2027 Australian of the Year award nominations

Nominations for the 2027 Australian of the Year Awards have been announced across several regions.

In Western Australia, sixteen individuals were named across four categories: Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year, and Australia's Local Hero. Nominees represent fields such as health, marine conservation, technology, and community support, including telehealth innovator Esther Oh and organ transplant pioneer Emily Zhen. Additionally, Tina Baldwin was honored for her forty years of service as a Lifeline volunteer.

In the Northern Territory, seventeen nominees were selected, including volunteer first responder Taitt Green, First Nations employment advocate Byron Davis, Dr. Joel Liddle for Indigenous language preservation, and Jason Lord for his work with the Arrernte Community Boxing Academy.

The Australian Capital Territory announced sixteen nominees recognized for contributions to climate advocacy, human rights, and social inclusion, such as Professor Hilary Bambrick, Martin Hodgson, and Zakary Pino.

In New South Wales, 84 year old Dr. David Cooke, a former Royal Flying Doctor Service pilot and doctor, was named Senior Australian of the Year.

South Australia recognized four individuals for their work in women’s health, palliative care, space education, and violence prevention. Dr. Fariba Behnia-Willison, a gynaecologist and reconstructive surgeon, was named the 2027 Australian of the Year for South Australia. Dr. Roger Hunt was named the state’s Senior Australian of the Year for his work in palliative medicine.