- Nominations for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards close on 31 July 2025
- Queenslanders are encouraged to submit a nomination across four award categories.
- Awards include Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year, and Local Hero.
The Crisafulli Government is encouraging Queenslanders to celebrate individuals who make an extraordinary difference in their communities before nominations close for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards.
Members of the public can nominate exceptional Queenslanders from anywhere in the State until midnight on Thursday 31 July 2025 for a chance to see them honoured on the national stage in Canberra.
The annual awards recognise the achievements of outstanding Queenslanders whose leadership, selflessness, and dedication inspire others to make a difference in the way we live, work, study, and volunteer.
In 2025, Dr Bronwyn Herbert was named Queensland Senior Australian of the Year for her contributions to social work and her research into breaking the cycle of homelessness. She completed her Bachelor's degree at 40, her Master's degree at 61, and earned her PhD at 90.
The Awards categories include:
- Australian of the Year
- Senior Australian of the Year (65 years and over)
- Young Australian of the Year (16 to 30 years of age)
- Australia's Local Hero.
Premier David Crisafulli said the Australian of the Year Awards celebrated everyday Queenslanders doing remarkable work for the community.
"This is about recognising those heroes who quietly go about making Queensland a better place to live, today and into the future," Premier Crisafulli said.
"The strength of our communities is the local champions who give back for the benefit of others, let's celebrate their tireless contributions this Australia Day."
Nominations can be submitted at www.australianoftheyear.org.au until 11.59pm Thursday 31 July 2025.
