Radio host and former television presenter Carrie Bickmore was honoured as the 2026 Victorian Australian of the Year for her significant contributions to brain cancer research and fundraising.
Since 2015, Ms. Bickmore has raised over $27 million through the Carrie's Beanies 4 Brain Cancer Foundation, which she established in memory of her late husband, Greg Lange, who passed away from brain cancer in 2010.
In 2021, she founded The Brain Cancer Centre to unite researchers and clinicians in Australia. This initiative facilitates clinical trials and projects designed to improve treatment options and survival rates for patients with brain cancer.
The centre has successfully secured an additional $45 million in funding since its inception to support research nationwide.
"Since 2015, Carrie Bickmore has raised more than $27 million for brain cancer research."
"The Brain Cancer Centre connects researchers and clinicians through clinical trials and projects that aim to improve treatment options and survival rates."
Author's summary: Carrie Bickmore's tireless fundraising and leadership in brain cancer research have earned her the 2026 Victorian Australian of the Year award, highlighting her impactful legacy.