Meet the Australian of the Year finalists for 2024

From lifesaving medical experts to an anti-violence advocate, these are the Australian of the Year finalists for 2024.

Meet the finalists for the 2024 Australian of the Year awards, from lifesaving medical experts to an anti-violence advocate.

The candidates from each state and territory will attend the televised ceremony on Thursday night at the National Arboretum in Canberra.

The winner will succeed body image activist Taryn Brumfitt who was awarded the title last year.

Australian of the Year for the Australian Capital Territory: Joanne Farrell. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Joanne Farrell

Builder Joanne “Jo” Farrell founded Build Like A Girl in 2020 to help mentor women in the construction industry.

With projects at home and abroad, she also works with government and industry bodies to recruit and train women.

Australians of the Year finalists for NSW: Professors Georgina Long AO, left, and Richard Scolyer AO. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Georgina Long and Richard Scolyer

Georgina Long and Richard Scolyer have saved thousands of lives through their research into melanoma.

In 2023, Dr Scoyler was diagnosed with brain cancer. The pair have since shifted focus to his condition.

Australian of the Year finalist for the Northern Territory: Blair McFarland. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Blair McFarland

Central Australian Youth Link-Up Service founder Blair McFarland witnessed the impact of petrol sniffing.

His advocacy has since led to important policy changes and a 95 per cent reduction in abuse of the substance.

Australian of the Year for Queensland: Marco Renai. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Marco Renai

Marco Renai turned his school program into a permanent “academy” in 2020 to support struggling young men.

Men of Business Academy provides secondary school students with education and work pathways to live healthy lives.

Australian of the Year for South Australia: Tim Jarvis AM. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Tim Jarvis AM

Scientist and adventurer Tim Jarvis AM has helped start conversations about climate change and conservation.

He founded a range of conservation initiatives, including the Forktree Project which regenerates degraded farmland.

Australian of the Year for Tasmania: Stephanie Trethewey. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Stephanie Trethewey

Isolated after her move to remote Australia, Stephanie Trethewey launched Motherland, a podcast for rural mothers.

The project has expanded to become an online community of 20 virtual villages that connects more than 200 mothers.

Australian of the Year for Victoria: Janine Mohamed. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Janine Mohamed

With more than two decades experience in nursing and health policy, Dr Janine Mohammed advocates for culturally safe healthcare.

The Narrunga Kaurna woman also supports the Indigenous health workforce and is CEO of the Lowitja Institute.

Australian of the Year for Western Australia: Mechelle Turvey. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Mechelle Turvey

After her son’s death, Mechelle Turvey has become an advocate for the need for victims of crime and their families.

She works with Western Australia police to deliver training sessions in how to deal sensitively with victims of crime.

The Senior and Young Australians of the Year and Local Hero awards will also be announced on Thursday by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

Originally published as Meet the Australian of the Year finalists for 2024