is considered a leading voice in science, technology, engineering and mathematics advocacy. A senior lecturer in biomedical sciences at the University of Tasmania and vice president of Science and Technology Australia, she's previously been declared a "superstar of STEM" and anointed a "science superhero" by Australia's Chief Scientist. Which perhaps explains her other super power: spotting outstanding Australians. Two people nominated by Dr Landowski for the Australian of the Year Awards have gone on to receive the prestigious honour: scientist Dr Katrina Wruck, who is the 2025 Young Australian of the Year; and performer Naarah, Tasmania's Young Australian of the Year in 2024. Dr Landowski has been nominating people for the Australian of the Year Awards for a decade. She says the awards are the ideal platform for shining a spotlight on the country's unsung achievers. A Tasmanian nominee for the awards in 2015, Dr Landowski said she was motivated to nominate Naarah because she believed the First Nations actor and musician had "continuously pushed boundaries, challenged norms and created work that is not only artistically captivating but also socially relevant". "It is a very rare thing to meet someone and have an instant sense of knowing that one day they will change the world," she said. "Since meeting her, I have only grown more certain of my initial impression. Her performances and advocacy has moved audiences and sparked important conversations about Indigenous culture, identity, and representation." Dr Landowski nominated Indigenous Queensland scientist Dr Wruck for her work in remote Aboriginal communities and leadership in the field of industrial chemistry and materials for environmental remediation. "She's an awesome role model," she said of Dr Wruck, who is a member of Science and Technology Australia's diversity equity and inclusion committee. "She was once paid to give a talk - a rarity in science - and instead of spending the money on herself, she used it to travel on Country and teach science to kids in a remote Indigenous community. In a profession where the hours are long, the pay is modest and personal sacrifices are common ... choosing to spend a rare financial win to give back like that is an extraordinary act of generosity." Dr Landowski said the Australian of the Year Awards were "a platform for extraordinary individuals to amplify their voices, share their stories and create broader social impact". "The recognition validates their efforts and helps them reach wider audiences with their important work," she said. "If we pay attention and lift each other up, we'll diversify who gets seen and who gets celebrated. CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE NOW! "As someone from a marginalised background and disadvantaged upbringing, my life could have turned out very differently. Having people who believed in me and think that I was doing things that were important, and acknowledging me for that, I can't explain how important that was to me as a person." Dr Landowski said the awards showcased a diversity of voices: "These are people who have overcome hardship, people with this insatiable drive to succeed, or people who have done something that is really unusual. They've tried to make their lives into something bigger than it could be". The impact of the recognition went far beyond the recipient. "It will inspire others through elevating diverse representations of leadership and authenticity," she said. "Just like the people who nominated me in the past changed my life, we have the power to do the same for others." Dr Landowski: "I nominate people for awards because it fills me with joy and a deep sense of gratitude. It costs nothing but time, and it can change a life. Every time I help someone else, I'm reminded of the people who once did that for me. "Everyone I have nominated has something about them that has struck me, which forms the basis of their story in the application. A spark. A drive. A quirky passion project that turned into something bigger. A sacrifice. Overcoming adversity. That's the foundation of their story. What is it about the nominee that makes their journey different?" Help find the 2025 Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year and Australia's Local Hero by nominating someone you admire. The only way someone can be considered for the annual awards, which were first presented in 1960, is if a member of the public nominates them. Nominate online at Nominations close at midnight on July 31. Neuroscientist Lila Landowski is considered a leading voice in science, technology, engineering and mathematics advocacy. A senior lecturer in biomedical sciences at the University of Tasmania and vice president of Science and Technology Australia, she's previously been declared a "superstar of STEM" and anointed a "science superhero" by Australia's Chief Scientist. Which perhaps explains her other super power: spotting outstanding Australians. Two people nominated by Dr Landowski for the Australian of the Year Awards have gone on to receive the prestigious honour: scientist Dr Katrina Wruck, who is the 2025 Young Australian of the Year; and performer Naarah, Tasmania's Young Australian of the Year in 2024. Dr Landowski has been nominating people for the Australian of the Year Awards for a decade. She says the awards are the ideal platform for shining a spotlight on the country's unsung achievers. A Tasmanian nominee for the awards in 2015, Dr Landowski said she was motivated to nominate Naarah because she believed the First Nations actor and musician had "continuously pushed boundaries, challenged norms and created work that is not only artistically captivating but also socially relevant". "It is a very rare thing to meet someone and have an instant sense of knowing that one day they will change the world," she said. "Since meeting her, I have only grown more certain of my initial impression. Her performances and advocacy has moved audiences and sparked important conversations about Indigenous culture, identity, and representation." Dr Landowski nominated Indigenous Queensland scientist Dr Wruck for her work in remote Aboriginal communities and leadership in the field of industrial chemistry and materials for environmental remediation. "She's an awesome role model," she said of Dr Wruck, who is a member of Science and Technology Australia's diversity equity and inclusion committee. "She was once paid to give a talk - a rarity in science - and instead of spending the money on herself, she used it to travel on Country and teach science to kids in a remote Indigenous community. In a profession where the hours are long, the pay is modest and personal sacrifices are common ... choosing to spend a rare financial win to give back like that is an extraordinary act of