Media identity Carrie Bickmore named Victorian Australian of the Year

Media Identity Carrie Bickmore Named Victorian Australian of the Year

Radio host and former television presenter Carrie Bickmore has been honored as the 2026 Victorian Australian of the Year for her impactful work in advancing brain cancer research.

Contributions to Brain Cancer Research

Since 2015, Ms. Bickmore has raised over $27 million for brain cancer research through the Carrie's Beanies 4 Brain Cancer Foundation, founded in memory of her late husband, Greg Lange, who passed away from the disease in 2010.

In 2021, she founded The Brain Cancer Centre, which fosters collaboration between researchers and clinicians via clinical trials and projects that aim to improve treatment outcomes and survival rates for brain cancer patients.

The centre has secured an additional $45 million in funding since its establishment for research projects across Australia.

Other Victorian Australian of the Year Honorees

Elderly homeless advocate Bryan Lipmann was named Victorian Senior Australian of the Year.
Community mentor Abraham Kuol received the Victorian Young Australian of the Year award.
Farming community organiser Linda Widdup was recognized as the 2026 Local Hero for Victoria.

Ms. Bickmore’s dedication exemplifies the power of personal loss transformed into lasting impact on brain cancer treatment and support.

Australian Broadcasting Corporation — 2025-11-06