Chris Lilley Collection

An introduction to five unique Australians who have been nominated for the Australian of the Year Award. Phil, a rescue hero who saved nine children in a jumping castle accident, Ricky, a Chinese physics genius and aspiring actor, Ja'mie, a charity-minded schoolgirl who sponsors 85 Sudanese children, Daniel and Nathan, hearing impaired twin farm boys embarking on a world first eardrum transplant, and Pat, a disabled suburban housewife turned elite athlete.

Meet the friends and family of the five Australian of the Year nominees. Phil grapples with his newfound fame. Ja'mie has a sleepover with her friends. Ricky auditions for 'Indigeridoo'. Daniel and Nathan spend a day in Dunt. Pat begins planning her roll to Uluru.

The nominees get a chance to demonstrate why they should be the Australian of the Year. Phil teaches rescue techniques to a scout group. Ja'mie visits a detention centre. Ricky begins rehearsals for 'Indigeridoo'. Daniel shows a magazine journalist around the farm. Pat gets a gumnut wedged up her nose.

The nominees face obstacles on their journey towards the Australian of the Year finals. Phil tries to bribe a judge on the selection committee. Ja'mie performs in a shock assembly presentation. Ricky tells his father that he intends to become an actor. Nathan refuses to thank Daniel for giving up his eardrum. Pat and Terry construct a protective dingo cage.

State finalists are notified and the nominees wait for the important call. Ja'mie receives news that all her sponsor children have died. Phil is rejected as a finalist, but lies to his family about the result. Ricky has a teary farewell as he takes to the stage for the last time. Daniel refuses to go to Canberra, while Nathan joyfully tests his new hearing. Pat's party is interrupted with devastating news from her doctor.

The nominees head to Canberra for the Australian of the Year state finals. Ja'mie brings her sponsor child to the awards. Daniel and Nathan are more interested in fireworks than the awards. Pat puts her illness aside and rubs shoulders with celebrities. Ricky gets the chance to meet Cathy Freeman. Phil tries to bribe his way into the awards. Six months later we revisit the lives of our five nominees.