Australia Names 2026 Australian of the Year Nominees

CANBERRA (Azat TV) – Thirty-two remarkable Australians have been nominated across four categories for the prestigious 2026 Australian of the Year Awards, celebrating their profound and diverse contributions to the nation and the world. The nominees, who embody innovation, compassion, and leadership, gathered in Canberra on Sunday, January 25, 2026, for a morning tea with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, just ahead of the highly anticipated Australia Day awards ceremony.

Celebrating National Contributions

The annual Australian of the Year Awards, managed by the National Australia Day Council, are a cornerstone of the nation’s calendar, recognizing individuals who inspire through their achievements and dedication. This year’s cohort showcases an extraordinary range of endeavors, from pioneering medical interventions and global humanitarian efforts to groundbreaking scientific discoveries and vital community support. The selection process, which begins with nominations from the public, aims to highlight those whose work often goes unsung but has a tangible, positive impact on countless lives.

Meet the Australian of the Year Contenders

Eight individuals are vying for the top honor of Australian of the Year. Professor Rose McGready is recognized for her three decades of providing healthcare to displaced people on the Thailand-Myanmar border and her pivotal research in maternal malaria, which led to treatments adopted by the World Health Organization. Alison Thompson OAM, who began her humanitarian journey during the 9/11 attacks, founded Third Wave Volunteers, deploying over 30,000 volunteers to global disaster zones and assisting more than 18 million people.

Dr. Felix Ho ASM is celebrated for his service to remote Northern Territory communities, his work with the United Nations in Timor-Leste, and his role in the St John Youth Program, training young Australians in first aid. Dr. Rolf Gomes pioneered the Heart of Australia mobile ‘Heart Truck’ initiative, bringing vital cardiac care and early detection services to over 30 rural towns, treating more than 20,000 patients since 2014. Katherine Bennell-Pegg made history as the first person to qualify as an astronaut under the Australian flag through the European Space Agency program, inspiring future generations.

Dr. Jo Kippax gained national attention for leading a specialist team in 2024 that performed an underwater leg amputation to save a whitewater rafter’s life on the Franklin River, an act for which he received Lithuania’s Life Saving Cross award. TV and radio personality Carrie Bickmore OAM has transformed brain cancer research funding, raising over $27 million through her Beanies 4 Brain Cancer initiative and establishing The Brain Cancer Centre. Finally, Dr. Daniela Vecchio, head of mental health and addiction services at WA’s Fiona Stanley Hospital, established Australia’s first publicly funded gaming disorder clinic, treating over 300 patients and reconnecting isolated children with their communities.

Recognizing Diverse Impact Across Generations

Beyond the main award, nominees in the Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year, and Australia’s Local Hero categories highlight diverse forms of national service.

For Senior Australian of the Year, Professor Henry Brodaty AO is honored for his lifelong commitment to transforming dementia care and co-founding the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing. Heather Reid AM made history by establishing Canberra’s first female football club and becoming the first chief executive of Capital Football, significantly expanding opportunities for women in the sport. Professor Kingsley Dixon AO is recognized for his internationally acclaimed work in native plant conservation, including his 1992 discovery of smoke-induced plant germination after bushfires.

Among the Young Australian of the Year nominees, Nedd Brockmann, 23, captured national attention by running across Australia to raise over $2.6 million for homelessness support, later founding Nedd’s Uncomfortable Challenge to raise an additional $8 million. Sita Sargeant created ‘She Shapes History,’ a historical tourism business that spotlights the often-overlooked contributions of women throughout Australian history. Dr. Haseeb Riaz and Gareth Shanthikumar co-founded ‘Man Up,’ an educational service addressing the root causes of poor mental health and gender-based violence among thousands of male students.

The Australia’s Local Hero category features individuals like Emily Briffa, who opened a Hobart cafe staffed by people living with disability, mental health concerns, and neurodivergence, achieving a 75 percent employment placement rate. Linda Widdup founded Aussie Hay Runners, a voluntary organization that has delivered over 90,000 bales of hay to drought-affected farmers, traveling millions of kilometers. Ben Alexander, a former rugby player, co-founded Running for Resilience, a community group dedicated to fostering mental health and aiming for a suicide-free ACT by 2033.

A Tradition of National Acknowledgment

The Australian of the Year Awards have a rich history, dating back to 1960. They serve as a powerful platform to acknowledge the quiet achievers and the prominent figures who contribute to the fabric of Australian society. By celebrating these individuals, the awards aim to inspire all Australians to consider how they can contribute to their communities and the broader nation. The final recipients in each category will be announced on the eve of Australia Day, January 25, 2026, in a ceremony that will be broadcast nationally.

The collective achievements of the 2026 Australian of the Year nominees underscore a national commitment to addressing both global challenges and local needs, reflecting a society that values scientific advancement, compassionate care, and the empowerment of all its citizens.