Carrie Bickmore Named 2026 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 brain cancer research.
Fundraising and Personal Motivation
Since 2015, Bickmore has raised over $27 million to support brain cancer research. Her dedication is deeply personal, inspired by the loss of her husband, Greg Lange, who died from brain cancer in 2010.
Founding Charities and Research Initiatives
- Bickmore founded the Carrie’s Beanies 4 Brain Cancer Foundation, significantly boosting funding for brain cancer research in Australia.
- In 2021, she launched The Brain Cancer Centre, aimed at connecting researchers and clinicians through clinical trials and collaborations to improve treatments and survival rates.
- The Brain Cancer Centre secured an additional $45 million for research initiatives nationwide.
Recognition and Reaction
At the award ceremony in Melbourne, Bickmore showed humility and shared her initial hesitation about receiving the honor.
“I feel like there are so many people, not only in the brain cancer space but in the world, that are doing incredible things. It made me deeply uncomfortable.”
Her efforts have transformed the landscape of brain cancer research funding and inspired many within and beyond the medical community.
Author's summary: Carrie Bickmore’s dedicated fundraising and advocacy have significantly advanced brain cancer research in Australia, earning her the 2026 Victorian Australian of the Year award.