Since 1960, Australia has celebrated the achievements and contributions by conferring the award on leading citizens who ignite discussion and change on issues of national importance.
Designed to offer an insight into Australia’s evolving identity, the awards reflect Australia’s evolving relationship with Britain and the world. They show the role sport has in our society and the impact of multiculturalism.
This year’s winners of the Australia day honours were:
Grace Tame is a 26-year-old rape survivor and advocate for victims of sexual assault. She is a regular guest speaker for television programs and high-profile events to push for legal reform and raise public awareness about the impacts of sexual violence.
Isobel Marshall is a 22-year-old student of medicine and surgery. After graduating from high school, she co-founded TABOO, a business that helps women gain greater access to hygiene products.
They dedicate all profits to sanitary health projects in developing countries. Marshall and business partner Eloise Hall crowdfunded $56,000 to successfully launch their range of organic cotton pads and tampons in August 2019.
60-year-old Rosemary Kariuki is a refugee who fled Kenya alone in 1999, an experience that helped her recognise the isolating experience of many migrant women.
It is only the second time since 2003 that all four awards were given to Australian women. The first was in 2015 when Rose Batty won the Australian of the Year award for her work campaigning against family violence.
