Key Takeaways:
- Eight Australian change makers have been nominated for the Australian of the Year award for 2026, recognizing their outstanding contributions to their communities and the country.
- The nominees come from diverse backgrounds and have made significant impacts in various fields, including healthcare, education, environmental conservation, and social welfare.
- The nominees include a digital addiction specialist, an emergency doctor, a humanitarian, and a brain cancer fundraiser, among others.
- The Australian of the Year award aims to recognize and celebrate the achievements of individuals who have made a positive difference in the lives of others and have inspired others to do the same.
Introduction to the Australian of the Year Award
The Australian of the Year award is a prestigious honor that recognizes the outstanding contributions of individuals who have made a positive impact on their communities and the country. This year, eight change makers from around Australia have been nominated for the award, each with their own unique story and achievements. The nominees come from diverse backgrounds and have made significant contributions in various fields, including healthcare, education, environmental conservation, and social welfare.
Meet the Nominees
The nominees for the Australian of the Year award include Professor Rose McGready, who has dedicated her life to saving the lives of vulnerable women and children in the border region between Thailand and Myanmar. Another nominee is Alison Thompson, a humanitarian who has founded a global movement of first responder volunteers to bring relief to disaster and war zones. Dr. Felix Ho, an emergency doctor, has also been nominated for his work in serving remote communities in the Northern Territory and volunteering as a mentor with the St John Youth Program.
Diverse Contributions
The nominees have made significant contributions in various fields, including healthcare, education, and environmental conservation. For example, Dr. Rolf Gomes has created a mobile "Heart Truck" to bring cardiac care to remote communities, while Katherine Bennell-Pegg has become the first Australian to qualify as an astronaut under the Australian space program. Dr. Jo Kipax, an emergency doctor, has also been nominated for his life-saving act of performing an underwater leg amputation to save a trapped whitewater rafter.
Inspiring Others
The nominees have not only made significant contributions to their communities but have also inspired others to do the same. Carrie Bickmore, a TV and radio personality, has raised over $27 million for brain cancer research and has established a research center to bring together the brightest minds to find a cure. Daniela Vecchio, a digital addiction specialist, has established the first publicly funded gaming disorder clinic in Australia and has treated over 300 patients.
Senior Australian of the Year
The Senior Australian of the Year award recognizes the outstanding contributions of individuals who have made a positive impact on their communities and the country over the course of their lives. The nominees for this award include Heather Reid, who has made it possible for thousands of women to play football, and Professor Henry Brodaty, who has transformed dementia care and co-founded the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing.
Young Australian of the Year
The Young Australian of the Year award recognizes the outstanding contributions of young individuals who have made a positive impact on their communities and the country. The nominees for this award include Sita Sargeant, who has founded a historical tourism business that shines a spotlight on the contributions of women throughout Australian history, and Nedd Brockmann, who has run across Australia to raise awareness and funds for homelessness.
Local Heroes
The Local Hero award recognizes the outstanding contributions of individuals who have made a positive impact on their local communities. The nominees for this award include Ben Alexander, who has co-founded a community running group to strive for a suicide-free ACT, and Theresa Mitchell, who has founded a charity that serves hot meals to vulnerable people and offers services like back-to-work programs and psychology.
Conclusion
The Australian of the Year award nominees are a testament to the power of individual contributions to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Their stories and achievements serve as an inspiration to others to strive for excellence and to make a positive impact on their communities and the country. The award ceremony will be held on January 25, 2026, and will recognize the outstanding contributions of these individuals and their dedication to making a positive difference in the lives of others.
