Aussie of the Year Announcement Promises Uplifting Recognition

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised the nominees for the 2026 Australian of the Year awards, calling their stories “uplifting.” The announcement of the winners will take place during a ceremony in Canberra, which will be broadcast live on the ABC.

Aussie of the Year Announcement

The ceremony will reveal not only the Australian of the Year but also the Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year, and Local Hero. This year’s events are particularly special as the Australian of the Year will take over from last year’s winner, Neale Daniher AO, who has raised over $117 million for motor neurone disease research.

Nominees for Australian of the Year 2026

The nominees for the 2026 Australian of the Year come from various states, each making significant contributions to society:

• New South Wales: Dr. Alison Thompson OAM – A humanitarian and founder of Third Wave Volunteers.
• Victoria: Carrie Bickmore OAM – Advocate for brain cancer awareness and research.
• South Australia: Katherine Bennell-Pegg – First Australian astronaut under Australia’s space program.
• Western Australia: Dr. Daniela Vecchio – Founder of Australia’s first publicly funded gaming disorder clinic.
• Queensland: Dr. Rolf Gomes – Creator of the Heart of Australia mobile clinic for cardiac patients.
• Tasmania: Dr. Jorian Kippax – Retrieving specialist known for a high-stakes rescue operation.
• Northern Territory: Dr. Felix Ho ASM – Promoter of medical professions among young Australians.
• Australian Capital Territory: Professor Rose McGready – Health expert focused on refugee care in Asia.

Highlights of the Nominees

• Dr. Alison Thompson OAM: Inspired by the 9/11 tragedy, she established Third Wave Volunteers, aiding in global crises.
• Carrie Bickmore OAM: Since 2015, she has raised over $27 million for brain cancer initiatives.
• Katherine Bennell-Pegg: She made history by qualifying as an astronaut among thousands of candidates.
• Dr. Daniela Vecchio: Established an innovative clinic for gamers, addressing addiction among youth.
• Dr. Rolf Gomes: Led the development of mobile Heart Trucks, reaching over 20,000 patients in remote areas.
• Dr. Jorian Kippax: Recognized for his calm leadership during a life-saving rescue operation.
• Dr. Felix Ho ASM: National youth officer for St John Ambulance, promoting emergency preparedness among the youth.
• Professor Rose McGready: Decades of dedicated service to maternal health for refugees in Myanmar.

The awards ceremony promises to highlight the remarkable achievements of these individuals, embodying the spirit of community and resilience in Australia. Tune in to Filmogaz.com for live updates on the awards and the inspiring stories behind the nominees.