Awards and Recognition

The Order of Australia recognises Australians who have demonstrated outstanding service or exceptional achievement.

There are four levels of award: ²

• Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) - for eminent achievement and merit of the highest degree in service to Australia or to humanity at large.
• Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) - for distinguished service of a high degree to Australia or to humanity at large.
• Member of the Order of Australia (AM) - for service in a particular locality or field of activity or to a particular group.
• Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) - awarded for service worthy of particular recognition.

Nomination

The Australian honours system has been designed to ensure anyone can nominate a member of the sporting community for an award in the Order of Australia.

Search for previous Order of Australia recipients

The easiest way to find someone that has been recognised with an award is to search the Prime Minister and Cabinet database.

Several Australian volunteers and administrators have been recognised as Australian of the Year recipients for their sporting achievements and community contribution and are often portrayed as positive role models in the media.

There are four categories open annually for nominations:  ³

• Australian of the Year - celebrating the achievements and contributions of eminent Australians who are role models for us all
• Senior Australian of the Year - recognising those Australians aged 65 and over who continue to achieve and make a difference.
• Young Australian of the Year - celebrating inspiring 16 to 30 years olds who have accomplished great things in all walks of life.
• Australia’s Local Hero - acknowledges people making a difference in their local community.

Nomination

Any Australian can be nominated year round. Nominations made after 31 July will be considered for the next years' Awards, (e.g., nominations made after 31 July 2023, would be considered for the 2025 Awards).

Search for previous Order of Australia recipients

The easiest way to find someone that has been recognised with an award is to search the Recipients on the Australian of the Year Awards website.

AIS Sport Performance Awards. The AIS Sport Performance Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of athletes, teams, coaches, volunteers, and leaders in Australian sport.

The Sport Volunteer of the Year Award was introduced in 2022.

• 2022 - Nicole Williams, Brighton Cricket Club (SA)
• 2023 - Elysa Oliveri, Blowfly Cricket Club (NSW)

Volunteering Australia is the national peak body for volunteering, working to advance volunteering in the Australian community.

• Online certificate of appreciation. Through the Volunteering Australia website you can send a free ecard Certificate of Appreciation directly to your volunteer’s email.
• 101 Ways to Recognise Your Volunteers, (February 2021).

Good Sports is a free Australia-wide program building stronger community sporting clubs. The program is run by the Alcohol and Drug Foundation (ADF), an independent and not for profit organisation, funded by state and federal governments.

• Good Sports Awards. The Awards recognise the strong clubs and dedicated people who are passionate about their community, their members and making their club the very best it can be. In 2022 there were seven categories to enter, including Club Volunteer of the Year.

CBR Sport Awards, ACT Government. Celebrating the individuals and teams who have excelled with sporting achievements throughout the past 12 months.

ACT Hall of Fame, ACT Government. The ACT Sport Hall of Fame began in 1995 and has enabled athletes, officials, coaches and administrators from our region to be recognised for excellence in their field and their contribution to our sporting community.

NSW Volunteer Recognition Program, NSW Volunteering. The purpose of the Program is to enhance the recognition of the contributions of volunteers across NSW, for the difference they make in their communities, the causes and organisations they support.

NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards, The Centre for Volunteering. An annual event aimed at recognising the incredible dedication, effort and community service of our state’s volunteers.

Her Sport Her Way Awards, NSW Office of Sport. Recognising and celebrating the achievements of leaders in women’s sport through awards and storytelling shines a light on gender equity across the sector.

NSW Champions of Sport, Sport NSW. The entire NSW sporting family comes together on one night, to celebrate the year’s achievements of NSW athletes, coaches, officials, administrators and organisations, alongside the states greatest athletes as they join the NSW sporting hall of fame.

NSW Community Sports Awards, Sport NSW. Recognising outstanding achievements and contributions to community sport in NSW – largely carried out by a volunteer workforce.

