<Ul> <Li> ← 2017 </Li> <Li> 2018 </Li> <Li> 2019 → </Li> </Ul> <P> The Australian of the Year is an award conferred on an Australian citizen by the National Australia Day Council, a not - for - profit Australian Government--owned social enterprise . </P> <P> Since 1960 the award for the Australian of the Year has been bestowed as part of the celebrations surrounding Australia Day (26 January), during which time it has grown steadily in significance to become one of the nation's pre-eminent awards . The Australian of the Year announcement has become a notable part of the annual Australia Day celebrations . The official announcement has grown to become a public event, and the Canberra ceremony is televised nationally . The award offers an insight into Australian identity, reflecting the nation's evolving relationship with world, the role of sport in Australian culture, the impact of multiculturalism, and the special status of Indigenous Australians . It has also provoked spirited debate about the fields of endeavour that are most worthy of public recognition . </P> <P> The award program promotes active citizenship and seeks to elevate certain people as role models . Three companion awards have been introduced, recognising both Young and Senior Australians, and proclaiming the efforts of those who work at a grass roots level through the "Australia's Local Hero" award . </P>

When is the australian of the year announced