While getting together with friends and cooking up a storm is a popular way to spend Australia Day so is attending award ceremonies.
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Awards that are associated with Australia Day are presented for achievements and contribution to the community. Three of the main awards presented on or before Australia day include:
Citizen of the year
These awards are usually run at local government (council) level to celebrate achievements and contributions in the local region.
Categories within this level of awards are determined by the region and can include:
- Citizen of the Year
- Sportsperson of the Year
- Senior Citizen of the Year
- Student of the Year - this is determined by the administering local government organisation.
Award winners are usually selected through a nomination process which is assessed by a local selection committee or councillors.
These awards are usually presented at official Australia Day functions. Contact your local council for information on local awards.
For more than 55 years, the Australian of the Year Awards have celebrated the achievements and contributions of Australia's finest - those who lead by example across all fields of endeavour for the benefit the nation.
The Awards provide all Australians with the opportunity to recognise someone who makes them proud, in four categories:
- Australian of the Year
- Senior Australian of the Year (those aged 65 years or over)
- Young Australian of the Year (ages 16 to 30)
- Australia's Local Hero
The Awards program is run by the National Australia Day Council, and proudly sponsored by the Commonwealth Bank.
Every Australian can play their part in giving the nation's best the recognition they deserve.
To nominate an outstanding Australian for next year's awards go to www.australianoftheyear.org.au.
Australia Day Honours and Order of Australia
On Australia Day and the Queen's Birthday holiday the Australian Government awards Australians who have contributed significantly to the Australian community with a range of Australian Honours.