The Victorian council also battled a common perception that it was an exclusive organisation that represented the Melbourne Establishment. In particular, the Canberra council was sympathetic to the emerging republican movement, while the Victorian council was staunchly committed to constitutional ties with Britain. The Canberra council was run by a vibrant group of local inhabitants, who pursued a more progressive agenda than their Victorian counterparts. In 1975 the newly formed Canberra Australia Day Council also began to name a rival Australian of the Year. A competing Australian of the Year award was established by newspaper The Australian in 1971. The focus on international achievement reflected the philosophy of the award organisers, who described the Australian of the Year as 'the person who has brought the greatest honour to Australia in the year under review.' 1970s and 1980s ĭuring its first two decades, the Australian of the Year award grew steadily in national prominence, but it increasingly suffered from its close association with the Victorian Australia Day Council. Achievers in the artistic realm were also well represented, including opera singer Joan Sutherland, renowned dancer and choreographer Robert Helpmann and the four members of the chart-topping singing group The Seekers – Judith Durham, Athol Guy, Keith Potger and Bruce Woodley. The pioneering neurologist Sir John Eccles followed Burnet's example, becoming the second of five Australians to take out the Nobel Prize/Australian of the Year double.
Several sporting heroes were honoured, from America's Cup skipper Jock Sturrock and swimmer Dawn Fraser, to world champion motor racer Sir Jack Brabham and boxer Lionel Rose. International achievement remained a key criterion during the award's first decade. Sir Robert Helpmann, Australian of the Year 1965 The close relationship with the Australian Government ensures that the award's profile and reputation is significantly enhanced.
The Australian of the Year award receives substantial sponsorship from private companies, including a relationship in excess of thirty years with the Commonwealth Bank of Australia.
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. The award program promotes active citizenship and seeks to elevate certain people as role models. It has also provoked spirited debate about the fields of endeavour that are most worthy of public recognition.
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. The official announcement has grown to become a public event, and the Canberra ceremony is televised nationally. The Australian of the Year announcement has become a notable part of the annual Australia Day celebrations. Since 1960 the award for the Australian of the Year has been bestowed as part of the celebrations surrounding Australia Day, during which time it has grown steadily in significance to become one of the nation's pre-eminent awards.