South Australian medical student Isobel Marshall was named Young Australian of the Year for 2021 in January, honoured for her work in breaking down the stigma around menstruation and providing better access to hygiene products.

It is now time to put forward inspiring people in the community for the 2022 Australian of the Year awards, with nominations closing at midnight on 31 July.

In another year of challenges, who are the Australians you’ve found inspiring?

It’s time to celebrate those individuals who have gained respect or inspired reflection on what it is to be Australian – the quiet achievers, the community heroes, the leaders and the doers.

It’s up to the public to nominate those they admire for the titles of Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year and

Australia’s Local Hero.

Alongside Isobel, Grace Tame was named 2021 Australian of the Year, Dr Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr is Senior Australian of the Year and Rosemary Kariuki is Australia’s Local Hero.

National Australia Day Council CEO Ms Karlie Brand says it is important for Australians to nominate people for the Awards in order for their contributions and efforts to be recognised.

“By nominating someone for the Australian of the Year Awards, you’re sharing their story more broadly so we can all celebrate what they’ve done,” she says.

“While the national Awards honour four people each January, we recognise 128 people around the country each year through the state and territory awards process.

“You don’t need to personally know the individual you’re nominating, you simply need to tell us what they’ve done and how they’ve impacted you or others.

“It only takes one nomination for someone to be considered for the Australian of the Year Awards and that crucial nomination could be yours.”

Nominees must be a living person (posthumous awards cannot be granted); Australian citizens; and aged 16-30 for Young Australian of the Year and

Aged 65 and over for Senior Australian of the Year.

The selection criteria includes:

• 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.

Full details of the awards and how to nominate go to the website.