Media Identity Carrie Bickmore Named Victorian Australian of the Year
Radio host and former television presenter Carrie Bickmore has been honoured as the 2026 Victorian Australian of the Year for her significant contributions to brain cancer research.
Fundraising and Research Contributions
Since 2015, Ms. Bickmore has raised over $27 million to support brain cancer research. She founded the Carrie's Beanies 4 Brain Cancer Foundation in memory of her late husband, Greg Lange, who passed away from brain cancer in 2010.
In 2021, she launched The Brain Cancer Centre, a collaborative initiative that connects researchers and clinicians to accelerate clinical trials and projects aimed at improving treatments and survival for brain cancer patients.
The centre has successfully secured an additional $45 million in funding to support brain cancer research projects nationwide.
Other 2026 Victorian Australian of the Year Recipients
- 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
"Ms Bickmore has raised more than $27 million for brain cancer research since 2015 — the year the Gold Logie winner set up the Carrie's Beanies 4 Brain Cancer Foundation in memory of her late husband, Greg Lange, who died from the disease in 2010."
"In 2021, she established The Brain Cancer Centre, which connects researchers and clinicians through clinical trials and projects that aim to improve treatment options and survival rates for brain cancer patients."
Author's summary: Carrie Bickmore’s dedicated efforts have raised millions for brain cancer research, leading to innovative collaborations and significant funding to advance patient treatment and survival.