Award Programs

We recognise inspiring people and communities through a range of award programs.

Australian of the Year

Citizen of the Year

Inspiring South Australian Women's Award

Award for Leadership in Languages and Cultures

Public Service Medal

Australian of the Year Awards

Each year our nation celebrates the achievement and contribution of eminent Australians through the Australian of the Year Awards by profiling leading citizens who are role models for us all. 

The Australian of the Year Awards honour incredible Australians who have gone the extra mile to create a better country for us all. We all know someone that goes above and beyond in contributing to a greater community – the quiet achievers, the community heroes, the leaders and the doers.

Citizen of the Year

The Citizen of the Year Awards recognise South Australians who enable their communities to be stronger as a result of their tireless efforts.

These individuals offer outstanding service each day and so often this is invisible to us. They don’t do it for the praise, or for the recognition – they do it simply because it makes a difference to the people of our state.

Inspiring South Australian Women's Award

The Inspiring South Australian Women’s Award, recognises an outstanding woman who has made a significant contribution to the community.

The Award is part of the Australia Day awards and honours and is jointly coordinated by the Australia Day Council of South Australia and the Office for Women.

Award for Leadership in Languages and Cultures of the Year

Do you know an inspiring young leader passionate about languages and cultures and who advocates for a multilingual and culturally diverse Australia?

The Award for Leadership in Languages and Cultures recognises outstanding young people who have demonstrated leadership and commitment to advocacy for a multilingual and culturally diverse Australia.

This Award is provided by the Minister for Education, Training and Skills, The Honourable Blair Boyer MP, through the Multicultural Education and Languages Committee (MELC) and administered by the Australia Day Council of South Australia.

Public Service Medal

The Public Service Medal is part of the national system of Australian Honours and Awards and is awarded twice-yearly by the Governor-General.

The award is announced on Australia Day (26 January) and the King’s Birthday (June) each year.

The Medal is designed to recognise outstanding public service – whether through leadership, service excellence, improved productivity and efficiency, or innovation in program, project or policy development.