NT Volunteer of the Year Awards, Northern Territory Government / Volunteering SA&NT. Celebrating exemplary volunteer work and to recognise the contribution that volunteers make to communities in the NT.

NT Sports Awards, Northern Territory Government. The Northern Territory (NT) Sports Awards recognise the achievements of athletes, coaches, sporting officials and volunteers.

Queensland Sport Awards, QSport. The Annual Queensland Sport Awards have been running since 1995, and serve to celebrate the achievements of athletes, coaches, officials, administrators and organisations on an annual basis.

SA Volunteer Awards, Government of South Australia, Human Services. Recognising the invaluable work that volunteers, volunteer managers, community organisations and businesses contribute to the South Australian community.

Volunteer Certificates, Government of South Australia, Human Services. Two certificate programs are available for recognising your volunteers' contribution, the Premier’s Certificate of Recognition for Outstanding Volunteer Service and South Australian Volunteer Certificates of Appreciation.

South Australian Sport Awards, Sport SA. Each year, as one of the most prominent events on the SA sporting calendar, the South Australian Sport Awards honours those making outstanding contributions to sport in South Australia, as individual or team athletes, coaches, administrators and volunteers from both metropolitan and regional areas of South Australia and recognises our state’s great events.

South Australian Sport Hall of Fame, Sport SA. Membership of the South Australian Hall of Fame represents the highest level of recognition. The Hall of Fame recognises and promotes the outstanding achievements of this State's greatest athletes and general members who have made significant contributions to South Australia.

Tasmanian Sporting Hall of Fame, Tasmanian Government, Active Tasmania. Honouring outstanding Tasmanians who have represented their State and nation with distinction and ensures their sporting achievements receive recognition.

Victorian Sport Awards, VicSport. Each year, the Victorian Sport Awards honours those who have made an outstanding contribution to sport in Victoria as an individual or team athletes, coaches, administrators, and volunteers from both metropolitan and regional areas in Victoria.

WA Volunteer Service Awards, Government of WA. Western Australian volunteers who have volunteered for over 25 years can be nominated in one of the three categories below to receive a commemorative pin and a personalised certificate in recognition of their service.

Volunteer of the Year Awards, Volunteering WA. Each year individuals, groups, community organisations, government or local business organisations are invited to nominate a special individual or organisation they believe is worthy of recognition for a WA Volunteer of the Year Award.

WA Sport Awards, SportWest. The WA Sport Awards enable the West Australian community to recognise excellence in sport and celebrate the achievements of WA sportspeople. The most prestigious sporting Award that a West Australian athlete can win is The West Australian RAC SportWest Awards. Many of Western Australia’s outstanding sportspeople have won this Award since it was first presented to Morna Pearce in 1956.

Awards and recognition, Athletics Australia, (accessed 21 July 2023).

• Annual Award categories include: Coach of the Year (Open athletes), Coach of the Year (Junior athletes), Official of the Year.
• Gold Service Award. Awarded to technical officials and club, branch and association administrators who have provided service to the sport of athletics for 30 years or more. Instituted in 2003.
• Silver Service Award. Awarded to technical officials and club, branch and association administrators who have provided service to the sport of athletics for 40 years or more. Instituted in 2003.

Volunteer Recruitment and Recognition, Australian Football League, (accessed 21 July 2023).

• AFL National Volunteer Awards. Recognise volunteers/administrators for their outstanding contribution to Australian Football through the year. In 2023 11 categories were available to win State/Territory and National recognition - with prizes on offer for winners too.
• Community Volunteer
• Young Leader of the Year (Under 25 years of age)
• Community Club of the Year
• Auskick Volunteer
• Diversity Ambassador
• Disability Inclusion Volunteer
• National Community Umpiring Service
• Community Coaches of the Year (Male and Female)
• School Teachers of the Year (Male and Female)
• National Community Football Media Award
• National Community Football Photography Award
• AFL Merit Awards. Each State and Territory select up to two outstanding volunteers for an AFL Merit Award each year. These volunteers must have contributed significantly to Australian Football for a period of at least 10 years (typically much more than 10).

