ROSIE Batty became the country's most powerful advocate for those who experienced domestic and family violence when she was named Australian of the Year 2015.
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The honour came less than a year after her son Luke, 11, was killed by his father in February last year.
Six months into the role, Ms Batty said it had given her an enormous opportunity to create change, even as she coped with her own grief.
"Yes you can feel very overwhelmed at times, but the energy you get from the amazing responses that people give you and the knowledge your words are helping to bring about change inspires you and I wouldn't have it any other way," she said.
Ms Batty was joined by Young Australian of the Year Drisana Levitzke-Gray and Senior Australian of the Year Jackie French to launch next year's awards at Parliament House in June.
Ms French, a children's author and advocate for young people with learning difficulties, said the awards showed there was no end to the changes one person could make.
"There are so many people out there doing extraordinary things. Just nominating them is a way of saying 'What you are doing is inspiring. Please do not stop'," Ms French said.
National Australia Day Council chairman Ben Roberts-Smith, VC, said winners were a source of inspiration and national pride.
"I would urge every Australian to take the one or two minutes that it takes to nominate someone they believe is worthy of recognition."
You can nominate someone for the awards at Australian of the Year awards, or by phoning 1300 655 193, before August 3 this year.
Fairfax Media is a media partner of the 2016 Australian of the Year awards.