generosity." Dr Landowski said the Australian of the Year Awards were "a platform for extraordinary individuals to amplify their voices, share their stories and create broader social impact". "The recognition validates their efforts and helps them reach wider audiences with their important work," she said. "If we pay attention and lift each other up, we'll diversify who gets seen and who gets celebrated. CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE NOW! "As someone from a marginalised background and disadvantaged upbringing, my life could have turned out very differently. Having people who believed in me and think that I was doing things that were important, and acknowledging me for that, I can't explain how important that was to me as a person." Dr Landowski said the awards showcased a diversity of voices: "These are people who have overcome hardship, people with this insatiable drive to succeed, or people who have done something that is really unusual. They've tried to make their lives into something bigger than it could be". The impact of the recognition went far beyond the recipient. "It will inspire others through elevating diverse representations of leadership and authenticity," she said. "Just like the people who nominated me in the past changed my life, we have the power to do the same for others." Dr Landowski: "I nominate people for awards because it fills me with joy and a deep sense of gratitude. It costs nothing but time, and it can change a life. Every time I help someone else, I'm reminded of the people who once did that for me. "Everyone I have nominated has something about them that has struck me, which forms the basis of their story in the application. A spark. A drive. A quirky passion project that turned into something bigger. A sacrifice. Overcoming adversity. That's the foundation of their story. What is it about the nominee that makes their journey different?" Help find the 2025 Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year and Australia's Local Hero by nominating someone you admire. The only way someone can be considered for the annual awards, which were first presented in 1960, is if a member of the public nominates them. Nominate online at Nominations close at midnight on July 31. Neuroscientist Lila Landowski is considered a leading voice in science, technology, engineering and mathematics advocacy. A senior lecturer in biomedical sciences at the University of Tasmania and vice president of Science and Technology Australia, she's previously been declared a "superstar of STEM" and anointed a "science superhero" by Australia's Chief Scientist. Which perhaps explains her other super power: spotting outstanding Australians. Two people nominated by Dr Landowski for the Australian of the Year Awards have gone on to receive the prestigious honour: scientist Dr Katrina Wruck, who is the 2025 Young Australian of the Year; and performer Naarah, Tasmania's Young Australian of the Year in 2024. Dr Landowski has been nominating people for the Australian of the Year Awards for a decade. She says the awards are the ideal platform for shining a spotlight on the country's unsung achievers. A Tasmanian nominee for the awards in 2015, Dr Landowski said she was motivated to nominate Naarah because she believed the First Nations actor and musician had "continuously pushed boundaries, challenged norms and created work that is not only artistically captivating but also socially relevant". "It is a very rare thing to meet someone and have an instant sense of knowing that one day they will change the world," she said. "Since meeting her, I have only grown more certain of my initial impression. Her performances and advocacy has moved audiences and sparked important conversations about Indigenous culture, identity, and representation." Dr Landowski nominated Indigenous Queensland scientist Dr Wruck for her work in remote Aboriginal communities and leadership in the field of industrial chemistry and materials for environmental remediation. "She's an awesome role model," she said of Dr Wruck, who is a member of Science and Technology Australia's diversity equity and inclusion committee. "She was once paid to give a talk - a rarity in science - and instead of spending the money on herself, she used it to travel on Country and teach science to kids in a remote Indigenous community. In a profession where the hours are long, the pay is modest and personal sacrifices are common ... choosing to spend a rare financial win to give back like that is an extraordinary act of generosity." Dr Landowski said the Australian of the Year Awards were "a platform for extraordinary individuals to amplify their voices, share their stories and create broader social impact". "The recognition validates their efforts and helps them reach wider audiences with their important work," she said. "If we pay attention and lift each other up, we'll diversify who gets seen and who gets celebrated. CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE NOW! "As someone from a marginalised background and disadvantaged upbringing, my life could have turned out very differently. Having people who believed in me and think that I was doing things that were important, and acknowledging me for that, I can't explain how important that was to me as a person." Dr Landowski said the awards showcased a diversity of voices: "These are people who have overcome hardship, people with this insatiable drive to succeed, or people who have done something that is really unusual. They've tried to make their lives into something bigger than it could be". The impact of the recognition went far beyond the recipient. "It will inspire others through elevating diverse representations of leadership and authenticity," she said. "Just like the people who nominated me in the past changed my life, we have the power to do the same for others." Dr Landowski: "I nominate people for awards because it fills me with joy and a deep sense of gratitude. It costs nothing but time, and it can change a life. Every time I help someone else, I'm reminded of the people who once did that for me. "Everyone I have nominated has something about them that has struck me, which forms the basis of their story in the application. A spark. A drive. A quirky passion project that turned into something bigger. A sacrifice. Overcoming adversity. That's the foundation of their story. What is it about the nominee that makes their journey different?" Help find the 2025 Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year and Australia's Local Hero by nominating someone you admire. The only way someone can be considered for the annual awards, which were first presented in 1960, is if a member of the public nominates them. Nominate online at Nominations close at midnight on July 31.
