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IN PHOTO: People adjust an Australian national flag behind 2015 Australian of the Year Rosie Batty as she smiles during an official event at the Australian Open 2015 tennis tournament in Melbourne January 26, 2015. Reuters/John French

Rosie Batty was named “Australian of the Year” on the national day of the country. This was the first time in history that four women received top Australia Day honours.

Batty’s fight against domestic violence was officially recognised by the state on Jan. 26 when she was awarded with honour. The Victorian mother lost her child in February 2014 as 11-year-old Luke was killed by his father. She dedicated her award to her deceased child. She said that it was because of her child that she was able to reach that far.

"To my Luke, you did not die in vain and will not be forgotten," The Age quotes the Australian of the Year, "You are the reason I have found my voice and am able to be here."

Luke was killed by his father Greg Anderson after cricket practice in Tyabb. Batty wasted no time in talking about the issue of domestic violence in public, which inspired the nation.

At the same time, Batty warned that family violence existed in every pocket of every neighbourhood in Australia. According to her, it was gripping like an epidemic in the country. Batty said that she would use her time as “Australian of the Year” for her work on family violence. She said that she would not show patience to make things change.

Batty has also asked the politicians to put more money on helping children and women who are “living in fear.” She has urged people not to ignore what they know is wrong.

Juliette Wright from Queensland was named as Australians' Local Hero 2015. She is the founder of the website GIVIT which connects donors and the needy. The website asks people to make donations to those who are in need of it.

It was 21-year-old Drisana Levitzke-Gray who was named as the Young Australian of the Year. She is the fifth generation in her family to be born deaf. She works on helping other deaf people by advocating their human rights.

Jackie French, the author who works for children with learning difficulties, was named as the Senior Australian of the Year. French is also the current national Children's Laureate.