The Local Hero Award[1] is a part of the Australian of the Year awards. It commenced in 2003 and is sponsored by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC).
The Local Hero Award acknowledges extraordinary contributions made by Australians in their local community. A Local Hero from each state and territory is chosen each year, with one of the eight state and territory Local Heroes announced as Australia's Local Hero on Australia Day eve each year.
| Year | Name | Achievement | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Bushfire fighter[2] | ||
| 2004 | Survivor of domestic violence | ||
| 2005 | Environmental campaigner | ||
| 2006 | Patient advocate | ||
| 2007 | Social challenger | ||
| 2008 | Choral conductor | ||
| 2009 | Sea rescuer and educator | ||
| 2010 | Food rescuer | ||
| 2011 | Suicide prevention advocate | ||
| 2012 | Foster mother | ||
| 2013 | Indigenous leader | ||
| 2014 | Children's charity founder | ||
| 2015 | Social entrepreneur | ||
| 2016 | Dr | Youth educator | |
| 2017 | Campaigned to establish a cancer centre in Warrnambool[3] | ||
| 2018 | Sydney maths teacher[4] | ||
| 2019 | Kate and Tick Everett | Campaigned against bullying following daughter's death | |
| 2020 | Bernie Shakeshaft | Campaigner for disadvantaged rural youth[5] | |
| 2021 | Rosemary Kariuki | Activist supporting migrant women | |
| 2022 | Shanna Whan | Alcohol consumption activist in rural Australia[6] | |
| 2023 | Amar Singh | Founder of Turbans 4 Australia[7] | |
| 2024 | David Elliott | Co-founder of Australian Age of Dinosaurs and a key figure in boosting the palaeo-tourism industry in Australia. |