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, driven by the personal loss of her husband, Greg Lange, who died from brain cancer in 2010.
Foundations and Advocacy Efforts
- She founded the Carrie’s Beanies 4 Brain Cancer Foundation, transforming brain cancer funding across Australia.
- In 2021, she established The Brain Cancer Centre to connect researchers and clinicians, fostering collaboration on clinical trials and improving patient treatment and survival.
- The Brain Cancer Centre has since secured $45 million more for national research projects.
Emotional Acceptance Speech
“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,” Bickmore shared at the Melbourne ceremony, expressing humility about receiving this honor.
Summary: Carrie Bickmore’s dedication to brain cancer research, fueled by personal tragedy, has driven significant fundraising, advocacy, and collaboration efforts, earning her a prestigious state award.