'We want and need to know them': Dylan Alcott's message to find the next Australian of the Year

Alcott has been keeping busy travelling around Europe recently, fulfilling his commentating duties at Wimbledon after retiring from wheelchair tennis following the Australian Open earlier this year. But we managed to get a Q&A exchange via email with the Australian of the Year.

In your AOTY speech you said that while grateful you didn't need the award to create change in Australia. But since then, how have you seen that platform help you advocate for people with disabilities?

I am still extremely humbled to have received the award and have been very lucky to travel around the country to some extremely remote communities and areas, connecting with more Australians than I previously could have. My voice is just one of many who are advocating and being AOTY has been another step in the right direction in ensuring that all voices are heard.

NOMINATE NOW

What's been your most memorable experience within the community since being named AOTY that has shown just how influential it can be for instigating positive change and sharing important messaging?

My team and I travelled to Arnhem Land to learn more about the remote communities and listen to how we can have more of an impact. We are still working through everything we learnt and are looking forward to working with the traditional owners to make change.

Was there anything as AOTY that you really wanted to do differently than any other recipient before you?

The people before me have left a lasting impact on the country and I am very lucky to be following in their footsteps. I've never been AOTY before so I didn't know what to expect but am continuing to stay genuine to myself and do the best job I can in my own way.

You've spoken a lot over the years about your struggles as a kid growing up with a disability. How much do you think your AOTY award would have impacted young people in Australia with a disability?

If you had told me when I was 13 or 14 that I would have this honour I would've laughed. It's surreal but it's exactly what young kids around the country - with a disability or able-bodied - need to see. I never saw someone like me in the media, and now they can.

Have you faced any challenges as AOTY, and if so, what are they and how did you react to those setbacks?

My team have been the backbone to ensuring I can manage the many expectations that come with the incredible honor of being AOTY. However they've also been there to remind me that it's an award, not a role. Of course I want to leave a lasting impact but I can only do my best.

What work is there that still needs to be done in your next six months as AOTY and how can we as fellow Australians help?

There will always be work to be done and ways in which we as Australians can contribute to ensure everyone around them feels included. I have a few more goals which you'll have to wait and see but in the meantime, keep asking questions and listen to what is being said.

AOTY nominees come from all walks of life, some well-known names like yourself, and others doing great work in their local communities. What would you say to encourage those from regional Australia that think they know someone worth nominating for an AOTY honour?

We as Australians want and need to know of all the incredible work going on. It's very easy to get caught up in negative or sad headlines and miss the good bits. Please nominate someone if you think they're deserving as you never know what a platform like AOTY could have in championing their cause and impact.

Why is it just as important to find an AOTY as it is to recognise senior and young recipients among other AOTY award categories?

What awards like these do is shine a light and bring awareness to the incredible efforts and impact people are having amongst their community. I feel incredibly lucky to be recognised but also take the position very seriously as I know I am one of the lucky ones who has their voice amplified and I hope in time, more voices, senior and young included, can be heard, too.

You accepted your award from Prime Minister Scott Morrison and now we have a new national leader in Anthony Albanese. Has the new government engaged with you on your AOTY speech priorities such as funding the NDIS, supporting people with a disability as Australia opens up through the pandemic, and in boosting employment opportunities?

I have had many conversations with both sides of government to ensure together we can offer the best possible service to all Australians, but in particular those living with disability.

I am looking forward to meeting with the new Prime Minister to discuss these priorities, including making sure the NDIS works for all participants and we change perspectives so people with disability can live the lives they deserve.

Your CV keeps growing - from athlete, to TV host, to even garden designer. What new areas do you plan to explore and excel in next?

I'm still relatively young so there's a lot I want to continue doing but you'll just have to wait and see.

A few decades from now, how would you hope people describe Dylan Alcott as Australian of the Year?

I hope they remember me as someone who stayed genuine to themself and their goals and ambitions as a person but also for their country. While I hand over the award January 25, I'll always be striving for the best for Australia.

ACM is media partner of the 2023 Australian of the Year Awards. Nominations close July 31. Nominate now at australianoftheyear.org.au