Carrie Bickmore, a well-known broadcaster and dedicated cancer fundraiser, was awarded the 2026 Australian of the Year for Victoria on November 6 in Melbourne. This honor acknowledges her impactful work in brain cancer research and advocacy.
Bickmore's dedication to combating brain cancer is deeply personal. Since 2015, she has raised over $27 million to support research aimed at finding a cure. Her efforts led to the creation of The Brain Cancer Centre in 2021, a pioneering facility bringing together top researchers.
This center has backed numerous research projects nationwide and launched innovative clinical trials, significantly advancing brain cancer treatment.
Brain cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among Australians under 40, a loss Bickmore experienced firsthand after her husband, Greg, died from the disease in 2010.
In addition to Bickmore, Bryan Lipmann AM, an advocate for elderly homeless people, was named the 2026 Senior Australian of the Year for Victoria.
Carrie Bickmore’s relentless advocacy and fundraising have significantly advanced brain cancer research, offering hope and improved care for many affected by this devastating disease.
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