Ashleigh Barty has netted a national prize as she battles to become Australia's first Open singles champion since 1978.
The 23-year-old tennis sensation from Ipswich in Queensland has been named 2020 Young Australian of the Year.
Barty has been inspirational as she climbed the ranks to become the world's number one women's singles player, as well as serving as the National Indigenous Tennis Ambassador for Tennis Australia.
Australia's Ashleigh Barty celebrates after defeating Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina in their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship. Source: AAP
The Chair of the National Australia Day Council, Danielle Roche, said Barty's achievements are remarkable.
"Ash Barty is the world’s No.1 tennis player, a champion athlete and an extraordinary young woman doing our nation proud. Her achievements are inspiring young Australians to follow their dreams."
Due to her Melbourne Park campaign, Barty was unavailable to be in Canberra for the awards ceremony on Saturday, but instead 2002 Australian of the Year Pat Rafter presented it to her in an interview room at the Open.
Ashleigh Barty of Australia signs autographs for fans after winning her third round match against Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan. Source: AAP
"All of my values that I've lived by and try to live by every single day, regardless of whether it's in sport ... all come from mum and dad," she said.
"It's about being humble and respectful, and giving it a crack - trying to be the best you can be, and that's all you can ask of yourself."
She urged young people to be their authentic selves.
Eye surgeon James Muecke is , recognised for his work in preventing blindness.
He plans to use his national platform to challenge Australians' perception of sugar and the impact it has on the development of type 2 diabetes.
Obstetrics specialist Professor John Newnham from Perth is Senior Australian of the Year.
The 67-year-old is recognised as one of the world’s leading authorities in the prevention of pre-term birth - the single greatest cause of death and disability in children up to five years of age.
Australia’s Local Hero award went to youth advocate Bernie Shakeshaft from Armidale, NSW.
Australia's Local Hero, Bernie Shakeshaft, is congratulated by Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Source: Supplied
Using the skills he developed growing up and as a jackaroo in the Northern Territory learning from the Aboriginal trackers, Bernie developed a program to help disadvantaged youth.
The BackTrack Youth Works Program uses animal-assisted learning, agricultural skills and a residential facility to help redirect youth.
The program has helped to decrease Armidale’s youth crime rate by more than 38 per cent.
