AusoftheYearAwards

Visit the museum’s Digital Classroom to learn about the 2026 Australia’s Local Hero nominees, how they contribute to their communities and what inspires them. Learn more: digital-classroom.nma.gov.au/extra-resource… 📷: 2026 Australian of the Year Awards © NADC Salty Dingo

We’ve collaborated with the @nma to shine a light on the ‘Australia’s Local Hero’ category, which recognises outstanding achievements of inspiring Australians making a difference in their communities.

@ProfGLongMIA Congratulations, @ProfGLongMIA. An inspiring and powerful lecture. 👏

Honoured to deliver the 2026 Ann Moyal Lecture at the National Library of Australia last night. Breakthroughs don't come from certainty. They come from courage in the third space - the uncharted territory between what we know and what we must discover. That's where hope lives. That's where the work happens. Watch lecture> youtube.com/live/g7OVAegME… @MelanomaAus @Sydney_Uni @ausoftheyear @AAHMS_health @Science_Academy @FulbrightAUS @SydneyMedsoc

Belonging matters. Our 2026 Australia’s Local Heroes share what belonging means to them. Happy Harmony Week!

💬 Have an update to share? Let us know. @CathyFreeman @healthgovau

From major national investment to remarkable acts of resilience, the Australian of the Year alumni continue to inspire. Swipe for their latest news. @FightMND @NealeDaniher @ProfRAScolyer

@paintsandsings Hi Emilie, nominations are made by the public, so if you know someone you think is worthy of an award, nominate them! Head to australianoftheyear.org.au/nominate/

#AustralianStory Why isn’t Deirdre Croft Australian of the Year. 45 yrs of dedicated caring for Richard and advocating for intellectual disabilities. 45 years ! A marathon of caring People like Deirdre are my Australian of the Year , people who are the quiet doers @ausoftheyear

This International Women's Day, nominate a woman creating change in your community at australianoftheyear.org.au

From pioneering digital addiction and gaming disorder treatments in young people, and environmental leadership, to amplifying women’s histories and supporting those doing it tough, their impact reaches far beyond today.

An electrical apprenticeship changed Frank Mitchell’s life. As 2026 Australia’s Local Hero, Frank is creating culturally safe pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in construction. Watch his full speech: youtu.be/8uUGd-DfWvY

Nearly $10 million raised. And counting. 2026 Young Australian of the Year Nedd Brockmann has turned challenge into purpose, raising millions to support people experiencing homelessness. youtu.be/qBYRZubI4Fo?si… @neddbrockmann @youthgovau

From the moment his father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at 52, Professor Henry Brodaty AO’s path shifted and so did dementia care in Australia. As 2026 Senior Australian of the Year, he has shaped research, advocacy and support for families nationwide. youtu.be/2NegsDmAUnY?si…

“We are leaving too much talent on the launch pad.”​ In light of International Day of Women and Girls in Science, 2026 Australian of the Year Katherine Bennell-Pegg calls on Australia to keep every curious mind engaged in STEM.​ Watch in full: youtu.be/P1Hjc1DeoF0?si…

Four days in Canberra celebrating the 2026 Australians of the Year and their impact nationwide. Read their stories: australianoftheyear.org.au

A special message of support from astronaut Andy Thomas AO for 2026 #AusoftheYear Katherine Bennell-Pegg. Recorded prior to the national announcement, Andy’s words carry special meaning, coming from a fellow Adelaide local and space pioneer.

A meaningful start to Australia Day 🇦🇺 Following last night’s 2026 Australian of the Year Awards, new Australian citizens were welcomed and the national flag raised in Canberra - a moment of reflection, pride and shared purpose.

The 2026 Australian of the Year Awards brought together stories of care, courage and contribution from across the country 🇦🇺 From quiet moments behind the scenes to national recognition on stage, the evening honoured Australians making a difference in communities nationwide.

Your stories, motivations, achievements and drive are positively delivering a stronger future for us all.

What a night Congratulations to the 2026 Australians of the Year! ✨️

Katherine is a genuine trailblazer in Australia’s emerging space industry, and shows us all the power of a dream and where determination can lead. 🎉

She is an energetic champion for Australia’s space program and regularly presents to schoolchildren and industry leaders to inspire the next generation and create new opportunities.

The 2026 Australian of the Year is Katherine Bennell-Pegg! 🇦🇺🚀