Australian of the Year Adam Goodes has been commended for his leadership in the fight against racism, with NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell lauding him for his work on and off the field.
The 34-year-old Sydney Swans star says he'll be using the position as another platform to tackle racial vilification.
Words of encouragement have flooded in for Goodes with Mr O'Farrell congratulating Goodes on his community work and for his outstanding leadership.
"His stand against racism last year brought the issue into the national spotlight and helped educate all Australians that racism in any form shouldn't be tolerated," Mr O'Farrell said.
Prime Minister Tony Abbott said Goodes was a role model for many Australians, who demonstrated a commitment to fairness and equality both on and off the sports field.
Opposition Leader Bill Shorten said "Goodesy is a truly remarkable Australian".
Goodes holds an elite place in AFL history with two Brownlow Medals and two premierships.
He is actively involved with several indigenous sport and community programs and brought attention to the issue of racism when a teenage girl called him an "ape" from the grandstand last year.
He turned the incident into a tool to teach indigenous Australians and minority groups to say no to racism.
Former federal politician Fred Chaney was also honoured for his commitment to indigenous rights, being named Senior Australian of the Year.
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