The Advertiser
30-06-2025
- General
- The Advertiser
Why we need more 'champion Australians' like BackTrack's Bernie Shakeshaft
Twenty years after it was established, BackTrack has become one of the most successful and sustainable youth development programs in the country. In 2020, its creator Bernie Shakeshaft was named Australia's Local Hero as part of the Australian of the Year Awards, and his phone has been ringing off the hook for five years since. "I think it has given BackTrack a much broader footprint," Mr Shakeshaft says of the national recognition. "They're pretty big awards, they've given us a bit of national exposure." "[The phone calls] weren't just from different towns wanting to get something started; It started tweaking the interest of a lot of private wealth or philanthropists, they were looking for organisations they could then back and support themselves." Based in Armidale in NSW, BackTrack began in 2005 as a job-ready program for high school kids, but Mr Shakeshaft quickly recognised there was no quick fix for kids who might have grown up with trauma or around crime. He said many kids as young as 11 and 12 might have already been having criminal issues or schooling issues. He and other volunteers saw how many weren't safe at home or were already sleeping rough. "We started with one little thing, and that was to get those kids at that time work-ready, so we're trying to keep them off the streets at night and trying to keep them out of stolen cars and work out somewhere safe for them to stay," Mr Shakeshaft said. "And that's where the dogs came into it ... we had tried 50 different things and there were wins, but we hadn't quite cracked it." He had a litter of working dog puppies, brought them to work one day and said it was a "light bulb" moment when he let them loose on the lawn with the kids. "That was the first time I saw these wild kids sitting with these pups, and they were so soft and gentle." It was 2006 when Mr Shakeshaft got a call from a mate asking if he knew about dog high jumping - he didn't - but quickly learned what it was about and decided to give it a crack. "We grabbed half a dozen dogs, went down there and we won the Armidale Show just with a few mates, then the next week it was the Guyra Show, so we took a few of the kids and they won that, then there was the Walcha Show a few weeks later." Then came the BackTrack Shed, where they began training programs like welding and metalworking, which included maths and literacy for kids who weren't going to school. Research done by the University of New England showed youth crime plummeted by almost 50 per cent. Around 2015, they rolled out a pilot program to house and feed nine participants. Suddenly, almost 90 per cent of participants were able to find work. But many struggled with long-term employment, so seven years ago, BackTrack developed its own commercial business to provide work opportunities. "We'll have our 21st birthday next year, and we're doing a 100-year vision; we want this to be here well past my use-by-date." Mr Shakeshaft is encouraging others to nominate someone for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards. He said people putting in hard work in their community normally weren't loud about what they're doing, but nomination alone can give them the drive to keep going. "You don't go around blowing your own trumpet, you know," he said. "It is a pretty important cause. If you look down the history of Australians of the Year or people winning those awards, it's not people out there broadcasting themselves. CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE NOW! "People know about the special stuff that unique individuals are doing, and you see it in your own towns. [Nominating someone] is a marvellous gesture. Even if they don't win the award, to be nominated is pretty cool, and I think it helps people; it motivates them. "I've met some bloody champion Australians, and getting to meet other down-to-earth, really cool people that are doing something a bit special, it is a part of the journey that has touched me the most. It is eye-opening to see the special things people are doing right across the country. "That's probably the most special part of the awards, I reckon." Help find the 2025 Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year and Australia's Local Hero by nominating someone you admire. The only way someone can be considered for the annual awards, which were first presented in 1960, is if a member of the public nominates them. Nominate online at Nominations close at midnight on July 31. Twenty years after it was established, BackTrack has become one of the most successful and sustainable youth development programs in the country. In 2020, its creator Bernie Shakeshaft was named Australia's Local Hero as part of the Australian of the Year Awards, and his phone has been ringing off the hook for five years since. "I think it has given BackTrack a much broader footprint," Mr Shakeshaft says of the national recognition. "They're pretty big awards, they've given us a bit of national exposure." "[The phone calls] weren't just from different towns wanting to get something started; It started tweaking the interest of a lot of private wealth or philanthropists, they were looking for organisations they could then back and support themselves." Based in Armidale in NSW, BackTrack began in 2005 as a job-ready program for high school kids, but Mr Shakeshaft quickly recognised there was no quick fix for kids who might have grown up with trauma or around crime. He said many kids as young as 11 and 12 might have already been having criminal issues or schooling issues. He and other volunteers saw how many weren't safe at home or were already sleeping rough. "We started with one little thing, and that was to get those kids at that time work-ready, so we're trying to keep them off the streets at night and trying to keep them out of stolen cars and work out somewhere safe for them to stay," Mr Shakeshaft said. "And that's where the dogs came into it ... we had tried 50 different things and there were wins, but we hadn't quite cracked it." He had a litter of working dog puppies, brought them to work one day and said it was a "light bulb" moment when he let them loose on the lawn with the kids. "That was the first time I saw these wild kids sitting with these pups, and they were so soft and gentle." It was 2006 when Mr Shakeshaft got a call from a mate asking if he knew about dog high jumping - he didn't - but quickly learned what it was about and decided to give it a crack. "We grabbed half a dozen dogs, went down there and we won the Armidale Show just with a few mates, then the next week it was the Guyra Show, so we took a few of the kids and they won that, then there was the Walcha Show a few weeks later." Then came the BackTrack Shed, where they began training programs like welding and metalworking, which included maths and literacy for kids who weren't going to school. Research done by the University of New England showed youth crime plummeted by almost 50 per cent. Around 2015, they rolled out a pilot program to house and feed nine participants. Suddenly, almost 90 per cent of participants were able to find work. But many struggled with long-term employment, so seven years ago, BackTrack developed its own commercial business to provide work opportunities. "We'll have our 21st birthday next year, and we're doing a 100-year vision; we want this to be here well past my use-by-date." Mr Shakeshaft is encouraging others to nominate someone for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards. He said people putting in hard work in their community normally weren't loud about what they're doing, but nomination alone can give them the drive to keep going. "You don't go around blowing your own trumpet, you know," he said. "It is a pretty important cause. If you look down the history of Australians of the Year or people winning those awards, it's not people out there broadcasting themselves. CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE NOW! "People know about the special stuff that unique individuals are doing, and you see it in your own towns. [Nominating someone] is a marvellous gesture. Even if they don't win the award, to be nominated is pretty cool, and I think it helps people; it motivates them. "I've met some bloody champion Australians, and getting to meet other down-to-earth, really cool people that are doing something a bit special, it is a part of the journey that has touched me the most. It is eye-opening to see the special things people are doing right across the country. "That's probably the most special part of the awards, I reckon." Help find the 2025 Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year and Australia's Local Hero by nominating someone you admire. The only way someone can be considered for the annual awards, which were first presented in 1960, is if a member of the public nominates