Congratulations to all those recognised at the Australian of the Year Awards 2023, including bestselling author Taryn Brumfitt.
Opening Image Credit: NADC/Salty Dingo
Kicking off Australia Day celebrations last night, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese named the Australians of the year and local hero of 2023 at an awards ceremony in Canberra. Selected for their outstanding achievements, the winners represent how all of us can follow our passions to create a better Australia.
The winners
- Australian of the Year: Taryn Brumfitt
- Senoir Australian of the Year: Professor Tom Calma AO
- Young Australian of the Year: Awer Mabil
- Australia’s Local Hero: Amar Singh
While we’d like to offer a huge congratulations to all those selected for the awards, a special shout-out is in order for Penguin Random House (PRH) author, Taryn Brumfitt who has published three books with PRH: Embrace Yourself, Embrace Your Body and Embrace Kids.
About Taryn Brumfitt

Some people seem to be able to do it all, and Taryn Brumfitt is one of those people.
As an advocate for embracing positive body image and addressing social issues around the complicated subject, she has directed two documentaries, written several bestsellers and started the international movement, the Body Image Movement, to inspire others to embrace themselves.
Given her influence and positive messaging, it’s no surprise to see the author and public speaker has been named Australian of the year for 2023. Perhaps now more than ever, Taryn’s message is an important one. With the rise of social media and constant exposure to images of picture-perfect bodies, it’s all too easy to compare ourselves to the detriment of our physical and mental health.
In being named Australian of the Year, Taryn has been recognised for her tireless work in helping people everywhere learn to love their bodies. As the leader of the Body Image Movement, she is well-equipped to inspire all Australians to re-think the relationships they have with their bodies, putting us on the path to a healthier and happier Australia.
‘There is so much despair in this nation for children and adults when it comes to what we think and how we feel about our bodies,’ said Taryn at the awards ceremony. ‘This issue is not simply about weight or size, it’s about the way that we feel about all of ourselves… it is learning to move, nourish, respect and enjoy our bodies because you can’t look after something you don’t love.’
‘My goodness Australia, we are ready for change, for ourselves and the generations to come.’
View this post on Instagram
Check out her books
Embrace Yourself Taryn Brumfitt
Taryn’s first book, Embrace Yourself, is all about loving the skin your in. The ultimate ‘how to’ guide to loving your body at every shape and size, this book helps readers break down complicated conditioning surrounding body image. If you’re looking to get one step closer to loving yourself, this book is your answer.
Embrace Your Body Taryn Brumfitt, Sinead Hanley
While working on her second documentary, Embrace Kids, Taryn became inspired to create a positive body image song for teachers to use in the classroom. Before long, the song came to fruition with the help of musicians Pevan & Sarah. Alongside illustrator Sinead Hanley, Taryn created this book based on the song to help reiterate the positive message to kids.
Embrace Kids Taryn Brumfitt, Zali Yager
Embrace Kids was written by Taryn and Associate Professor Dr Zali Yager. Aimed at adult audiences, this book helps parents navigate the topic of body image with their kids. Based on the belief that parents must first have a positive body image themselves, this book lays the foundations for adults to embrace themselves and doles out advice on helping kids to do the same.