Difference Makers - Getting the vote

Women who were history makers in winning the right to vote and stand for national elections.

What Australians of the Year tell us about making a differene

2010 marks the 50th anniversary of the Australian of the Year awards. The awards are announced on the eve of Australia Day, January 26. In addition to Australian of the Year, we also announce Young Australian of the Year, Senor Australian of the Year and Australia’s Local Hero.
Australians of the Year have been scientists, singers, doctors, artists, Aboriginal leaders, a few have military experience. The largest category is sportspeople. We can note that only a fifth of Australians of the year have been women and many of them were sportswomen.

While they are a diverse bunch of people, Australians of the Year share one thing in common. They are people who have made a significant and lasting contribution to Australia, and in many cases, to the world. Their contribution spans decades. These are not overnight success stories, not fly-by-nighters, nor are they dabblers, people who dip their toe in the water of an issue, and soon withdraw. Their contribution is marked by persistence, consistency of effort, dedication, and hard work.

Award recipients all have a passion for their work. They are experts in their field as well as being inspirational role models.

On the shores of Lake Burley Griffin you’ll find the Australian of the Year Walk. Along this path is a series of plinths, one for each year of the awards. Fixed to each plinth is a plaque with the names and images of those who have received these awards.

This is like a family album of both eminent and unsung Australians who have made outstanding contributions to our community.

You can learn more about Award recipients. Next time you are in Canberra, stop by the Australian of the Year Walk. These people provide us with stories, giving us the chance to reflect on what is enduring from our past, and to gain inspiration for tomorrow.

DifferenceMakers - Aussie Awards

Learn the qualities of difference makers from the Australians of the Year Walk, Canberra, Australia. Each year we announce the winners of the Australian of the Year Walk, a prestigeous award recognising people who are passionate experts, inspirational role models and have made lasting contributions to Australia, and in many cases to the world. These people give us clues as to what it takes to make a major contribution with lasting impact.