Media Identity Carrie Bickmore Named Victorian Australian of the Year
Carrie Bickmore, a radio host and former television presenter, has been honoured as the 2026 Victorian Australian of the Year. The recognition celebrates her continued dedication to supporting brain cancer research and awareness in Australia.
Her motivation stems from personal tragedy, as her husband Greg Lange passed away from brain cancer in 2010. Since founding the Carrie’s Beanies 4 Brain Cancer Foundation in 2015, Bickmore has helped raise more than $27 million to advance research and treatments for the disease.
“Carrie Bickmore has been named the 2026 Victorian Australian of the Year for her contributions to brain cancer research.”
In 2021, she launched The Brain Cancer Centre, uniting scientists and clinicians to coordinate research, clinical trials, and innovative treatments for brain cancer patients. The Centre has since secured over $45 million in additional funding for national research projects.
Other Victorian Honourees
- Bryan Lipmann — recognised as the Victorian Senior Australian of the Year for his advocacy supporting elderly homeless citizens.
- Abraham Kuol — named the Victorian Young Australian of the Year for his community mentoring initiatives.
- Linda Widdup — honoured as the 2026 Victorian Local Hero for her leadership in the farming community.
Summary
Carrie Bickmore’s recognition highlights her enduring impact on brain cancer research, uniting science, compassion, and advocacy to improve lives across Australia.
Author’s Summary: Carrie Bickmore’s award underscores her decade-long fight against brain cancer and her success in mobilizing millions for life-saving research in Australia.