Hall of Fame and Awards Night, Bowls Australia, (accessed 21 July 2023).

• Annual Awards Night. Awards that are open to public nomination include: Official of the Year, Coach of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Community Service Award.

ACF Awards, Australian Calisthenics Federation, (accessed 21 July 2023). ACF recognises these contributions by the presentation of awards, annually, at the National Championships.

• Annual Award categories include: Life Membership, Coach of the Year, Official of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Diamond Coach Award, Diamond Adjudicator Award, Certificate of Recognition.

Annual Awards, Paddle Australia, (accessed 21 July 2023).

• In 2023 Annual Award categories include: Coach of the Year, Technical Official of the Year, Olegas Truchanas Award, Services to Paddling Award, Excellence Award, Award of Merit, Life Membership, Volunteer of the Year, Club Coach of the Year, and Instructor / Guide of the Year.

Volunteer of the Month, Equestrian Australia, (accessed 21 July 2023). A regular series on our website. It is a way of highlighting the tireless Equestrian Australia volunteers from across all disciplines, who help keep our sport running smoothly, all over Australia.

Major Awards, Orienteering Australia, (accessed 21 July 2023). The sport of Orienteering would not happen in Australia without a high level of volunteering and exceptional commitment by volunteers and paid officers.

• Silva Award for Services to Orienteering
• Silva Award for Services to Coaching
• David Hogg Medal for Services to Event Management

PCA Annual Awards, Pony Club Australia, (accessed 21 July 2023). Awards acknowledge our riders, coaches, officials and volunteers for achievements and contributions to the development of Pony Club.

• Volunteer of the year
• Miss Kay Irving Coach of the year

National Volunteer Awards, Riding for Disabled Association Australia (RDAA), (accessed 21 July 2023). Every year, RDA celebrates the amazing contribution of our volunteers all across the country through our National Volunteer Awards.

• In 2022 categories included: Young volunteer of the year, Volunteer encouragement, Volunteer service excellence, Michael Field Memorial Award.

NRL Community Awards, National Rugby League (NRL), (accessed 21 July 2023). As part of the NRL Community Awards presented by Westpac, the NRL Volunteer of the Year will have provided exceptional service to the game and made a measurable difference in their community.

• Volunteer of the Year will have provided exceptional service to the game and made a measurable difference in their community.
• Teacher of the Year will have demonstrated exceptional support of rugby league through the provision of opportunities for students to be involved in practical activities within their school or district, as well as by engaging students through the integration of NRL's educational programs in the classroom.
• Women in League Award. Open to any registered volunteer within the Rugby League community i.e., coach, teacher, referee, club official, grounds keeper, club administrator, advocate etc.
• Young Person of the Year. A young person aged 12 – 24, either a player or volunteer, who has demonstrated a commitment to advancing the NRL’s mission of using rugby league to bring people together to enrich their lives.
• Indigenous Community Award. Open to any registered volunteer within the Rugby League community i.e., coach, teacher, referee, club official, grounds keeper, club administrator, advocate etc.

Community Awards, Rugby Australia, (accessed 21 July 2023). Aim to celebrate Rugby at all stages, especially at the grassroots level. These awards include Volunteer of the Year, Joe French Award for Outstanding Contribution to Rugby, Geoff ‘Bunter’ Shaw Community Coach of the Year Award and Nick Farr-Jones Spirit of Rugby.

National Awards, Australian Sailing, (accessed 21 July 2023). Annual event recognises clubs and members for their outstanding achievements and contributions to the sailing community over the past year.

• Club Award Categories. Instructor of the Year, Official of the Year, Volunteer of the Year.

