Four outstanding Canberrans were named the 2026 ACT Australians of the Year at an awards ceremony held at the National Gallery of Australia on Monday evening.
Chief Minister Andrew Barr praised all nominees, saying their commitment to the community had made “Canberra — and the world around them — a safer, healthier and more inclusive place to live”.
Australian of the Year: Professor Rose McGready
Professor Rose McGready, a migrant and refugee health expert, has spent three decades caring for marginalised people on the Thai–Myanmar border.
She and her team have often been the only source of medical care for Karen and Burmese people fleeing violence, persecution, and poverty. As non-citizens in Thailand, they have little or no access to public health services, leaving pregnant women and newborns at risk.
Over 31 years, Professor McGready has established a network of locally run clinics and out-patient services for mothers and babies, saving thousands of lives.
The World Health Organisation has adopted her treatments as the global standard for combatting maternal malaria.
Senior Australian of the Year: Heather Reid AM
Women’s football pioneer Heather Reid AM was recognised for her decades of leadership in the sport.
As the first female CEO of Capital Football in 2004, she unified four associations into a single peak body, and secured Canberra United’s place in the national W-League.
Ms Reid continues to mentor players, coaches and administrators locally and internationally. The bursary named in her honour helps to remove financial barriers for women and girls entering the game.
Young Australian of the Year: Sita Sargeant
Sita Sargeant is the founder of She Shapes History, a historical tourism company that uncovers the overlooked stories of women who helped shape Australian cities and towns.
More than 10,000 people have joined its walking tours in Canberra, Sydney, and Melbourne, learning about women’s contributions long ignored in mainstream history accounts.
Ms Sargeant also wrote a book featuring more than 250 women in 31 towns and cities.
Local Hero: Ben Alexander
Former Brumbies and Wallabies player Ben Alexander was recognised for his mental health advocacy.
He and fellow Canberran Matt Breen founded Running for Resilience, a community group that aims to make the ACT free from suicides by 2033.
The group meets four times a week at Kingston Foreshore for walks or runs that boost physical and mental health.
Mr Alexander has drawn on his own struggles after retiring from professional rugby to help others overcome personal difficulties and build a stronger, more resilient community where no-one feels they must face tough times alone.