them. Nominate online at Nominations close at midnight on July 31. Twenty years after it was established, BackTrack has become one of the most successful and sustainable youth development programs in the country. In 2020, its creator Bernie Shakeshaft was named Australia's Local Hero as part of the Australian of the Year Awards, and his phone has been ringing off the hook for five years since. "I think it has given BackTrack a much broader footprint," Mr Shakeshaft says of the national recognition. "They're pretty big awards, they've given us a bit of national exposure." "[The phone calls] weren't just from different towns wanting to get something started; It started tweaking the interest of a lot of private wealth or philanthropists, they were looking for organisations they could then back and support themselves." Based in Armidale in NSW, BackTrack began in 2005 as a job-ready program for high school kids, but Mr Shakeshaft quickly recognised there was no quick fix for kids who might have grown up with trauma or around crime. He said many kids as young as 11 and 12 might have already been having criminal issues or schooling issues. He and other volunteers saw how many weren't safe at home or were already sleeping rough. "We started with one little thing, and that was to get those kids at that time work-ready, so we're trying to keep them off the streets at night and trying to keep them out of stolen cars and work out somewhere safe for them to stay," Mr Shakeshaft said. "And that's where the dogs came into it ... we had tried 50 different things and there were wins, but we hadn't quite cracked it." He had a litter of working dog puppies, brought them to work one day and said it was a "light bulb" moment when he let them loose on the lawn with the kids. "That was the first time I saw these wild kids sitting with these pups, and they were so soft and gentle." It was 2006 when Mr Shakeshaft got a call from a mate asking if he knew about dog high jumping - he didn't - but quickly learned what it was about and decided to give it a crack. "We grabbed half a dozen dogs, went down there and we won the Armidale Show just with a few mates, then the next week it was the Guyra Show, so we took a few of the kids and they won that, then there was the Walcha Show a few weeks later." Then came the BackTrack Shed, where they began training programs like welding and metalworking, which included maths and literacy for kids who weren't going to school. Research done by the University of New England showed youth crime plummeted by almost 50 per cent. Around 2015, they rolled out a pilot program to house and feed nine participants. Suddenly, almost 90 per cent of participants were able to find work. But many struggled with long-term employment, so seven years ago, BackTrack developed its own commercial business to provide work opportunities. "We'll have our 21st birthday next year, and we're doing a 100-year vision; we want this to be here well past my use-by-date." Mr Shakeshaft is encouraging others to nominate someone for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards. He said people putting in hard work in their community normally weren't loud about what they're doing, but nomination alone can give them the drive to keep going. "You don't go around blowing your own trumpet, you know," he said. "It is a pretty important cause. If you look down the history of Australians of the Year or people winning those awards, it's not people out there broadcasting themselves. CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE NOW! "People know about the special stuff that unique individuals are doing, and you see it in your own towns. [Nominating someone] is a marvellous gesture. Even if they don't win the award, to be nominated is pretty cool, and I think it helps people; it motivates them. "I've met some bloody champion Australians, and getting to meet other down-to-earth, really cool people that are doing something a bit special, it is a part of the journey that has touched me the most. It is eye-opening to see the special things people are doing right across the country. "That's probably the most special part of the awards, I reckon." Help find the 2025 Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year and Australia's Local Hero by nominating someone you admire. The only way someone can be considered for the annual awards, which were first presented in 1960, is if a member of the public nominates them. Nominate online at Nominations close at midnight on July 31. Twenty years after it was established, BackTrack has become one of the most successful and sustainable youth development programs in the country. In 2020, its creator Bernie Shakeshaft was named Australia's Local Hero as part of the Australian of the Year Awards, and his phone has been ringing off the hook for five years since. "I think it has given BackTrack a much broader footprint," Mr Shakeshaft says of the national recognition. "They're pretty big awards, they've given us a bit of national exposure." "[The phone calls] weren't just from different towns wanting to get something started; It started tweaking the interest of a lot of private wealth or philanthropists, they were looking for organisations they could then back and support themselves." Based in Armidale in NSW, BackTrack began in 2005 as a job-ready program for high school kids, but Mr Shakeshaft quickly recognised there was no quick fix for kids who might have grown up with trauma or around crime. He said many kids as young as 11 and 12 might have already been having criminal issues or schooling issues. He and other volunteers saw how many weren't safe at home or were already sleeping rough. "We started with one little thing, and that was to get those kids at that time work-ready, so we're trying to keep them off the streets at night and trying to keep them out of stolen cars and work out somewhere safe for them to stay," Mr Shakeshaft said. "And that's where the dogs came into it ... we had tried 50 different things and there were wins, but we hadn't quite cracked it." He had a litter of working dog puppies, brought them to work one day and said it was a "light bulb" moment when he let them loose on the lawn with the kids. "That was the first time I saw these wild kids sitting with these pups, and they were so soft and gentle." It was 2006 when Mr Shakeshaft got a call from a mate asking if he knew about dog high jumping - he didn't - but quickly learned what it was about and decided to give it a crack. "We grabbed half a dozen dogs, went down there and we won the Armidale Show just with a few mates, then the next week it was the Guyra Show, so we took a few of the kids and they won that, then there was the Walcha Show a few weeks later." Then came the BackTrack Shed, where they began training programs like welding and metalworking, which included maths and literacy for kids who weren't going to school. Research done by the University of New England showed youth crime plummeted by almost 50 per cent. Around 2015, they rolled out a pilot program to house and feed nine participants. Suddenly, almost 90 per cent of participants were able to find work. But many struggled with long-term employment, so seven years ago, BackTrack developed its own commercial business to provide work opportunities. "We'll have our 21st birthday next year, and we're doing a 100-year vision; we want this to be here well past my use-by-date." Mr Shakeshaft is encouraging others to nominate someone for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards. He said people putting in hard work in their community normally weren't loud about what they're doing, but nomination alone can give them the drive to keep going. "You don't go around blowing your own trumpet, you know," he said. "It is a pretty important cause. If you look down the history of Australians of the Year or people winning those awards, it's not people out there broadcasting themselves. CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE NOW! "People know about the special stuff that unique individuals are doing, and you see it in your own towns. [Nominating someone] is a marvellous gesture. Even if they don't win the award, to be nominated is pretty cool, and I think it helps people; it motivates them. "I've met some bloody champion Australians, and getting to meet other down-to-earth, really cool people that are doing something a bit special, it is a part of the journey that has touched me the most. It is eye-opening to see the special things people are doing right across the country. "That's probably the most special part of the awards, I reckon." Help find the 2025 Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year and Australia's Local Hero by nominating someone you admire. The only way someone can be considered for the annual awards, which were first presented in 1960, is if a member of the public nominates them. Nominate online at Nominations close at midnight on July 31.
