Carrie Bickmore Named 2026 Australian of the Year for Victoria
Carrie Bickmore, a well-known broadcaster and cancer fundraiser, received the 2026 Australian of the Year award for Victoria during a ceremony in Melbourne on November 6. This honor celebrates her outstanding efforts in brain cancer research and advocacy.
Commitment to Brain Cancer Research
Bickmore's dedication to combating brain cancer is deeply personal. Since 2015, she has raised more than $27 million to support research aimed at discovering a cure. Her work led to the founding of The Brain Cancer Centre in 2021, an innovative facility bringing together top researchers in the field.
The center has supported numerous research projects across Australia and launched groundbreaking clinical trials, representing a major step forward in brain cancer treatment.
"Brain cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among Australians under 40," a disease Bickmore knows well after losing her husband, Greg, to it in 2010.
Recognizing Other Outstanding Australians
Alongside Bickmore, Bryan Lipmann AM was honored as the 2026 Senior Australian of the Year for Victoria for his work advocating for elderly homeless people.
Author's Summary
Carrie Bickmore's relentless advocacy and fundraising have transformed brain cancer research in Australia, making her a powerful symbol of hope and progress.