It’s time to recognise and celebrate the amazing people who make a difference in our Deaf community!

Deaf Australia is now open for nominations for three awards:

- Deaf Australian of the Year (Must be a Deaf person aged 25 or over and living in Australia)‍

- Deaf Youth Australian of the Year

- Deaf Community Volunteer of the Year

Who can make a nomination?

Nominations can be submitted by:

• A Deaf Australia member

• An organisation nominating a Deaf Australia member

• Deaf Australia State Branches

Something new this year!

In previous years, the recipient of the Deaf CommunityVolunteer of the Year Award has been selected by the Darwin family.

For the first time, Deaf Australia is opening this award to community nominations, giving you the opportunity to recognise a volunteer who has made a meaningful contribution to our community.

The Darwin family will review the nominations and select the recipient of the Deaf Community Volunteer of the Year Award.

Nominations for the Deaf Australian of the Year and Deaf Youth Australian of the Year awards will be reviewed by a selection panel.
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Nominations close on 12 October 2026.

Who inspires you?

Who gives their time, energy and passion to our community?
Who deserves to be recognised?

Nominate them!

For full eligibility criteria, nomination guidelines and further information, please visit the Deaf Australia Awards webpage.

The recipients of all three awards will be announced at Deaf Australia’s Annual General Meeting (AGM). The AGM date will be confirmedand announced soon.