The Advertiser
17-06-2025
- Business
- The Advertiser
How these cafe heroes are inspiring next generation of community champions
They may officially be the country's local heroes, but cafe owners Vanessa Brettell and Hannah Costello are just happy to be away from the office. The pair run Stepping Stone, a social enterprise that began in Cartagena, Colombia, back in 2017, and shifted to Canberra amid the pandemic in 2020. Their cafe helps female workers who are the sole income earners in their household, new arrivals to Australia, with limited English or minimal employment history, and those experiencing homelessness. The women develop skills and experience, which helps them get into the wider workforce. Named Australia's Local Heroes at January's Australian of the Year Awards, they have barely had time to take a breath since. A trip to the Northern Territory, to meet with other social enterprises and talk to schoolkids about their work, has marked another milestone for the couple - the first time they've been able to leave their staff in charge of the two bustling Stepping Stone cafes. "It's a relief, it's such a sense of achievement," Ms Brettell said over the phone from Melbourne. "It feels wonderful when we can go and everything works well. Obviously there are little hiccups, but we're on call, and that's all part of them growing. Us not being there actually enhances everyone's sense of responsibility and ownership over the businesses, and that sense of pride that they are responsible and can manage it without us." Ms Brettell and Ms Costello, who met more than a decade ago working at a London pub, have been invited by the Northern Territory National Australia Day Council. During Refugee Week, from June 15 to 21, they'll meet with another work integration social enterprise in Darwin and visit primary schools to present children with "Aussie of the month" awards. AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR AWARDS: NOMINATE NOW! "I think the main message that we want to get out to little kids is that if you see something that you want to change in your community, you can do it," Ms Costello said. "Talk to the adults, talk to the people around you, and you can affect the change that you want to see, really." Being named Australia's Local Heroes, apart from putting their enterprise on the map, had exposed them to new ways of thinking about their business and the people they helped and employed. "That additional publicity has led to new opportunities for us, actually looking at growing and scaling the business, and I guess having the award behind us is really motivating," Ms Brettell said. "It feels like we have a bit of responsibility to make the most of this year and take as many opportunities as we can for the women that work with us, but mostly for the women who are still waiting to work with us. We have about 60 women on our waiting list, so that's really the motivation to grow and scale the business this year." They are looking at other ways to employ the many women who need jobs. "We have a lot of women that we work with where hospitality isn't probably the environment for them," Ms Brettell said. "It can be a very stressful environment with a lot of fast paced things changing all of the time. We have been very lucky to have people in the community that have different skills that they can bring to the table. We don't want to say too much just yet, because nothing's set in stone, but some wheels are moving in the direction of starting different types of businesses or starting different types of operations and training opportunities for the women that we work with." Who inspires you? Who do you think should be our next Australian of the Year? If you see them or hear about them, nominate them before July 31 for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards at They may officially be the country's local heroes, but cafe owners Vanessa Brettell and Hannah Costello are just happy to be away from the office. The pair run Stepping Stone, a social enterprise that began in Cartagena, Colombia, back in 2017, and shifted to Canberra amid the pandemic in 2020. Their cafe helps female workers who are the sole income earners in their household, new arrivals to Australia, with limited English or minimal employment history, and those experiencing homelessness. The women develop skills and experience, which helps them get into the wider workforce. Named Australia's Local Heroes at January's Australian of the Year Awards, they have barely had time to take a breath since. A trip to the Northern Territory, to meet with other social enterprises and talk to schoolkids about their work, has marked another milestone for the couple - the first time they've been able to leave their staff in charge of the two bustling Stepping Stone cafes. "It's a relief, it's such a sense of achievement," Ms Brettell said over the phone from Melbourne. "It feels wonderful when we can go and everything works well. Obviously there are little hiccups, but we're on call, and that's all part of them growing. Us not being there actually enhances everyone's sense of responsibility and ownership over the businesses, and that sense of pride that they are responsible and can manage it without us." Ms Brettell and Ms Costello, who met more than a decade ago working at a London pub, have been invited by the Northern Territory National Australia Day Council. During Refugee Week, from June 15 to 21, they'll meet with another work integration social enterprise in Darwin and visit primary schools to present children with "Aussie of the month" awards. AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR AWARDS: NOMINATE NOW! "I think the main message that we want to get out to little kids is that if you see something that you want to change in your community, you can do it," Ms Costello said. "Talk to the adults, talk to the people around you, and you can affect the change that you want to see, really." Being named Australia's Local Heroes, apart from putting their enterprise on the map, had exposed them to new ways of thinking about their business and the people they helped and employed. "That additional publicity has led to new opportunities for us, actually looking at growing and scaling the business, and I guess having the award behind us is really motivating," Ms Brettell said. "It feels like we have a bit of responsibility to make the most of this year and take as many opportunities as we can for the women that work with us, but mostly for the women who are still waiting to work with us. We have about 60 women on our waiting list, so that's really the motivation to grow and scale the business this year." They are looking at other ways to employ the many women who need jobs. "We have a lot of women that we work with where hospitality isn't probably the environment for them," Ms Brettell said. "It can be a very stressful environment with a lot of fast paced things changing all of the time. We have been very lucky to have people in the community that have different skills that they can bring to the table. We don't want to say too much just yet, because nothing's set in stone, but some wheels are moving in the direction of starting different types of businesses or starting different types of operations and training opportunities for the women that we work with." Who inspires you? Who do you think should be our next Australian of the Year? If you see them