The Crisafulli Government is encouraging Queenslanders to celebrate local individuals who have made a difference to their community.

Nominations for the four categories will close on Thursday.

The awards include: Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year and Australia’s Local Hero.

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“This is about recognising those heroes who quietly go about making Queensland a better place to live, today and into the future,” Premier David Crisafulli said.

The panel said they are looking for someone who has made a significant contribution to Australia or community, excels in their field, and inspires others.

Last year’s winner was Neale Daniher, former AFL legend, recognised for his contribution to charity and advocacy for motor neurone disease research.

Anyone over the age of 16 can be nominated, except sitting politicians.

Nominations can be submitted via the Australian of the Year website.