FEDERAL Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce has invited nominations for the 2016 Australian of the Year Award from residents of the New England Electorate.

Mr Joyce said each year the nation celebrates the achievement and contribution of Australians through the Awards by profiling citizens who are role models for us all.

“These people inspire us through their achievements and they challenge us to make our own contribution to create better Australia,” he said.

“The Awards continue to offer an insight into the Australian identity and celebrate the diversity of our people.”

The Australian of the Year Awards provides all Australians with the opportunity to recognise someone who makes them proud in four categories: Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year [those aged 65 years or over], Young Australian of the Year [aged 16 to 30] and Australia’s Local Hero.

Information is available at www.australianoftheyear.gov.au or by telephone 1300 655 193.