or hear about them, nominate them before July 31 for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards at They may officially be the country's local heroes, but cafe owners Vanessa Brettell and Hannah Costello are just happy to be away from the office. The pair run Stepping Stone, a social enterprise that began in Cartagena, Colombia, back in 2017, and shifted to Canberra amid the pandemic in 2020. Their cafe helps female workers who are the sole income earners in their household, new arrivals to Australia, with limited English or minimal employment history, and those experiencing homelessness. The women develop skills and experience, which helps them get into the wider workforce. Named Australia's Local Heroes at January's Australian of the Year Awards, they have barely had time to take a breath since. A trip to the Northern Territory, to meet with other social enterprises and talk to schoolkids about their work, has marked another milestone for the couple - the first time they've been able to leave their staff in charge of the two bustling Stepping Stone cafes. "It's a relief, it's such a sense of achievement," Ms Brettell said over the phone from Melbourne. "It feels wonderful when we can go and everything works well. Obviously there are little hiccups, but we're on call, and that's all part of them growing. Us not being there actually enhances everyone's sense of responsibility and ownership over the businesses, and that sense of pride that they are responsible and can manage it without us." Ms Brettell and Ms Costello, who met more than a decade ago working at a London pub, have been invited by the Northern Territory National Australia Day Council. During Refugee Week, from June 15 to 21, they'll meet with another work integration social enterprise in Darwin and visit primary schools to present children with "Aussie of the month" awards. AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR AWARDS: NOMINATE NOW! "I think the main message that we want to get out to little kids is that if you see something that you want to change in your community, you can do it," Ms Costello said. "Talk to the adults, talk to the people around you, and you can affect the change that you want to see, really." Being named Australia's Local Heroes, apart from putting their enterprise on the map, had exposed them to new ways of thinking about their business and the people they helped and employed. "That additional publicity has led to new opportunities for us, actually looking at growing and scaling the business, and I guess having the award behind us is really motivating," Ms Brettell said. "It feels like we have a bit of responsibility to make the most of this year and take as many opportunities as we can for the women that work with us, but mostly for the women who are still waiting to work with us. We have about 60 women on our waiting list, so that's really the motivation to grow and scale the business this year." They are looking at other ways to employ the many women who need jobs. "We have a lot of women that we work with where hospitality isn't probably the environment for them," Ms Brettell said. "It can be a very stressful environment with a lot of fast paced things changing all of the time. We have been very lucky to have people in the community that have different skills that they can bring to the table. We don't want to say too much just yet, because nothing's set in stone, but some wheels are moving in the direction of starting different types of businesses or starting different types of operations and training opportunities for the women that we work with." Who inspires you? Who do you think should be our next Australian of the Year? If you see them or hear about them, nominate them before July 31 for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards at They may officially be the country's local heroes, but cafe owners Vanessa Brettell and Hannah Costello are just happy to be away from the office. The pair run Stepping Stone, a social enterprise that began in Cartagena, Colombia, back in 2017, and shifted to Canberra amid the pandemic in 2020. Their cafe helps female workers who are the sole income earners in their household, new arrivals to Australia, with limited English or minimal employment history, and those experiencing homelessness. The women develop skills and experience, which helps them get into the wider workforce. Named Australia's Local Heroes at January's Australian of the Year Awards, they have barely had time to take a breath since. A trip to the Northern Territory, to meet with other social enterprises and talk to schoolkids about their work, has marked another milestone for the couple - the first time they've been able to leave their staff in charge of the two bustling Stepping Stone cafes. "It's a relief, it's such a sense of achievement," Ms Brettell said over the phone from Melbourne. "It feels wonderful when we can go and everything works well. Obviously there are little hiccups, but we're on call, and that's all part of them growing. Us not being there actually enhances everyone's sense of responsibility and ownership over the businesses, and that sense of pride that they are responsible and can manage it without us." Ms Brettell and Ms Costello, who met more than a decade ago working at a London pub, have been invited by the Northern Territory National Australia Day Council. During Refugee Week, from June 15 to 21, they'll meet with another work integration social enterprise in Darwin and visit primary schools to present children with "Aussie of the month" awards. AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR AWARDS: NOMINATE NOW! "I think the main message that we want to get out to little kids is that if you see something that you want to change in your community, you can do it," Ms Costello said. "Talk to the adults, talk to the people around you, and you can affect the change that you want to see, really." Being named Australia's Local Heroes, apart from putting their enterprise on the map, had exposed them to new ways of thinking about their business and the people they helped and employed. "That additional publicity has led to new opportunities for us, actually looking at growing and scaling the business, and I guess having the award behind us is really motivating," Ms Brettell said. "It feels like we have a bit of responsibility to make the most of this year and take as many opportunities as we can for the women that work with us, but mostly for the women who are still waiting to work with us. We have about 60 women on our waiting list, so that's really the motivation to grow and scale the business this year." They are looking at other ways to employ the many women who need jobs. "We have a lot of women that we work with where hospitality isn't probably the environment for them," Ms Brettell said. "It can be a very stressful environment with a lot of fast paced things changing all of the time. We have been very lucky to have people in the community that have different skills that they can bring to the table. We don't want to say too much just yet, because nothing's set in stone, but some wheels are moving in the direction of starting different types of businesses or starting different types of operations and training opportunities for the women that we work with." Who inspires you? Who do you think should be our next Australian of the Year? If you see them or hear about them, nominate them before July 31 for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards at
