Recognition

Young people are changing Australia. We recognise the profound contributions that young people across Australia make to their communities and the country.

Young Australian of the Year awards

The Young Australian of the Year Award is Australia’s peak award recognising the tremendous and important contributions that young people make to Australian society. Their stories remind us that we can all make a difference.

The Office for Youth is proud to be the official partner of the Young Australian of the Year Award.

The Australian of the Year awards

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2024 Young Australian of the Year - Emma McKeon AM, Olympian

Emma McKeon AM is the most successful Australian Olympian of all time – a title she claimed before her 28th birthday.

She comes from a strong family of Australian swimmers. In fact, her father, uncle, brother and mother have all represented Australia.

At the 2020 Summer Olympics, Emma became the first female swimmer and the second woman in history to win seven medals in a single Olympics. She has also broken Commonwealth Games, Olympic and World records.

Read Emma’s story on the Australian of the Year website

Past Young Australian of the Year recipients

Want to see what other incredible young Australians have done? Check out these previous Young Australian of the Year recipients:

YearRecipientMore info
2024Emma McKeon AMRead Emma's story
2023Awer MabilRead Awer's story
2022Dr Daniel NourRead Daniel's story

State and Territory Young Australian of the Year recipients

Find out what young people are doing in your state or territory.

2024 Young Australian of the Year state and territory recipients

The state and territory recipients of the 2024 Young Australian of the Year Award are:

  • Caitlin Figueiredo, ACT - Co-chair, Australian Youth Affairs Coalition
  • Nikhil Autar, NSW - Researcher and founder, Bheem Health
  • Peter Susanto, NT - Medical student and community volunteer
  • Tiahni Adamson, SA - Wildlife conservation biologist
  • Naarah, TAS - Actor, musician, Indigenous activist
  • Bhakta Bahadur Bhattarai, VIC - Registered nurse and founder, Albury Wodonga Multicultural Community Events Inc
  • Kate Kirwin, WA - Founder, She Codes and women in STEM advocate
  • Emma McKeon AM, QLD - Olympian.

Want to know more? Read about these incredible young people and their work on the Australian of the Year website.