Australian of the Year

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The Australian of the Year Awards commenced in 1960. From nominations received, Australia Day Committees in each state and territory select several finalists and recipients for their respective state and territory Australian of the Year Awards. These recipients are announced at functions in November and December each year, and from these, the National Australia Day Council Board selects the recipients in each national award category.

The national awards are announced on the eve of, and presented on, Australia Day (January 26) each year.

The Australian of the Year Awards recognise and reward those Australians who have a consistent record of excellence, who have made outstanding achievements in their field, and contributed in a significant way to the nation.

The Young Australian of the Year Award was introduced in 1979, Senior Australian in 1999, and the Local Hero Award in 2003.

[edit] Australian of the Year Walk

The Australian of the Year Walk is on the shore of Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra.

The Australian of the Year Walk in Canberra is composed of 100 concrete pillars with, by year, an image and the name of the various categories of Australian of the Year awardees. The pillars are in five groups of 20, with a staggered arrangement laterally along five metal dividers between six lines of dark paving stones. The lake side is bordered by white pavers, the land side by a white paved walkway.

The Walk is situated along a straight section of shoreline on Lake Burley Griffin between the National Library of Australia and the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge.

The Walk was opened by Rt Hon John Howard, Prime Minister, on Australia Day, 26 January 2006.