Awards of Excellence, Shooting Australia, (accessed 21 July 2023). A night to celebrate the magnificent efforts across all areas of the target shooting community.

• Club Award Categories. Official of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Event Host of the Year.

National Awards, Special Olympics Australia, (accessed 24 July 2023). There are so many people that make the Special Olympics Australia community rich, rewarding and welcoming. Special Olympics Australia has a range of annual rewards to say thanks.

• Coach and Young Coach of the Year; Volunteer and Young Volunteer of the Year.
• Hall of Fame Award. Each year Special Olympics Australia recognises a volunteer (or volunteers) who has shown dedication to our mission and long-standing commitment to our athletes by inducting them into the Hall of Fame.

Hall of Fame, Squash Australia, (accessed 24 July 2023).

• General Members. Recognises those who have shown excellence and outstanding achievement from personal effort or initiative in roles that contribute to the reputation of Australian Squash. Those supportive roles may include administration, sports, science, history, technology, innovation, coaching or refereeing.
• Spirit of Squash Award. This is an Award instituted in 2022 to acknowledge those who have shown dedication to Squash through enthusiasm and a love for the Sport either as a player or as an administrator.

Awards of Excellence, Surf Life Saving Australia, (accessed 24 July 2023). Australia’s top surf lifesavers are recognised for their dedication and commitment to their communities on Surf Life Saving Australia’s night of nights.

• Youth Surf Life Saver of the Year, Lifeguard of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Surf Life Saver OTY (of the year).
• Surf Sport Official of the Year and Surf Sport Coach of the Year
• Trainer of the Year and Assessor of the Year

Emergency Services Community Awards, NSW Government,  (13 August 2023). The community-nominated awards are an important way of recognising and celebrating the selfless contributions of the state’s emergency services personnel, including surf life savers.

Volunteer and Coach of the Year Awards, Table Tennis Australia, (accessed 25 July 2023). These national awards provide a tangible way for TTA and the table tennis community to recognise and commend the remarkable achievements of those people making a significant and genuine contribution to the sport.

• National Volunteer Awards Program Categories: Fran Keyhoe Official of the Year; Young Official of the Year; Administrator of the Year; Club/Association of the Year; 25 Years of Service Award; 50 Years of Service Award.
• Bev and Brian James Trophy - National Volunteer of the Year Award
• High Performance Coach of the Year; Community Coach of the Year

The Awards, Tennis Australia, (accessed 25 July 2023). Australian Tennis Awards celebrates and recognises the performances, achievements and contributions made by members of the tennis family each year.

• Spirit of Tennis Award.
• Coaching Excellence - Performance, Club, and Development categories
• Volunteer Achievement Award
• Excellence in Officiating

Victorian Tennis Awards, Tennis Victoria, (accessed 25 July 2023).

• Volunteer Achievement Award
• Coaching Excellence - Development
• Service Awards

Volunteer medal, Touch Football Australia, (accessed 26 July 2023). A prestigious award given to volunteers for their hard work and dedication to making our sport great.

• Thanks to Our Volunteers. Tributes to some of the many people without whom our sport wouldn't exist. Includes Volunteer of the Month recipients and
• Bev and Brian James Trophy - National Volunteer of the Year Award
• High Performance Coach of the Year; Community Coach of the Year

UniSport Australia Awards, UniSport Australia, (accessed 26 July 2023).

• Most Outstanding Contribution by a Student Volunteer
• Club Leadership Award
• Official of the Year

Volunteer Awards, Disabled Wintersport Australia, (accessed 26 July 2023). At the end of each season DWA recognises the contribution and commitment of all our volunteers. DWA also formally recognises the contribution of a few individuals that have the capacity and commitment to go ‘above and beyond’ the expectations of our volunteers.

• Simon Lo Schiavo Volunteer of the Year Award.
• In addition to the Simon Lo Schiavo Volunteer of the Year Award, we also recognise local and state exemplars of volunteering with DWA.