Dylan Alcott is named the 2022 Australian of the Year for his inspiring work with disabled Aussies.
The wheelchair tennis star, 31, has won 15 Grand Slam titles and will aim to secure his 16 at the Australian Open in just a few days time.
Eight finalists, one each from Australia's states and territories, were nominated for the role, ranging from sports stars, scientists and community activists.
Dylan Alcott is named the 2022 Australian of the Year for his inspiring work with disabled Aussies
Since its induction in 1960, the award conferred by the National Australia Day Council aims to honour exceptional Australians who reflect the nation's unique identity and values.
Over the decades, the prestigious award has offered insights into Australia's ever-changing multicultural society and the special status of First Nations Peoples.
Conferred by the National Australia Day Council - a not-for-profit Australian Government–owned social enterprise - part of the reason for the award is to showcase Australian role models to inspire others living Down Under to become fully-fledged citizens.
A passionate Scott Morrison explained during the lavish ceremony what the Australian Of the Year award means to him.
'For me, this ceremony is about more than an award on a mantelpiece, as I'm sure it is for anyone here. It's a touchstone of what this country is about. What makes us tick, why we keep going as we do,' the Prime Minister said.
'You see the strength of Australia, the wonder of Australia - is ultimately the Australian people.
'A generous, open-hearted, practical people who look out for each other, care for each other, care for their community and their country and simply get on with it. This is what these finalists here embody.'
AUSTRALIA'S LOCAL HERO - Shanna Whan
AUSTRALIA'S LOCAL HERO - Shanna Whan
Australia's Local Hero was awarded to Shanna Whan who runs the initiative Sober in the Bush, helping farmers and rural Aussies fight alcoholism.
After facing her own struggles she now urges rural Aussies to 'choose bush sunrises over handovers.'
'Let's be honest about the fact that Australia's got a bit of a drinking problem. And I reckon
