Sydney Swans champion and Indigenous leader Adam Goodes named 2013 Australian of the Year Adam Goodes has been named Australian of the Year. NEWLY crowned Australian of the Year Adam Goodes says Australia needs to continue the fight against racism. "I'm so grateful for this award and this honour, however ... the ultimate reward is when all Australians see each other as equals and treat each other as equals," Goodes said after accepting the award in Canberra. Goodes said that as an Indigenous Australian he has experienced his share of racism. My hope is that we as a nation can break down the silos between races, break down those stereotypes of minority populations ... I hope we can be proud of our heritage regardless of the colour of our skin and be proud to be Australian," he said. It is not just about taking responsibility for your own actions, but speaking to your mates when they take out their anger on their loved ones, minority groups or make racist remarks. Australian of the Year Adam Goodes outside Parliament House in Canberra. Goodes's indigenous pride came into the national spotlight in May when he expressed deep distress after being called an "ape" by a 13-year-old girl in the crowd during a match at the MCG. The two-time Brownlow Medallist has used his football stardom to spread the message that racism in any form is unacceptable. The messages we send out there about racism need to be strong and sent from the top down. Goodes has won two Brownlow medals, played in Sydney's 2005 and 2012 premiership sides and won All-Australian selection four times since being recruited from the Victorian country town of Horsham. He is the first AFL player to be named Australian of the Year but continues a tradition of sport stars claimining the top honour, although he is the first since Steve Waugh in 2004. Goodes said January 26 is a painful day for many indigenous Australians. "People should enjoy celebrating what it means to be Australian but also show empathy towards indigenous people who may find the day painful," the dual Brownlow Medallist said. People are still hurting. Goodes said he was honoured to even be a finalist in the awards and hoped to use his public profile to advocate for constitutional recognition of indigenous Australians. Adam Goodes and Jarrad McVeigh with the 2012 premiership cup. He wants to see a successful referendum on the issue in the next couple of years. "There's nothing in the Constitution right now that says Aboriginal people are the first Australians," Goodes said. It isn't about us wanting to get our land back, it's not about wanting compensation, it's about wanting recognition that we were the first Australians. His mother Lisa, a member of the stolen generation, joined him in Canberra to receive the award. "She's very proud, it's a nice reward for her as well for the sacrifices she's had to make for us boys to have a better opportunity in life than what she had," Goodes said. Last night, 21-year-old Paralympic swimmer Jacqueline Freney was named the Young Australian of the Year for proving "we are all capable of greatness" and inspiring others with her tenacity and commitment. AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou said the league was delighted and honoured to see Goodes receive the honour. "Adam Goodes has been a brilliant player of our game for 15 years but his work off the field as a leading member of our community, seeking to assist and inspire young people, has truly defined him as a great Australian," Demetriou said. Adam is a great ambassador for his people, the Sydney Swans and our game, and is a leader in reconciliation and bringing all Australian together. We congratulate him on his recognition as the Australian of the Year and we know he will continue to lead the way for a better country for all Australians. Adam Goodes is all smiles at Sydney training. Swans chairman Andrew Pridham said Goodes was a deserving recipient of the honour. "Adam is an inspiration and role model, not just to the indigenous community but to all Australians," Pridham said. Everyone associated with our club including our loyal members and fans are incredibly proud of Adam and congratulate him on this greatly deserved honour. Sydney CEO Andrew Ireland said Goodes had proved an inspirational leader on and off the field. "I have worked with Adam for over 10 years, and in that time he has grown enormously as a leader," Ireland said. He is one of the finest people in football and has used his profile to great effect in promoting awareness and solutions to many social and charitable causes. Bound for Canberra? Goodes talks with Labor MP Matt Thistlethwaite. He has been a passionate ambassador for domestic violence charity, White Ribbon, and through his own GO (Goodes-O'Loughhlin) Foundation, co-founded with Michael O'Loughlin, has tackled many issues affecting indigenous Australians. His stance against racism and the way he handled himself throughout a difficult period last year emphasised what a strong leader and role model he is for all Australians. Age: 34 Recruited from: Horsham, Victoria Debut: Round 1, 1999 (v Port Adelaide) Games: 331 (club record-holder) Premierships: 2005, 2012 Brownlow Medal: 2003, 2006. Best-and-fairest (Bob Skilton Medal): 2003, 2006, 2011. AFL Rising Star and Ron Evans Medal: 1999. Australian of the Year: 2014. 1962 Jock Sturrock (sailing) 1964 Dawn Fraser (swimming) 1966 Jack Brabham (motor sport) 1968 Lionel Rose (boxing) 1971 Evonne Goolagong (tennis) 1972 Shane Gould (swimming) 1983 Robert de Castella (athletics) 1988 Kay Cottee (sailing) 1989 Allan Border (cricket) 1998 Cathy Freeman (athletics) 1999 Mark Taylor (cricket) 2002 Pat Rafter (tennis) 2004 Steve Waugh (cricket) Adam Goodes (right) with his first Brownlow in 2003 alongside joint winners Mark Ricciuto (left) and Nathan Buckley.