Documentary maker and body image activist Taryn Brumfitt has vowed to use her new platform as Australian of the Year to spark change in how people see themselves.
The South Australian said she wanted to shift the way people think they look and learn to love the skin they're in.
"This is not about encouraging obesity, this is not what I do, and this issue is not simply about weight or size, it's about the way that we feel about all of ourselves," she said in accepting the award on Wednesday night.
"We weren't born into the world hating our bodies. This is something the world has taught us."
The writer and director was honoured for her work leading the Body Image Movement, which aims to teach people to love the skin they're in.
Her 2016 documentary Embrace, which has been seen by millions around the world, explored why women hated their bodies as well as her own journey of acceptance.
That work led to a companion documentary for children, as well as parenting books and research hubs on the subject.
Brumfitt said it was crucial to work alongside young people in order for them to develop positive attitudes to their bodies from an early age.
"Little Aussies describe their bodies as strong and energetic and powerful and they have genuine love for all the things their bodies can do," she said.
"This gives me hope that we can get in early and block the shame and despair, create body-image safe environments for them to learn, live and play in and let them live their lives as teens and adults with the freedom that comes from embracing your body, not the illnesses that come with hating them."
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the Australian of the Year honour was perfectly timed.
"Unfortunately it must be said we all know people who have been impacted by body-image issues, some in the most drastic way possible," Mr Albanese said.
"Taryn will make an enormous difference, just as Dylan Alcott has been an extraordinary Australian of the Year over the last 12 months."
Other winners included Indigenous activist Tom Calma, who took out Senior Australian of the Year, while Socceroo and refugee advocate Awe Mabil was named Young Australian of the Year and Turbans 4 Australia founder Amar Singh received the Local Hero award.
© AAP 2023