This exhibition paid tribute to the eight extraordinary state and territory recipients of the 2018 Australian of the Year Awards, including national winner Michelle Simmons.
The 2018 Australian of the Year exhibition was on show at the National Museum of Australia from 15 December 2017 to 18 February 2018.
MEET our eminent Australians
Explore the objects
The National Museum uses objects to tell stories, to connect with others and make us think. We asked the Australian of the Year recipients from each state and territory to choose an object of personal significance to go on display. Each object tells us something about their lives, aspirations and experiences.
Sash and rosary from Dion Devow
Chess set and certificate from Michelle Simmons
Headgear and letter from Johnathan Thurston
3-D model skulls from David David
Pilbara dirt from Tracy Westerman
Citizenship certificate from Tracy Westerman
Manuals and model boat from Scott Rankin
Trophies
A special trophy is given to each state and territory recipient across the 4 Australian of the Year Award categories.
For 2018 a new design was commissioned as part of a special partnership between the National Australia Day Council and the Australian National University.
Produced by the ANU School of Art and Design, the glass was cast in moulds created using 3-D printing technology, then handworked and polished.
The multifaceted design represents the many elements that shape Australian society, embodying a nation that is confident in its leadership, contemporary in its outlook and distinguished by its diverse community.
The brilliant blue colour symbolises the Australian sky, under which we are united, and the splashes of colour identify the category for which the trophy is awarded. Red for Australian of the Year, green for Senior Australian of the Year, yellow for Young Australian of the Year and blue for Australia’s Local Hero.
Supporters
The 2018 Australian of the Year exhibition was developed by the National Museum of Australia in collaboration with the National Australia Day Council. Portrait images supplied by the National Australia Day Council.
The National Australia Day Council would like to thank the following sponsors for their continued support of the Australian of the Year Awards program:
This exhibition was also on show at:
- Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum, Queensland, 11 August to 6 October 2018
- Geelong Regional Library and Heritage Centre, Victoria, 9 June to 4 August 2018
- State Library of SA, South Australia, 23 March to 3 June 2018