Application

Distinguished Professional of the Year

For an individual who has made significant contributions to their profession and demonstrated excellence beyond the expectations of their role.

⏰ Nominations close Friday 31 July 2026, 5pm AEST

Eligibility

✓Of Tamil origin, or who identifies as Tamil or is of Tamil descent, and a resident of Australia
✓No undischarged bankruptcy; no current/prior criminal convictions (unless an official pardon has been granted)
✓Not a current/former publicly elected member of municipal/state/federal government, and not currently employed by a government body
✓Demonstrated exceptional achievement during the year of recognition

Assessment criteria

Your application will be assessed against these criteria by the independent Selection Committee.

01Leadership — a clear vision and decisions guided by strong values
02Impact on your profession — work that moves your field or organisation forward
03Working with others — building strong partnerships and relationships
04Innovation — fresh ideas that improve lives and workplaces

About you

Tell us who you are and where we can reach you.

Full name *

Email *

Mobile number *

LinkedIn (optional)

Your profession

Organisation / employer *

Your role / title *

About your work

Give us an overview of your profession or business. *

0 / 200 words

What are your key career achievements? *

0 / 200 words

How many years of experience do you have in your profession? *

What motivated you to pursue this career? *

0 / 150 words

Have you contributed to the community? If yes, please share some details.

A few sentences is fine.

0 / 150 words

What's the most significant challenge you've faced, and how did you overcome it? *

0 / 150 words

Why do you believe you deserve this award? *

0 / 150 words

References & supporting material (optional)

All fields in this section are optional. Why we ask: referees help the Selection Committee verify and deepen their understanding of your contribution. If your application is shortlisted, the Committee may contact your referees directly — by phone or email — for a brief, confidential reference. These details are used only for award assessment and are never shared or used for marketing.

Referee 1 — name

Referee 1 — email or phone

Referee 2 — name

Referee 2 — email or phone

Public articles, talks, awards, or other recognition

Up to 5 links, one per line. Optional.

Gala attendance

Helps the committee plan finalist logistics across NSW, VIC and QLD.

Which state are you based in? *

If you are selected as a finalist, are you willing to attend the gala in Sydney on 3 October 2026? *

Finalists are celebrated on stage at the gala — your moment in front of the room, the cameras, and the wider Tamil-Australian business community, with media and social coverage that builds real profile for you and your business. It is a moment you will not want to watch from afar. If you cannot attend in person, a business representative can accept on your behalf.

Eligibility confirmations

Please confirm each statement applies to you. False confirmations may invalidate your application.

I confirm I am of Tamil origin, or identify as Tamil or am of Tamil descent, and am a resident of Australia. *

I confirm I am not an undischarged bankrupt and have no current/prior criminal convictions (unless an official pardon has been granted). *

I confirm I am not a current/former publicly elected member of municipal/state/federal government, and not currently employed by a government body. *

I confirm I have continuously owned my business (for business awards) or held my current role/position throughout the achievement year relevant to this Award. *

I have read and accept the ATCC Awards governance policy and confidentiality terms. *

By submitting, you authorise ATCC to use your application information for assessment purposes only. Endorser contact details are captured separately on your endorsement page.