Carrie Bickmore announced as the 2026 Australian of the Year for Victoria

Carrie Bickmore Named 2026 Australian of the Year for Victoria

Carrie Bickmore OAM, broadcaster and cancer fundraiser, was honored as the 2026 Australian of the Year for Victoria at a ceremony held in Melbourne on November 6.

Contributions to Brain Cancer Research

Since 2015, Bickmore has raised over $27 million to combat brain cancer. She founded The Brain Cancer Centre in 2021, uniting top researchers nationwide to discover a cure.

The centre supports innovative research and is conducting world-first clinical trials for brain cancer patients.

Impact of Brain Cancer in Australia

Brain cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death among Australians under 40.
It also kills more Australian children than any other disease.
Bickmore's late husband, Greg, died from brain cancer in 2010.

Other Victorian Awardees for 2026

Senior Australian of the Year: Bryan Lipmann AM

Bryan Lipmann, an advocate for the elderly homeless, received the 2026 Senior Australian of the Year honor for Victoria. He founded Wintringham, an organization that offers safe housing and care for elderly, poor, and homeless individuals.

Wintringham currently supports 3,000 people with accommodation and home care services.

Young Australian of the Year: Abraham Kuol

Abraham Kuol was recognized as the 2026 Young Australian of the Year for Victoria.

"The Brain Cancer Centre brings together the brightest minds in research to find a cure."

Author’s summary: Carrie Bickmore was named Victoria's 2026 Australian of the Year for her outstanding fundraising and pioneering efforts in brain cancer research and care.

The Courier — 2025-11-06