Celebrating women’s achievements through award systems

Every year, thousands of women make extensive contributions to our communities, but they are still under-represented in most major public awards.  Everyone can make a difference by nominating an outstanding woman for an award.  The following are a list of annual public awards, follow the link to find out more about each award or download the Women and Public Awards information sheet.

Order of Australia

The Order of Australia, as part of the Australian Honours system, was established in 1975 as a system for recognising those Australians whose contributions have made a difference to society.  Awards in the Order of Australia are announced on Australia Day (26 January) and the Queen’s Birthday (June) each year.

Australia Day Awards

The Order of Australia, as part of the Australian Honours system, was established in 1975 as a system for recognising those Australians whose contributions have made a difference to society. Awards in the Order of Australia are announced on Australia Day (26 January) and the Queen’s Birthday (June) each year.

On Australia Day, local councils across Tasmania recognise the exceptional contribution of their community members with the presentation of Australia Day Awards - the highest honour a council can bestow. Awards are presented in the categories of:

• Citizen of the Year
• Young Citizen of the Year
• Community Event of the Year

Tasmanian Honour Roll of Women

The Honour Roll recognises women who have made a major contribution to the Tasmanian community in a variety of ways. Nominations are sought each year for women from all backgrounds and cultures, and all fields of endeavour including community service, humanitarian, business, science and technology, arts and entertainment, sport, education and the environment.

Telstra Business Women's Awards

The Telstra Business Women’s Awards recognise, reward and celebrate the achievements of inspiring business women.

Australian Rural Industries and Research Development Corporation (RIRDC) Rural Women’s Award

The RIRDC Rural Women’s Award celebrates rural women and their contribution to primary industries. It gives rural women the chance to discover their leadership strengths and build a greater capacity to contribute to primary industries and rural Australia. The main objective of the Award is to help rural women improve their business and leadership skills so they can operate at a higher level in steering the future of their business, primary industries and rural Australia.

Barnardos Australia’s Mother of the Year Awards

Each year, Barnardos Australia recognises and rewards the importance of excellent parenting through the Barnardos Australia’s Mother of the Year Awards. Launched in 1996, the awards recognise the enormous contribution that mothers make in shaping Australia’s future through their role in the nurture of children. The aim of the awards is to publicly acknowledge the vital role mothers play in society and also to raise public awareness of the nurturing role Barnardos plays in many children's lives.

Community Achievement Awards

The Community Achievement Awards for Tasmania are about recognising individuals, organisations and groups who are making a difference in our local communities and our State. There can never be enough encouragement and support for those working towards making our State a better place. Awards such as these create an opportunity to say thank you to those who work tirelessly to develop and improve in their chosen field of endeavour.

Pride of Australia Medal

Pride of Australia celebrates ordinary Australians who do extraordinary things, with nominees reflecting the core value of giving for the good of other people, their community and their country.

Women and Public Awards Information Sheet (PDF, 141.62KB)

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