Carrie Bickmore Named 2026 Victorian Australian of the Year
Carrie Bickmore has been named the 2026 Victorian Australian of the Year in recognition of her pivotal contributions to brain cancer research. The award was presented at an emotional ceremony in Melbourne, where her long-standing dedication to awareness and funding was celebrated.
A Personal Journey Turned Advocacy
Bickmore’s journey in advocacy began after the loss of her husband, Greg Lange, to brain cancer in 2010. Motivated by this tragedy, she transformed her grief into purpose, striving to bring hope to others affected by the disease.
Creation of Carrie's Beanies 4 Brain Cancer
In 2015, she established the Carrie's Beanies 4 Brain Cancer Foundation, which has since generated over 27 million dollars to support research and innovation in brain cancer treatment. Her foundation has become a major force in raising national awareness.
Launch of The Brain Cancer Centre
In 2021, Bickmore expanded her impact by founding The Brain Cancer Centre, a collaborative space connecting researchers and clinicians. The centre focuses on advancing clinical trials and developing improved therapies to enhance survival rates for patients.
To date, it has secured 45 million dollars in funding for research initiatives across Australia, reinforcing the ongoing need to accelerate scientific progress in this field.
Brain cancer remains one of Australia's most pressing health challenges and is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among children and adults under 40.
Author’s Summary
Carrie Bickmore’s resilience transformed loss into impactful advocacy, turning her foundation and research efforts into a national mission for brain cancer progress.