Q: Do I have to know the person I nominate?
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A: No, you just need to give their name and explain what they’ve done.
Q: Can I nominate myself?
A: No, unfortunately you can’t nominate yourself.
Q: Is there anyone who is not eligible for nomination?
A: Nominees must be Australian citizens. Awards cannot be granted posthumously, so a nominee must be a living person. Nominees must be 16 or over. Currently sitting members of parliament (including the Prime Minister) and vice-regal officers (Governors) are not eligible.
Q: Does the number of nominations someone receives make a difference?
A: No, it makes no difference at all. A person only needs to be nominated only once to be considered for the awards. But a person must be formally nominated to be considered, so don’t presume someone else will nominate a person.
Q: When are the awards announced?
A: There are awards announced for each state and territory during October and November, then the national awards are announced in the lead up to Australia Day.
Q: How many nominations do the awards get?
A: The National Australia Day Council receives between 2000 and 3000 nominations each year.
Q: How are nominations judged?
A: The selection criteria is: demonstrated excellence in their field; contribution to the community locally, nationally, globally; how they are an inspirational role model.
Q: Who decides who wins?
A: Independent panels in each state and territory shortlist the nominations and determine the recipients in each state and territory. The panels are made up of representatives from the National Australia Day Council, the state and territory network, sponsors and the community. The National Australia Day Council board then decides the national recipients.
Nominate now for the awards at Australian of the Year awards.
Nominations close on August 3.
Fairfax Media is a partner of the 2016 Australian of the Year awards.