Australia's Local Hero award

The department proudly sponsors Australia's Local Hero Award as part of the Australian of the Year Awards. The Australian of the Year Awards provides all Australians with the opportunity to recognise someone who makes them proud.

Each year we celebrate Australia's Local Hero alongside the Australian of the Year, the Young Australian of the Year and the Senior Australian of the Year.

The Local Hero Award recognises the enormous contribution of so many Australian citizens who selflessly work to make their local community a better place, and helping those around them.

A Local Hero from each state and territory is announced later in the year, with one of the eight state and territory Local Heroes announced as Australia's Local Hero on Australia Day eve each year.

Australia's Local Hero 2011

Donald Ritchie OAM, from New South Wales, is a suicide prevention advocate who has had a direct impact on the lives of many individuals.

The famous ocean cliff in Sydney's east, The Gap, is surrounded by multimillion dollar properties and is home to some of Australia's wealthiest people. However the scenic locale has become an infamous landmark because of its reputation as a suicide spot.

Donald Ritchie has lived opposite The Gap for almost five decades. Each day, Don keeps an active eye out for people who might need help. For years he has been coaxing people away from the cliffside by inviting them back to his home for a chat over a cup of tea. In this way, Don has saved more than 160 lives. Over the years, he has received tokens of thanks from many he has saved, however, tragically, the deaths of so many are eternally etched in his mind.

Don's services to suicide prevention are truly remarkable. His kind words and invitations into his home in times of trouble have made an enormous difference. With such simple actions Don has saved an extraordinary number of lives.

Read more inspiring stories from other State and Territory Local Heroes.

State and Territory Local Heroes 2011

Read about your state or territory's Local Hero.

Nominate an outstanding Australian citizen

There are men and women all over Australia who make an outstanding contribution to their community by helping those around them. These are the people whose tireless and selfless work in the community often goes unthanked.

Every community has a person like this. Australia's Local Hero Award provides an opportunity to acknowledge dedicated Australian citizens who make a significant contribution at a local community level.

All it takes is one nomination so make yours today at the Australian of the Year Awards website.

Do you know a Local Hero?

Perhaps you have a friend, family member, community leader or colleague who is an inspiring individual who makes an outstanding contribution to their local community.

All it takes is one nomination, so nominate someone you know for Australia's Local Hero Award.

Nominations close at the end of August with the announcement of state and territory award recipients made towards the end of the year.

The national Australian of the Year Awards, including Australia's Local Hero, are announced on Australia Day Eve.

You can nominate your Local Hero on the Australian of the Year Awards website.