Carrie Bickmore named 2026 Australian of the Year for Victoria
Broadcaster and philanthropist Carrie Bickmore OAM has been honoured as the 2026 Australian of the Year for Victoria. The award was presented at a ceremony in Melbourne on November 6.
Advocacy and Fundraising Impact
Since 2015, Bickmore has raised over $27 million to support brain cancer research. In 2021, she founded The Brain Cancer Centre, bringing together leading experts with the goal of finding a cure.
“The centre supports research projects across Australia and is delivering pioneering clinical trials for brain cancer patients — the first of their kind globally.”
Brain cancer remains the leading cause of death from disease among Australian children and people under 40. Bickmore’s advocacy is deeply personal, following the loss of her husband Greg in 2010 to the illness.
Other 2026 Victorian Honourees
- Senior Australian of the Year: Bryan Lipmann AM, founder of Wintringham, recognised for his work supporting elderly and homeless Australians. His organisation now assists around 3,000 people through housing and care services.
- Young Australian of the Year: Abraham Kuol, celebrated for his contributions to community leadership and youth development.
Author’s Summary
Carrie Bickmore’s recognition highlights her decade-long dedication to brain cancer research and her ongoing influence in uniting science, media, and compassion to drive progress.