Prime Minister Malcom Turnbull opened the evening with a Welcome to Country. Mr Turnbull was a fixture throughout the ceremony, taking the stage to announce each of the night's four winners. Australian of the Year went to Professor Michelle Simmons, a pioneering physicist from the University of New South Wales. In 2012, she lead a team to create the world's first transistor made from a single atom, placing Australia at the forefront of what Professor Simmons calls "the space race of the computing era". The 50 year old has worked hard to support women in science since her arrival in Australia nearly two decades ago from the United Kingdom.
The professor says she's honoured to win the award.
"What we're doing at the University of New South Wales in Sydney is incredible. We're up against the likes of Google, IBN and Microsoft. If I lived in any other country in the world I'd be worried. I firmly believe that there's nowhere else in the world better to do scientific research. And as someone that was not born in this country, it is a huge honour, and to be honest a huge surprise, to be recognised here today."
Internationally renowned maths teacher and education crusader Eddie Woo was named Australia's Local Hero. The Cherrybrook Technology High School teacher became a global internet sensation through his popular YouTube channel, "WooTube". His award comes days after he delivered the Australia Day address in New South Wales. Mr Woo says it's crucial Australia continues to prioritise education.
"Education can radically change the trajectory of a child's life ... It's the key to unlocking a universe of beautiful patterns, practical solutions and surprising connections. And that universe beckons to all of us if we'll just embrace it."
The Senior Australian of the Year prize went to biophysicist, Dr Graham Farquhar. The 70-year-old is the first Australian to win a Kyoto Prize - the most prestigious award for fields not honoured with a Nobel Prize. One of Australia's most eminent and experimental scientists, Dr Farquhar's work applies mathematical models to biology and horticulture. Dr Farquhar used his acceptance speech to urge Australians to be creative and take any mistakes in their stride.
"I would like to see an Australia that values creativity of all kinds, scientific creativity of course, but also technical, sporting, artistic, organisational creativity. Mistakes are an inevitable risk of embracing creativity. Only by accepting, correcting and building on mistakes can we eventually experience the satisfaction of doing something that has never been done or seen before."
Indigenous football star Samantha Kerr was recognised as Young Australian of the Year. The 24-year old Matildas striker is widely considered one of the best female footballers in the world, having been a finalist last year for FIFA's Female Player of the Year. Known for her prolific goal-scoring ability and trademark backflip celebration, the West Australian has become an ambassador for all women's sport.
Kerr says her award embodies the progress of women's sport in Australia.
"I truly view this award, not just for me, but rather as an endorsement of the achievements of the Australian women's football national team - and more broadly - Australian women's football, and women's sport in general ... As a female athlete this makes me extremely proud to be Australian."
Earlier in the day, non-profit organisation Reconciliation Australia held a breakfast to recognise the contributions Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make to Australia. Seven of the 32 state and territory recipients this year are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders, including Queensland's winner, rugby league star Johnathan Thurston.
