Outgoing Australian of the Year Adam Goodes says he plans to continue fighting for the causes close to him, even after handing back the title.

The star Sydney Swans footballer has spent the year campaigning against domestic violence and racism and calling for Indigenous recognition in the Australian constitution.

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Goodes used his valedictory speech in Canberra to thank Australians for their support, but said there was still much to do.

“One in five women experience harassment within the workplace – one in five,” he said.

“It’s still a massive challenge for us all, but the real challenge lies with us men.”

“In 2015, our task is to continue to educate and empower men [to] realise the role they play in ending violence against women.

“You will see more momentum in the pursuit of ensuring all women can live safely, free from all forms of violence.”

Goodes said the aim of his anti-racism campaign, “Racism. It Stops With Me”, was to ensure more Australians recognise racism is unacceptable and provide the tools and resources to take practical action against it.

“We have had a great response to the program this year and our journey and focus remains in 2015. It’s all about education and understanding what’s acceptable and what isn’t,” he said.

“I mentioned in my acceptance speech last year that my hope was that this nation can break down the silos between races; break down the stereotypes of minority populations, Indigenous populations, and all the other minority groups.

“I felt that the ultimate reward would be when all Australians see each other as equals and treat each other as equals.

“Whilst we are not quite there yet and still have a way to go, I feel that in 2014, we as a nation, community and individuals, have made progress.”

Goodes wants referendum to be ‘a defining achievement’

Goodes also highlighted the increasing support for the recognition of Indigenous Australians in the constitution, saying the movement had grown from 178,000 supporters in February last year to 250,000.

Goodes has pushed for the recognition of Indigenous Australians in the constitution. Photo: Getty

“As Australian of the Year I have often spoken about the fact our country’s constitution still closes its eyes to the long part of Australian story that pre-dates British arrival,” he said.

“I ask every Australian to think about what the constitution exclusion says to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians – to see our vast and inspiring history in this land not mentioned in the official picture like that.

“To me, the heartbreak of this constitution exclusion is that it denies the true span of our country’s history to every Australian today and to all those into the future. And it will do so until we fix it.

“So we need to put this right for ourselves, and for all the generations of young Australians to follow.”

As he passed the baton to this year’s finalists, he urged Australians to “think about what you can do to campaign for this referendum”.

“For in putting this right, ours will be a defining and uplifting achievement for every one of us who now calls this nation home,” he said.

“It will make us even more proud to be Australian.

“My focus on these issues – national issues – still remains. I will also continue to challenge men in our community to make sure we stop the violence and pain we are inflicting on to our loved ones.

“I will continue to support the education of our children on the pointlessness of racism and the harm of discrimination.

“I will continue to focus on getting us a step closer to that referendum, to get recognition for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders into our constitution.”