Fink, 21, is the communications manager at Minus18, an Australian charity for LGBTI youth.

The nomination puts Fink in the running for the prestigious Young Australian of the Year award, announced in January, which has never been won by a transgender person.

Fink told BuzzFeed News she was "incredibly proud" to be a finalist.

"Growing up, I really struggled to find role models I could look to," she said. "I wanted someone who was like me and who was making a difference for the LGBTI community. If I can be that person to someone, even in a small way, that's huge for me."

However, Fink added that there is still a long way to go for transgender advocacy in Australia.

"To be a trans voice who can be seen and heard is so important for those young people who are trying to figure out their own identity. It tells them they're not alone, and that there are people and organisations out there who will support them."