By Juliano Oliveira
There are six months before the end of the year and Australians have already seen drought, fires, flooding rains and COVID-19.
Over this time, innumerable anonymous heroes outstand on making their communities a better place to live and in providing a breath of hope to those who lost everything.
Who are the individuals you’ve been inspired by or who have made you proud in the past year?
Nominations for the 2021 Australian of the Year Awards are currently open for the titles of Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year and Australia’s Local Hero.
Nominating is easy and can be done online at australianoftheyear.org.au. Nominations will close at midnight 31 July 2020.
“This year, perhaps more than any other since the awards began in 1960, we’ve seen Australians overcome many adversities, help each other in times of crisis and carry out acts of bravery, leadership and kindness on a daily basis,” National Australia Day Council CEO Ms Karlie Brand said.
“It only takes one nomination for someone to be considered for the awards, but a nomination must be submitted for a person in order for them to be in the running. No matter how well known someone may be, a public nomination must be submitted before they can be considered for the awards.”
Nominations must be:
· Individuals (groups of people are not eligible)
· A living person (unfortunately posthumous awards cannot be granted)
· Australian citizens
· Aged 16-30 for Young Australian of the Year
· Aged 65 and over for Senior Australian of the Year
Consider the selection criteria when nominating a person for the Australian of the Year Awards.
The selection criteria include:
· Significant contribution to the Australian community and nation
· An inspirational role model for the Australian community
· Demonstrated excellence in their field
· The Local Hero award acknowledges a significant contribution at local community level