Search is on for our Australian of the Year Will voters choose underdog Cathy McGowan, or go for a more obvious choice, such as the Prime Minister? THE national ethos has been formed on the backs of hard-working, inspiring Australians with backgrounds as vast as the continent itself. Readers have the chance to nominate these individuals for The Australian's Australian of the Year: the politicians, sportsmen and women, scientists, business leaders and social agents of change who have all advanced the national cause. It was a crushing, brutal year in politics and the undisputed winner in all of it was Tony Abbott. Or perhaps readers might go for the unlikely victors, such as the member for Indi, Cathy McGowan, who ousted Coalition favourite Sophie Mirabella in the election. The business end of town continued to transform Australia's economic and social fortunes. Miner Andrew "Twiggy" Forrest transferred his industrial nous to the issue of employment for Aboriginal Australians, urging a smarter alternative. Serial chairman and respected voice David Gonski's knowledge helped cultivate businesses but also ensured the nation had the debate it longed to have, this year, on equity in schools. Australian of the Year Westpac boss Gail Kelly this month became the only female member of the international body the Group of Thirty. Virgin Australia chief executive John Borghetti has also made spectacular inroads with the airline, transforming it into a competitive, innovative model. Andrew Penfold created the Australian Indigenous Education Foundation which, since 2007, has raised tens of millions of dollars and put hundreds of Aborigines through boarding school. Perhaps AFL footballer and proud Aborigine Adam Goodes will feature, as much for his skills on the field as for his compassion and leadership off it. Few will forget the moment Goodes confronted a 13-year-old girl who called him an "ape" in May, but his handling of the matter beyond that spoke volumes about his character. Artistic director of the Queensland Ballet Li Cunxin was born into poverty in China and turned that experience into a drive for artistic perfection first as a dancer and now as a teacher and mentor. Last year's winner, Michael Clarke, has achieved even more in 2013, captaining the team that regained the Ashes. Adam Scott broke the Australian hoodoo to win the US Masters and forge a year where he won other major tournaments. As Australia ended its involvement in the war in Afghanistan, the troops left Oruzgan province for the last time. The parents of king-hit teenager Thomas Kelly turned a tragedy into a campaign that may save lives and change laws. Actor Deborra-Lee Furness has helped make international adoptions easier for families and their potential children. National Disability Insurance Scheme chairman Bruce Bonyhady watched the ambitious project, which he is credited with designing, launch in four states this year. Zsuzsoka Kecskes was recognised for designing the international award-winning Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, which allows parents and families to watch their babies at all times. Menzies Research Institute medical researcher Clare Smith is playing a vital role in helping to eradicate malaria. Meanwhile, Bruce Robinson is leading a team of researchers that has made tremendous breakthroughs in cancer research, including the first blood test for mesothelioma. But who will readers suggest? The Australian's Australian of the Year award has been celebrating the nation's top achievers since 1971. Readers are invited to submit nominations by post, fax or email. Nominations are open for the next three weeks and the winner -- to be judged by a panel of senior editors -- will be announced in The Weekend Australian on January 25.