Australian of the Year Awards
Each year we recognise remarkable Victorians who inspire us through their achievements. The 2026 Australian of the Year recipients for Victoria were announced on 6 November 2025 at a ceremony in Melbourne.
These Victorian recipients will join those from the other states and territories for the national awards to be announced on 25 January 2026.
Nomination timeline
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Nomination period
31 July 2025
Nominations closed on 31 July 2025.
Only nominations submitted before 31 July 2025 were considered for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards. Nominations made after this date will be saved for the following year.
Nominate via the Australian of the Year Awards website
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State and territory recipients announced
November 2025
Each state and territory will select one recipient from each of the Award categories.
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National recipients announced
25 January 2026
The Prime Minister will announce national recipients for each Award category in Canberra.
Meet the 2026 Australian of the Year recipients for Victoria
Australian of the Year for Victoria: Carrie Bickmore OAM
Carrie Bickmore is the founder of Carrie’s Beanies 4 Brain Cancer Foundation, a charity which has raised over $27 million to raise funds for brain cancer research.
As a passionate advocate, Carrie established The Brain Cancer Centre in 2021 to deliver clinical trials for brain cancer patients.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/t-lwtw_Li4Y?autoplay=0&start=0&rel=0
2026 VIC Australian of the Year - Carrie Bickmore OAM
Senior Australian of the Year for Victoria: Bryan Lipmann AM
Bryan is the founder of Wintringham, a pioneering organisation with the goal of ending homelessness for older Australians.
For over 30 years, Bryan has led innovative housing and support models that have transformed aged care and homelessness services nationally.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZozjW8iGpm8?autoplay=0&start=21&rel=0
2026 VIC Australian of the Year - Bryan Lipmann AM
Young Australian of the Year for Victoria: Abraham Kuol
Abraham is a respected community leader making a lasting impact across Victoria.
As a key figure at Afri-Aus Care Inc., Abraham has helped raise over $3.5 million to support African-Australian families, justice-involved youth, and mental health services.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/6aRLLWsIKTg?autoplay=0&start=0&rel=0
2026 VIC Young Australian of the Year - Abraham Kuol
Local Hero for Victoria: Linda Widdup
Linda is the founder of Aussie Hay Runners, leading a team of dedicated volunteer drivers to deliver vital support to farmers in need.
Since 2019, Linda has helped deliver over 90,000 bales of fodder to drought, flood and fire-affected regions across Australia.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/qFboTGqzXgc?autoplay=0&start=0&rel=0
2026 VIC Local Hero - Linda Widdup
Updated 13 January 2026
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