Carrie Bickmore OAM – Championing Brain Cancer Awareness
Media personality and philanthropist Carrie Bickmore OAM has been officially honored as the 2026 Australian of the Year for Victoria. The announcement took place during a prestigious award ceremony held in Melbourne on November 6, 2025.
Well known for her work in Australian media, Bickmore has shifted global attention toward brain cancer — a disease that claimed the life of her late husband, Greg Lange, in 2010. Since then, she has passionately dedicated herself to raising awareness and funds for research.
$27 Million Raised for Brain Cancer Research
Since launching her charity efforts in 2015, Carrie has raised over $27 million for brain cancer research. In 2021, she founded The Brain Cancer Centre, a first-of-its-kind national initiative uniting leading researchers to work on groundbreaking clinical trials and innovative treatment pathways.
“Brain cancer kills more children in Australia than any other disease, and more people under 40 than any other cancer,” Carrie has said passionately in previous interviews.
Today, The Brain Cancer Centre supports multiple projects nationwide and is responsible for launching some of the world’s first clinical trials dedicated to this intensively aggressive disease.
Senior Australian of the Year (VIC) – Bryan Lipmann AM
Bryan Lipmann AM, a lifelong advocate for elderly homeless Australians, was named the 2026 Senior Australian of the Year for Victoria. Lipmann is the founder and CEO of Wintringham, an organization offering housing and home care services for disadvantaged seniors.
Today, Wintringham supports over 3,000 people and stands as a beacon of respect and inclusion in aged care services across Australia.
Young Australian of the Year (VIC) – Abraham Kuol
Abraham Kuol, 28, received the 2026 Young Australian of the Year for Victoria award. Kuol is a respected community leader who co-founded Black Rhinos, a soccer and basketball club aimed at mentoring at-risk migrant and refugee youth.
He also serves as a director at Sandown Lions Football Club, offering sports pathways to young people from diverse backgrounds.
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Local Hero Award – Linda Widdup & Aussie Hay Runners
Farming community hero Linda Widdup has been recognized as Victoria’s 2026 Local Hero. In 2019, she founded Aussie Hay Runners, which started with just four trucks delivering hay to drought-affected farmers. Today, the volunteer group has grown to a fleet of 70 trucks, contributing over 90,000 bales of fodder to farmers in need across Australia.
National Australia Day Council Responds
National Australia Day Council CEO Mark Fraser AO CVO praised the recipients, saying:
“Carrie has made an indelible impact in the fight against brain cancer; Bryan has brought dignity to vulnerable seniors; Abraham uses sport to shape young lives; and Linda supports farmers in their toughest hour.”
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What’s Next?
The four Victorian winners will now join finalists from other Australian states and territories at the National Australian of the Year Awards, held in Canberra on January 25, 2026.
Stay tuned for the national award results — and for more inspiring stories of leadership, compassion, and community service.
Carrie Bickmore’s recognition also brings fresh attention to the causes she has supported for years. From launching national brain cancer awareness campaigns to using her media platform to amplify underrepresented voices, her journey reflects a powerful blend of advocacy and empathy. Her work with the “Carrie’s Beanies 4 Brain Cancer” foundation has raised millions for cancer research, proving how personal tragedy can be transformed into public service. This award not only honors her accomplishments but also renews public interest in supporting lasting social impact across Australia.