Herald Sun
10-06-2025
- Health
- Herald Sun
How the Melbourne All Abilities Cricket Association pulls people out of ‘very dark places'
At 25 years of age, Denis Wilkinson received a diagnosis that would change his life forever. Wilkinson was found to have McCune-Albright Syndrome, a rare and complex genetic disorder affecting the bone, skin and endocrine systems. It explained why he shot up from 5'8 to 6'8 between the ages of 15 and 22. 'I'm one in five million,' Wilkinson explained. 'I get looked after at Royal Melbourne and at Western Health medically, I see the best surgeons. My biggest problem is excess growth, because I produce so much growth hormone naturally, it's a lot of disfiguration and my bones are very soft. '(The diagnosis) was very very late and it literally changed my whole life. 'Sometimes my body, I wake up some days and I'm done before I start.' Almost poetically, around the same time Wilkinson, now aged 40, was diagnosed with McCune-Albright Syndrome some 15 years ago, a chance conversation was struck up at Moorabbin Cricket Club. It was there and then the seed for what would become the Melbourne All Abilities Cricket Association (MAACA) was planted in the mind of the competition's founder, Steve Lefebvre. In 2025, the competition celebrated its 10th season, and it has shaped the lives of Wilkinson and many others for the better. 'This has really saved a number of them,' Lefebvre said of the impact MAACA has had on its participants. 'Some of them have seen darker times and playing within a club has got them connected which is absolutely fantastic, they don't become one of those unfortunate statistics, they're actually enjoying themselves among the community like everyone else. 'A number of the clubs have helped them get jobs, they've helped them go through pathway processes to the Victorian team.' The association now has 16 clubs, 24 teams and more than 300 players across Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo and greater Melbourne. Crucially, every program must be embedded within a 'mainstream' local cricket club to foster a sense of belonging. Lefebvre is a retired police officer of 41 years who developed Victoria Police's mental health strategy, while he was also recognised with a 'Victorian Local Hero' nomination at the 2025 Australian of the Year Awards for his work with MAACA. He said the association's growth was rapid, but would be capped at three new clubs per season so it 'doesn't get out of hand'. 'We've got different divisions according to different skill levels and different disability levels, right up to the high functioning guys,' he explained. Humble beginnings Vickram Jholl was the player who inspired the creation of an all-abilities program at Moorabbin, and later the formation of the MAACA, when his tireless and determined parents leant over the fence at cricket training and asked Lefebvre if he could help their son. In the first year there were only seven players and Lefebvre was left disappointed, but steadily that number grew. The next year there were 19, then 29, then 44, and so on. 'It just started as an idea at Moorabbin Cricket Club about 15 years ago and it all started to blossom, now we're putting the reins on it because it's just exploding … when you see it you're absolutely hooked,' Lefebvre said. 'The interest got so big that we decided to set up a competition. It's a program first and a competition second. 'It must be embedded within a mainstream cricket club, it can't be an all abilities club, and that's all about integration and inclusion basically … all our all abilities players come to Moorabbin functions. 'The cultural change has taken place many years ago and it's just part of the everyday furniture at Moorabbin which is fantastic. It's nothing new for a First XI player to be sitting next to an all abilities player and having a chat. 'That was the idea of what we wanted to do and that was the way it worked out which was great.' Vickram's parents Arjan and Gobind Jholl had been searching tirelessly for an opportunity for Vickram – who has autism and an intellectual disability – to play cricket when they met Lefebvre. 'It took us a while to get a club that would take in people with all abilities,' Arjan explained. 'Vickram was really interested in cricket … he kept saying he wanted to play cricket. 'We went around door knocking, got the local council involved as well, it took us around a year. 'Everyone was telling us we can't take it on, it's too hard basket, it's a big liability, but Steve gave it a go and said 'I'll do it', and he did. He's our saviour, we weren't going to give up until we found someone but we were lucky that Steve gave us a go.' The impact Vickram and Wilkinson are just two cases out of hundreds of MAACA shaping a disadvantaged life for the better. 'It has made a lot of difference … just that sense of belonging, giving everyone a go, you're not judging,' Arjan said of the impact on Vickram. 'Everyone has a goal no matter what your ability is, he's so proud to put on his uniform on match days and he thinks, 'right, I'm a hot shot cricket player'. It has boosted his self esteem, his morale. 'He's a different boy altogether.' Wilkinson has only been playing in MAACA for the past two seasons but said it had been 'amazing' for him. 'It's given me another path and another step in life, people go through a lot of things in life, but it's all about a team environment and getting out there, and community,' said Wilkinson, who plays for Seddon Cricket Club. 'Some days I wake up and my head is just pounding and my face is swollen, it's just life. 'Cricket helps me and gives me a purpose on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, to me it gives me something to look forward to, then a week's gone like that.' 'My day to day life is very boring unfortunately, I'm on the disability pension and when I'm really sick I don't leave the house, or might see the boys at cricket and socialise. 'Outside of cricket I struggle a lot on the medical side of it. Cricket and golf are the things that get me out of the house to come and socialise, it makes me a better person. 'The people at Seddon love and respect all of our all abilities players, they put a smile on our face and we put a smile on their face.' An action as simple as Wilkinson putting his body behind the ball in the outfield can cause injury for him given his softer bones, while he also needs injections once a month, has to take tablets everyday, and has diabetes. 'We could go on forever …' he trails off. Wilkinson has also struggled with alcohol as a result of his condition, but went cold turkey in his first season with MAACA. 'I get on it a bit, I don't work most days and it gets boring, cricket does help. I can't say so much positive things with MAACA … I'm very fortunate. 'Last year I did so well,' Wilkinson said. 'This year hasn't been great because when I get sick I get on it a bit too much, but that's life.' Wilkinson added that his diagnosis 'took a big toll' on him. 'I'm lucky I've got an amazing family, my mum and dad, If I didn't have them … I've been in very dark places in life and if it wasn't for my family and friends and cricket and golf, it was very, very, very hard. 'Everyone gets dealt a shit card and might feel shit on 'x' day, but you've got to wake up and have some positives.'
