No one would have blamed Danny Mayson-Kinder for retreating from the limelight after her 12-year-old daughter Billie died in a tragic accident.
But instead, the 60-year-old Tasmanian channelled her loss into an incredible campaign to boost kindness in Australia's young people.
Ms Mayson-Kinder - from Primrose Sands, about 50km east of Hobart - was officially recognised as the Apple Isle's nominee in the 2027 Australian of the Year Awards on Friday night for her efforts as founder of the b kinder foundation.
The foundation began as a tribute to Billie's compassion but has evolved into a mission to influence schools and workplaces across Australia to empower more kindness in the community.
After speaking to more than 200,000 students, those who have heard from Ms Mayson-Kinder have recorded a 36 per cent reduction in feeling bullied, an independent evaluation found.
The charity founder and three others with outstanding achievements will travel to the national awards in January.
“The Tasmanian recipients share a commitment to caring for others, generously giving their time and skills to make a difference,” National Australia Day Council chief executive Carrie Leeson said.
"Danny is honouring her daughter’s legacy through a movement built on kindness."
The state's nominee for Senior Australian of the Year is Christine Chilcott, a prominent community volunteer from Meander in Tasmania's north.
For more than four decades, Ms Chilcott has volunteered in more than 30 organisations across sporting clubs, aged care and education.
The 72-year-old still runs a weekly mobile shop which visits aged care facilities to deliver items to residents and foster social connections.
Creating safe spaces through hip-hop to break down barriers for women and teens is the contribution which landed Hobart's Grace Chia her nomination for Young Australian of the Year.
Having started CHIA Studios at 16, more than a decade later Ms Chia has delivered more than 150 workshops and 50 events, including Tasmania's first all-female hip-hop lineup.
Challenging misogyny, racism and gender-based violence is the 27-year-old's mission through her work, which often takes her to youth justice centres and regional schools.
Tasmania's Local Hero is 42-year-old Greg Irons, who operates the state's first wildlife rescue service and hospital.
Mr Irons has trained more than 20,000 people in wildlife rescue through his Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary and staff respond to tens of thousands of rescue calls a year.
