Media Identity Carrie Bickmore Named Victorian Australian of the Year
Radio host and former TV presenter Carrie Bickmore has been honoured as the 2026 Victorian Australian of the Year for her dedicated efforts in fundraising and advancing brain cancer research.
Fundraising and Research Contributions
Since 2015, Ms. Bickmore has raised over $27 million through her charity, Carrie's Beanies 4 Brain Cancer Foundation, established in memory of her late husband Greg Lange, who passed away from brain cancer in 2010.
In 2021, she founded The Brain Cancer Centre, which fosters collaboration between researchers and clinicians by supporting clinical trials and projects focused on improving treatment and survival rates for brain cancer patients.
The centre has secured an additional $45 million in funding since its inception for research across Australia.
Other Victorian Australian of the Year Awardees
- Victorian Senior Australian of the Year: Bryan Lipmann, advocate for elderly homeless people
- Victorian Young Australian of the Year: Abraham Kuol, community mentor
- Victorian Local Hero: Linda Widdup, farming community organiser
These recognitions highlight significant contributions to various community and social causes throughout Victoria.
Author's Summary
Carrie Bickmore's impactful fundraising and foundation work has driven major advances in brain cancer research, honoring her husband's legacy while inspiring community support.