The Advertiser
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Advertiser
First look: watch the moving new celebration of the Aussies who inspire us
The National Australia Day Council is showcasing current and former Australian of the Year Awards recipients in an inspiring new advertising campaign to encourage nominations for next year's awards. The 60-second advertisement to appear online and on TV features current Australian of the Year Neale Daniher and Young Australian of the Year Dr Katrina Wruck as well as Local Hero Award recipients Amar Singh, of Turbans 4 Australia, and Victorian football advocate for women Jasmine Hirst. Part of the clip was filmed in Cafe Stepping Stone, the social enterprise employing women mostly from migrant and refugee backgrounds established in Canberra by Australia's Local Heroes for 2025, Vanessa Brettell and Hannah Costello. Nominations for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards are open until July 31. Australians are being urged to shine a spotlight on the local legends and national change-makers whose efforts have enriched our communities. The Australian of the Year Awards require public nominations to identify outstanding individuals and it only takes one nomination for someone to be considered for the prestigious awards. "Every day, we all see people doing something special or we hear about people who are making a real impact - it's these people we all see and hear about that we want the public to nominate," National Australia Day Council chair John Foreman said. "When you see them or hear about them, nominate them." Nominate now at The four categories are: Australian of the Year; Senior Australian of the Year (aged 65 and over); Young Australian of the Year (aged 16 to 30); and Australia's Local Hero. From the public's nominations, each state and territory announces a recipient in each category. These state and territory award recipients then become the national finalists for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards to be announced on the evening of January 25, 2026, in Canberra. Who inspires you? Who do you think should be our next Australian of the Year? If you see them or hear about them, nominate them before July 31 for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards at The National Australia Day Council is showcasing current and former Australian of the Year Awards recipients in an inspiring new advertising campaign to encourage nominations for next year's awards. The 60-second advertisement to appear online and on TV features current Australian of the Year Neale Daniher and Young Australian of the Year Dr Katrina Wruck as well as Local Hero Award recipients Amar Singh, of Turbans 4 Australia, and Victorian football advocate for women Jasmine Hirst. Part of the clip was filmed in Cafe Stepping Stone, the social enterprise employing women mostly from migrant and refugee backgrounds established in Canberra by Australia's Local Heroes for 2025, Vanessa Brettell and Hannah Costello. Nominations for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards are open until July 31. Australians are being urged to shine a spotlight on the local legends and national change-makers whose efforts have enriched our communities. The Australian of the Year Awards require public nominations to identify outstanding individuals and it only takes one nomination for someone to be considered for the prestigious awards. "Every day, we all see people doing something special or we hear about people who are making a real impact - it's these people we all see and hear about that we want the public to nominate," National Australia Day Council chair John Foreman said. "When you see them or hear about them, nominate them." Nominate now at The four categories are: Australian of the Year; Senior Australian of the Year (aged 65 and over); Young Australian of the Year (aged 16 to 30); and Australia's Local Hero. From the public's nominations, each state and territory announces a recipient in each category. These state and territory award recipients then become the national finalists for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards to be announced on the evening of January 25, 2026, in Canberra. Who inspires you? Who do you think should be our next Australian of the Year? If you see them or hear about them, nominate them before July 31 for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards at The National Australia Day Council is showcasing current and former Australian of the Year Awards recipients in an inspiring new advertising campaign to encourage nominations for next year's awards. The 60-second advertisement to appear online and on TV features current Australian of the Year Neale Daniher and Young Australian of the Year Dr Katrina Wruck as well as Local Hero Award recipients Amar Singh, of Turbans 4 Australia, and Victorian football advocate for women Jasmine Hirst. Part of the clip was filmed in Cafe Stepping Stone, the social enterprise employing women mostly from migrant and refugee backgrounds established in Canberra by Australia's Local Heroes for 2025, Vanessa Brettell and Hannah Costello. Nominations for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards are open until July 31. Australians are being urged to shine a spotlight on the local legends and national change-makers whose efforts have enriched our communities. The Australian of the Year Awards require public nominations to identify outstanding individuals and it only takes one nomination for someone to be considered for the prestigious awards. "Every day, we all see people doing something special or we hear about people who are making a real impact - it's these people we all see and hear about that we want the public to nominate," National Australia Day Council chair John Foreman said. "When you see them or hear about them, nominate them." Nominate now at The four categories are: Australian of the Year; Senior Australian of the Year (aged 65 and over); Young Australian of the Year (aged 16 to 30); and Australia's Local Hero. From the public's nominations, each state and territory announces a recipient in each category. These state and territory award recipients then become the national finalists for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards to be announced on the evening of January 25, 2026, in Canberra. Who inspires you? Who do you think should be our next Australian of the Year? If you see them or hear about them, nominate them before July 31 for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards at The National Australia Day Council is showcasing current and former Australian of the Year Awards recipients in an inspiring new advertising campaign to encourage nominations for next year's awards. The 60-second advertisement to appear online and on TV features current Australian of the Year Neale Daniher and Young Australian of the Year Dr Katrina Wruck as well as Local Hero Award recipients Amar Singh, of Turbans 4 Australia, and Victorian football advocate for women Jasmine Hirst. Part of the clip was filmed in Cafe Stepping Stone, the social enterprise employing women mostly from migrant and refugee backgrounds established in Canberra by Australia's Local Heroes for 2025, Vanessa Brettell and Hannah Costello. Nominations for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards are open until July 31. Australians are being urged to shine a spotlight on the local legends and national change-makers whose efforts have enriched our communities. The Australian of the Year Awards require public nominations to identify outstanding individuals and it only takes one nomination for someone to be considered for the prestigious awards. "Every day, we all see people doing something special or we hear about people who are making a real impact - it's these people we all see and hear about that we want the public to nominate," National Australia Day Council chair John Foreman said. "When you see them or hear about them, nominate them." Nominate now at The four categories are: Australian of the Year; Senior Australian of the Year (aged 65 and over); Young Australian of the Year (aged 16 to 30); and Australia's Local Hero. From the public's nominations, each state and territory announces a recipient in each category. These state and territory award recipients then become the national finalists for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards to be announced on the evening of January 25, 2026, in Canberra. Who inspires you? Who do you think should be our next Australian of the Year? If you see them or hear about them, nominate them before July 31 for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards at
