The National Australia Day Council (NADC) is a not-for-profit, government-owned company based in Canberra. With the NADC, the Australia Day National Network (the Network), an affiliate group of state and territory organisations, helps facilitate the celebration of Australia Day and being Australian, and recognise inspirational Australians through the Australian of the Year Awards.
Strategic focus areas for the NADC are:
Meaning: through a range of initiatives and programs we promote the meaning of Australia Day by encouraging Australians to reflect, discuss and debate what it means to be Australian.
Participation: we promote active citizenship and encourage Australians to participate in celebrations and other activities focused on and around Australia Day.
Recognition: the contributions and outstanding service to the community that many Australians make are recognised and shared through the Australian of the Year Awards.
The operations of the company are overseen by a board of Directors appointed by the Prime Minister. The NADC is generously supported by the Australian Government through the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
Read the National Australia Day Council 2018 - 2019 Annual Report
Read the National Australia Day Council 2017 - 2018 Annual Report
Read the National Australia Day Council 2016 - 2017 Annual Report
Read the National Australia Day Council 2015 – 2016 Annual Report
Since the NADC was incorporated on 25 October 1990, the role of Chair of the National Australia Day Council has been held by:
Mr Ben Roberts-Smith VC MG 2014 - 2017
Mr Adam Gilchrist 2008 - 2014
Ms Lisa Curry Kenny 2000 - 2008
Mr Kevan Gosper 1996 - 2000
Mr Phillip Adams 1992 - 1996
Mr John Newcombe 1990 - 1992
The National Australia Day Council Board
- Ms Karlie Brand, Chief Executive Office
- Ms Karen Wilson, Chief Operating Officer
- Mr Vern Taber, Director Events and Communication
The Australia Day National Network
The Australia Day National Network is made up of hundreds of local councils and committees, eight state and territory Australia Day organisations and the NADC. The network's mission is to inspire national pride and spirit to enrich the life of the nation.
The NADC provides an overarching vision for Australia Day and this vision is implemented and tailored to each state and territory through the expert local knowledge of the state and territory organisations. Town and regional councils or committees, with the support of state and territory Australia Day councils, deliver the thousands of celebrations and events for our national day.
Learn about your state or territory Australia Day organisation.
The NADC and reconciliation
While acknowledging there is much more to do, the NADC is proud of making a contribution to reconciliation. The NADC have developed, and are committed to a Reconciliation Action Plan, an initiative of Reconciliation Australia which enables organisations to turn good intentions into actions.
NADC thanks the staff of Reconciliation Australia for helping us appreciate the importance of Reconciliation. With their support, we take pride in our leadership role and hope others will join us in making a contribution to the process. Read our Reconciliation Action Plan here.
NADC Corporate Plan
Section 95 of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act) requires Commonwealth controlled companies such as the National Australia Day Council (NADC) to prepare a four year corporate plan.
This Corporate Plan clearly articulates the purpose, functions and role of the NADC and associated financial projections, performance measures, risks and operational environment.
View or download the NADC Corporate Plan.
