Australians of the Year 2020

Congratulations to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander finalists in this year’s Australian of the Year Awards. 

These 10 exceptional Indigenous Australians, join the other finalists to represent their state or territory at the 2020 Awards. This year young Indigenous men and women make-up 5 of the 7 finalists for the Young Australian of the Year Award.

In its 60th year, the Australian of the Year Awards recognise the significant contribution individuals have made to the community in areas including sport, music, the arts, health and education.

Good luck to all of the 2020 nominees.

Australian of the Year

Archie Roach AM (VIC) - singer, songwriter, musician and campaigner for the rights of First Nations Australians.

Wiradjuri woman Katrina Fanning (ACT) - pioneer for women’s rugby league

Senior Australian of the Year

Yolngu woman Banduk Marika AO (NT) - artist, cultural activist and environmental adviser. 

Young Australian of the Year

Kamilaroi man Corey Tutt (NSW) - mentor and fundraiser for remote schools

Ash Barty (QLD) - professional tennis player

Nyangumarta Pitjikarli man Yarlalu Thomas (WA) - medical student and Precision Public Health fellow in Genetic and Rare Diseases

Zibeon Fielding (SA) - athlete and fundraiser to close the gap in Indigenous health

Will Smith (TAS) - Social justice activist

Local Hero

Warlpiri and Arrernte woman Shirleen Campbell (NT) - Family and domestic violence activist

Emmah Money (SA) - Cystic fibrosis advocate