From bringing healthcare to remote communities and supporting people displaced by conflict to advancing space exploration and raising millions for medical research, the nominees for Australian of the Year 2026 reflect the diverse ways individuals can create lasting change.
The eight nominees represent fields including healthcare, humanitarian response, science, technology and community service. Each was nominated by a member of their community who believed their work deserved national recognition.
Among them is Professor Rose McGready, whose three decades of healthcare work with displaced communities along the Thailand–Myanmar border have helped improve care for vulnerable women and children. Her research has also contributed to treatments for maternal malaria that have become the World Health Organization’s global standard.
Humanitarian Alison Thompson OAM has helped mobilise volunteers to respond to disasters and conflict around the world. Through Third Wave Volunteers, she has deployed more than 30,000 volunteers to countries including Ukraine, Syria, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka, delivering humanitarian assistance to more than 18 million people.
Healthcare innovation is another prominent theme among the nominees. Dr Rolf Gomes established Heart of Australia’s mobile cardiac clinics to bring specialist services to rural communities. The organisation’s Heart Trucks visit more than 30 towns, helping patients access diagnostic care closer to home and reducing the need for long-distance travel. Since 2014, the trucks have treated more than 20,000 patients.
Dr Felix Ho, meanwhile, combines medical practice in remote Northern Territory communities with volunteer mentoring through the St John Youth Program, helping young people develop first-aid skills that could save lives.
Other nominees are addressing emerging health and research challenges. Dr Daniela Vecchio established Australia’s first publicly funded gaming disorder clinic, which has treated more than 300 patients. Broadcaster and brain cancer advocate Carrie Bickmore OAM has raised more than $27 million for brain cancer research through Beanies 4 Brain Cancer and established The Brain Cancer Centre in 2021 to bring researchers together in pursuit of better treatments.
Australia’s growing space sector is represented by Katherine Bennell-Pegg, who became the first person to qualify as an astronaut under Australia’s own space programme after completing the European Space Agency’s astronaut training programme. Alongside her work in the space industry, she engages with students and industry audiences to encourage interest in science and exploration.
Dr Jo Kippax is also recognised for leading the clinical team involved in a remarkable 2024 rescue on Tasmania’s Franklin River, where rescuers performed an underwater leg amputation to save a trapped whitewater rafter.
The wider Australian of the Year Awards recognise contributions across different generations and areas of community life, including senior Australians, young people and local volunteers. These categories highlight work ranging from dementia research and environmental conservation to inclusive employment, education and support for people experiencing homelessness.
Together, the nominees demonstrate that community impact can take many forms: developing new approaches to healthcare, responding to humanitarian emergencies, creating opportunities for people facing barriers, or using professional expertise to serve others.
Their recognition also highlights the importance of making such contributions visible. By bringing these stories to national attention, the Australian of the Year Awards celebrate people whose work is improving lives and strengthening communities.
Source: ABC News — Meet the change makers nominated to be 2026 Australian of the Year
