The Senior Australian of the Year Award recognises those Australians aged 60 and over who continue to achieve and contribute. The award commenced in the International Year of Older Persons in 1999.

The Minister for Ageing, the Hon Justine Elliot MP, believes this award provides a great opportunity for the Australian community to recognise the ongoing contributions made by older Australians "The Senior Australian of the Year Award recognises those Australians who continue to contribute to the community even in their more senior years. They continue to work hard and long hours in their chosen fields and never cease to find more time and new ways to keep on giving."

2008 David Bussau AM

2007 Phillip Herreen

2006 Sally Goold OAM

2005 Antonio Milhinhos (b. 1943)

2004 Tehree Gordon

2003 Bruce Campbell MBE

2002 ** No award given

2001 Prof. Graeme Clark AO

2000 Prof Freda Briggs

1999 Slim Dusty

** - The award dating system changed - no award made in this year.

The post nominals noted after the award recipient's names were current at the time the award was received.