However, if you know of someone worthy of the title Senior Australian of the Year like those mentioned above, then you have until the end of July to help get them the recognition they deserve.
One of the nation’s pre-eminent awards, the Australian of the Year Awards recognise those who go above and beyond and demonstrate great Australian spirit.
The senior’s category is focused on those aged 65 and over who continue to achieve and make a difference in their community, and all nominees will be considered for the Australian of the Year Award and Australia’s Local Hero Award.
What do organisers say?
Award organisers said in terms of eligibility for nominees, regard is given to their achievements in the year immediately before receiving the award, as well as their past achievements and ongoing contribution to the Australian community and nation.
“Research suggests the public wants to see the awards recognise someone changing lives and Australian society for the better, someone whose challenges and triumphs are manifested in their life experience and personal journey, beyond their career achievements. ”
“A person who has taken risks, done the hard yards and been a pioneer that has had a positive impact on a wide range of people’s lives. The award should ideally bring focus to the area of work the person has achieved in for the year they have been recognised.”
How it started
The senior’s category was first added to the awards event in 1999, during the International Year of Older Persons. It has been held every year since, with 2002 being the only year, since the founding of the awards, that a recipient hasn’t been certified.
Consideration is also given to personal, academic and professional achievements, contribution in the relevant field, demonstrated leadership, innovation and creativity, personal interests and community involvement and the nature and length of activity or service.
Unsuccessful nominees may be re-nominated in subsequent years, however no weight is given to the number of times a person is nominated.
Award organisers said when making a nomination, it is important that those submitting support their nomination with facts and reliable statistics where possible.
“Aim for quality not quantity, try to keep your sentences short and concise, and avoid repetition. At any time, you can save and close your nomination and finish it later. We advise it should not be left any longer than seven days without completion.”
After application
Once a nomination is submitted, a confirmation letter will be sent confirming the nomination has been received. This will contain a reference number for future correspondence. Nominations officially close on 31 July 2023.
Shortlisted nominees will then be considered – and the category recipients selected – by State or Territory selection panels comprised of people who reflect the diversity of the population. National recipients will then be selected by the National Australia Day Council Board and the national awards are announced on the evening of 25 January 2024.
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