'My purpose is changing perceptions': Australian of the Year Dylan Alcott's speech in full

Dylan Alcott made history on Tuesday night in becoming the first person with a visible disability to be made Australian of the Year in the award's 62-year history. 

The 31-year-old athlete, Paralympian, philanthropist, media commentator and advocate was recognised for both his sport and disability awareness work. 

Alcott told ABC News Breakfast he was still emotional after receiving the prestigious award.

«To be named Australian of the Year and to get it for not just being good at tennis, but for the work off the court … my purpose 10 years ago, yesterday, today and as Australian of the Year, it's never changed,» he said.

«It's not to win tennis tournaments, it's to change perceptions so people with disability live the lives that they deserve to live.

»To be given that honour, to hold that platform to be able to do that, it's huge, and I'm just so grateful and thankful … it's unbelievable."

This is his speech in full.

«Thank you, everyone. Thank you.

»'I think standing ovations are one of the most ironic things in the world, by the way. But I'll take them, without a doubt.

«Firstly, I want to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land as well and pay my respects to [elders] past, present and emerging, to the Prime Minister, thank you so much.

»I honestly thought I was no chance tonight. I honestly didn't. I got off the court at 1:00pm today. I won my semifinal at the Australian Open, luckily.

«I thought I was no chance and then I got here and I saw this really good-looking ramp and I thought, 'I might have a chance here'. 

»Have you noticed? It's a good-looking ramp. I thought 'oh, I'm underprepared'. I'm shaken.

Paralympian and tennis player Dylan Alcott is named 2022 Australian of the Year.

«To everybody that's nominated for the