The Local Hero Award was introduced into the Australian of the Year Awards in 2003. It acknowledges extraordinary contributions made by Australians in their local community.

The Local Hero Award is sponsored by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship. The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, sees the award as an opportunity to celebrate the work of ordinary Australians.

"The Local Hero Award provides an important way of acknowledging Australians who are making a real difference to the lives of those around them.

"That's what being an Australian citizen is all about - giving something back to the community we share," he said.