Eight Inspiring Australians Vie for 2026 Australian of the Year Award
The 2026 Australian of the Year Awards are set to honour one of eight exceptional finalists, with the winner to be announced at a ceremony at the National Arboretum in Canberra on Sunday, January 25. The event will be broadcast live on ABC TV and ABC iView from 7.30pm, celebrating individuals who have made significant contributions across health, humanitarian work, innovation, and community service.
Meet the Distinguished Finalists
Each finalist represents a state or territory, showcasing the diverse talents and dedication of Australians nationwide.
Professor Rose McGready (ACT)
Professor Rose McGready, a 61-year-old migrant and refugee health expert, has dedicated over three decades to improving healthcare for displaced people along the Thailand-Myanmar border. Her work includes establishing training for local staff to support expectant mothers and developing life-saving treatments for maternal malaria, now adopted globally by the World Health Organisation.
Dr Alison Thompson (NSW)
Dr Alison Thompson, a global humanitarian, has mobilised more than 30,000 volunteers to provide aid in disaster zones, assisting over 18 million people. Following her response to the September 11 attacks, she founded Third Wave Volunteers, a grassroots movement that delivers relief in areas like Ukraine and Syria, emphasising community resilience and sustainable recovery.
Dr Felix Ho ASM (NT)
Dr Felix Ho, a 43-year-old volunteer paramedic, has served remote Northern Territory communities while leading the St John Youth Program. His efforts include developing accessible training for young cadets and participating in UN missions, equipping the next generation of first responders with essential life-saving skills.
Carrie Bickmore (Vic)
Carrie Bickmore, a renowned media presenter, has transformed brain cancer research funding in Australia, raising over $27 million since 2015. After losing her husband to the disease, she established The Brain Cancer Centre, which has secured an additional $45 million for research and pioneering clinical trials.
Dr Rolf Gomes (QLD)
Dr Rolf Gomes, 52, pioneered the Heart of Australia mobile 'Heart Trucks' to address cardiac care disparities in rural areas. These clinics have treated 20,000 patients since 2014, with plans to expand to 11 trucks by 2027, offering early diagnostic services for conditions like lung cancer.
Katherine Bennell-Pegg (SA)
Katherine Bennell-Pegg, 41, made history as the first Australian to qualify as an astronaut under the national space program. Selected from over 22,500 applicants, she completed training in Germany and now champions space exploration, inspiring schoolchildren and industry leaders alike.
Dr Jorian (Jo) Kippax (Tas)
Dr Jo Kippax, 55, demonstrated extraordinary courage during a 2024 rescue on the Franklin River, where he helped amputate a trapped rafter's leg to save his life. Awarded Lithuania's Life Saving Cross, his career in emergency medicine highlights his dedication to disaster response and team leadership.
Dr Daniela Vecchio (WA)
Dr Daniela Vecchio, 57, leads mental health services at Fiona Stanley Hospital and established Australia's first publicly funded gaming disorder clinic in 2022. Her work addresses digital addiction in youth, fostering international collaborations and influencing national policy on harmful online use.
The biographies of these finalists were supplied by the National Australia Day Council, with ACM proudly serving as a media partner for the awards. The ceremony promises to highlight the profound impact these individuals have on communities both locally and globally.
