2026 Australian of the Year Awards held in Canberra as winners announced
The 2026 Australian of the Year will be announced at a star-studded event at the National Arboretum in Canberra on Sunday evening.
This year’s nominees include TV presenter Carrie Bickmore, an astronaut, a digital addiction and gaming disorder expert, an emergency rescuer and brain cancer charity founder.
“If people want to be inspired, watch the Australian of the Year awards tonight,” Mr Albanese said on Sunday morning.
“They are uplifting. This is one of the best things I can do as Prime Minister.”
“It shows ordinary Australians doing what they can to help each other.
“That’s what defines us as Australians, too.”
The 2026 Australian of the Year – alongside the Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year and Local Hero – will be announced at a ceremony starting at 7.30pm and broadcast on the ABC.
The winner of the Australian of the Year award will take over the title from last year’s winner, former AFL player and Fight MND co-founder Neale Daniher AO.
Mr. Daniher has inspired millions of people with his determination and courage since he was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2014.
It has since raised more than $117 million for research and care initiatives.
Other past winners include melanoma treatment pioneers Professor Georgina Long AO and Professor Richard Scolyer AO in 2024, Grace Tame in 2021, Adam Goodes in 2014 and Professor Fred Hollows AC in 1990.
Australian of the Year nominees
Each state and territory nominates its own Australian of the Year and these winners form a national pool of winners.
This year’s state and territory winners are:
NSW – Dr. Alison Thompson OAM
Victoria – Carrie Bickmore OAM
South Australia – Katherine Bennell-Pegg
Western Australia – Dr Daniela Vecchio
Queensland – Dr. Rolf Gomes
Tasmania – Dr Jorian Kippax
Northern Region – Dr Felix Ho ASM
ACT – Professor Rose McGready
More to come
