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 Award 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 2012

For 15 years, Lynne Sawyers has been on call to care for lost and abused children, often in heartbreaking circumstances. She has fostered more than 200 children, many of whom arrived on her doorstep with huge problems - physical, intellectual and emotional.

Living near Cowra NSW, with her husband Ken and daughter Emma, Lynne has taken in up to six foster children at a time. Lynne’s supportive family environment is often their first such positive experience.

At the age of 68, she continues to work tirelessly to give these children a better chance at a good life, travelling hundreds of kilometres every week, preparing up to 15 meals a day, and raising funds to help children. Because of her commitment and compassion, many are now leading fulfilled, happy lives and have adopted Lynne as their 'second mother'.

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

State and Territory Local Heroes 2012

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.