Engineers Australia is urging members to recognise their peers and nominate their fellow engineering colleagues and friends.
Any Australian who goes above and beyond and has made a significant impact in their community can be recognised in the Order of Australia. Recipients come from all over the country and while some are well-known, the vast majority are unsung heroes.
Engineers are continuously working on projects that improve outcomes for cities, communities and individuals and it's these kinds of achievements that make for great nomination material.
A nomination does not have to be perfect; it is a starting point for the Honours and Awards Secretariat research. Ultimately it is the impact the nominee has had (not how well you fill in a nomination form) that the independent Council of the Order of Australia considers. The Council is diverse and its representatives come from a broad section of the community across all states and territories.
There are two Honours lists per year, announced on Australia Day and The King’s Birthday long weekend in June.
Not sure who to nominate? Our 2024 nominees for the Engineers Australia Excellence Awards have been announced. Discover the innovators and leaders shaping the future of engineering and explore their achievements in the interactive showcase booklet.
Anyone can nominate
Nominees must be:
- An Australian citizen or permanent resident
- Alive at the time their nomination is received.
The Order was designed so everyday Australians can nominate those who inspire them. Shelley Reys AO, Chair, Council of the Order of Australia says “the decision on who the Council considers for an Order of Australia honour belongs to all of us. To be very clear, the only barrier to outstanding people being recognised in the Order is the absence of nomination.”
Individuals can also nominate on behalf of organisations. Organisations, including community groups and other associations, often submit nominations.
The online process is simple, accessible and never closes
You need to provide some general information about the person, explain why you think they should be honoured and the impact they’ve had. You will also need to provide up to four referees who can attest to their impact.
What happens next
Your nomination is the starting point. After a case officer has undertaken extensive research, each nomination is considered by the independent Council of the Order of Australia.
The nomination, research and referee reports are kept confidential. Nominators receive confirmation after their nomination has been received. They are notified when the person they have nominated has been considered by the Council.
Encouraging inclusivity
Historically, fewer women, people from multicultural and First Nations backgrounds have been nominated, which has been reflected in outcomes. By nominating outstanding people who inspire and reflect us, we have a say in what sort of service and achievement should be acknowledged.
Engineers Australia has a Board-established Australian Honours Subcommittee whose purpose is to review, support and submit nominations. You can put someone forward for an application on behalf of our board.
You can also nominate someone yourself now or contact [email protected] for advice.