The Australian’s Australian of the Year: saluting those who stood firm in triumph or disaster

Natural disaster, sporting triumph, political defiance and ­heroism have defined the past 12 months.

Ashleigh Barty celebrates winning the 2019 French Open women’s singles in June. Picture: Getty Images

Natural disaster, sporting triumph, political defiance and ­heroism have defined the past 12 months, and as we embark on a new decade this newspaper invites our readers to reflect on the Australians who inspired, shaped and saved our lives in 2019.

The Weekend Australian on Saturday opens nominations for its Australian of the Year for 2019, with the winner announced on January 25.

While contenders for the honour will include politicians, athletes, business chiefs and entertainers, leaders in the fields of science, education, medicine, community and public service are also considered for the award.

In sport, Ash Barty’s French Open triumph captivated Australians who had not seen a grand slam singles champion from their country since 2011.

App users tap here to nominate your Australian of the Year

Australian cricketer Tim Paine captained a team that ­retained the Ashes — the first to not lose a series in England since 2001 — and is credited with ­restoring the culture of a scandal-rocked team. Equally, if not more impressive, were the achievements of Meg Lanning and the Australian women’s cricket team she captains, comprehensively beating England in the Ashes and overseeing a side that dominated their sport in 2019.

In politics, Scott Morrison’s election win in May defied most political pundits, while Labor’s defeat triggered a comprehensive internal examination from the party and recalibration under the leadership of Anthony Albanese.

West Australian Ken Wyatt became the first indigenous federal frontbencher when he ­became the Minister for Indigenous Australians.

In NSW, Premier Gladys Bere­jiklian made history when she became the first female to win an election in the state at the March poll.

Former Socceroo Craig Foster’s role in securing the release of Bahraini/Australian footballer Hakeem al-Araibi from a Bangkok prison saw him fly between Switzerland, Thailand and Australia to recruit politicians and sporting elites to join the cause.

In August, Alex Roberts, along with Englishmen Lee Cuthbert and Luke and Paul O’Shaugh­nessy, chased down a knifeman who killed a woman during a rampage in Sydney’s CBD, subduing him with a milk crate and cafe chair. The Englishmen said they did not hesitate to act ­because they saw Australia as their “new home”.

The deadly fires that have so far destroyed hundreds of homes and burnt through millions of hectares across several states will mar the memory of 2019. The deaths of young fathers Geoffrey Keaton and Andrew O’Dwyer in NSW last week was a reminder of the sacrifice the thousands of volunteers and their families have made, and the risks they take.

In the arts, David McAllister announced the 2020 season would be his last as artistic director of the Australian Ballet, ending a stellar career at the company after he started as a dancer in 1983.

Musician Toni Watson, who performs as Tones and I, won four ARIA awards less than a year after releasing her first song.

Professor John Sweller’s ­advancement of Cognitive Load Theory, which outlines how young children and novice learners process and store information, has seen his ideas filter through the education system.

Physicist Tanya Monro also rose to the role of Chief Defence Scientist in March, the first woman to hold the position.

In business, Brian McNamee, chairman of biotechnology company CSL, oversaw a record rise in share prices and the commitment of hundreds of millions of dollars into research and development of medical products.

We encourage readers to send a nomination for The Australian’s Australian of the Year, first won in 1971 by economist HC “Nugget” Coombs.

We encourage our readers to put in a nomination for The Australian’s Australian of the Year, which was first won in 1971 by economist HC “Nugget” Coombs. Prominent Australians can be nominated by filling out the coupon above, or sending an email to [e-mail] or going to our website, theaustralian.com.au. Nominations close on Thursday, January 23.