Who are the Australian of the Year 2026 nominees?

Introduction: Why the Australian of the Year 2026 nominees matter

The Australian of the Year awards spotlight individuals whose work shapes the nation and reaches beyond its borders. The 2026 nominees reflect a diverse range of service areas — from emergency response and refugee health to rural diagnostics, youth training and medical research. Understanding their contributions gives readers insight into contemporary civic leadership and the causes Australians are prioritising.

Main body: Nominees, finalists and their work

Finalists and listed nominees

Public listings for the 2026 awards name several high-profile finalists and nominees. Among the eight finalists reported are Professor Rose McGready (ACT), Dr Alison Thompson (NSW), Dr Felix Ho ASM (NT) and media personality Carrie Bickmore (VIC). Official award pages also identify recipients across categories and jurisdictions, including Professor Henry Brodaty AO and Professor Kingsley Dixon AO in senior categories and WA nominees for Young Australian of the Year such as Dr Haseeb Riaz and Gareth Shanthikumar.

Focus areas highlighted by nominees

The nominations showcase broad, practical impact. One nominee is a humanitarian who founded a global movement of first‑responder volunteers bringing relief to disaster and war zones. Another is a migrant and refugee health expert who has spent roughly three decades delivering health services in the border region between Thailand and Myanmar. Other nominees include a volunteer paramedic who created a youth first‑aid training program; a mobile health pioneer expanding diagnostic and clinical care to rural communities; and a brain cancer fundraiser who established a research centre to coordinate efforts towards a cure.

Youth and regional innovation

Also noted among nominees is Ms Kennedy, chosen as a 2025 ABC Trailblazer for her Life After School Program, which promotes innovative supports for young people in regional Australia. That recognition gave Alyssia the opportunity to present her ideas to policymakers in Canberra and underscores how grassroots initiatives can influence national debate.

Conclusion: What the nominations signify going forward

The 2026 nominees collectively underline priorities in contemporary Australian public life: humanitarian response, refugee and migrant health, rural healthcare access, youth empowerment and medical research. As the awards progress, attention on these individuals may amplify support for their causes and inform public discussion and policy. Whether or not a nominee wins the top title, their recognition brings visibility to persistent challenges and the practical efforts being made to address them — a meaningful outcome for readers interested in community impact and national leadership.