For the likes of the current President of the United States, Donald Trump's influence comes from his formal position. It's his title that has the world listening, not his character. He has the power to create considerable change - positive or negative - due to his job title.

Meanwhile, there are and were great leaders without this power of a position or title to give them authority. Martin Luther King Jr was an informal leader. His words and actions continue to capture the attention of people today, long after he passed. Yet he had no power to enforce change, only create momentum and convince those in positions of power to act. It's the latter that can create the most significant change. Sometimes a leader will come along who can achieve high levels of both formal and informal influence. New Zealand's Jacinda Ardern comes to mind.

Where these leaders started was very low on the scale of influence. They had to work hard to earn respect and trust of those they were trying to lead.

It is why awards like the Australian of the Year can be so pivotal in creating change.

Back in 2014, Rosie Batty was a grieving mother who demonstrated bravery in exposing the shocking and heartbreaking impact of domestic violence. She wasn't the first person, nor would she be the last, to suffer tremendous loss. But she was brave enough to use her voice to create change.

A year later, Ms Batty was named Australian of the Year. This platform gave her the ear of many leaders, organisations and communities. Her voice became louder. And in turn created policies, programs and directed funding to tackle the high rate of domestic violence in Australia.

There would be many people in Tasmania who, with the right platform, could create change that the state, nation or world needs to be a better place. The Examiner is a proud partner of the Australian of the Year awards. We encourage you to nominate someone who is making a difference. The nomination could be the catalyst they and society needs.