The nation's most promising young leaders are set to be honoured, with eight finalists named for the prestigious Young Australian of the Year Award for 2026. These remarkable individuals, hailing from every state and territory, have been recognised for their extraordinary contributions across fields like social justice, mental health, historical preservation, and youth mentorship.
National Ceremony to Crown the Winner
The winner will be revealed at a special ceremony at the National Arboretum in Canberra on Sunday, January 25, 2026. The event promises to be a highlight of the Australia Day celebrations and will be broadcast live to the nation on ABC TV and ABC iView from 7.30pm AEDT.
From tackling homelessness to reshaping historical narratives, the 2026 cohort of finalists showcases the diverse and powerful ways young people are driving positive change. Here are the eight young Aussies in the running for the top honour.
Inspiring Stories from Across the Nation
Sita Sargeant (ACT), a 28-year-old historian and guide, is changing how we understand our past. She founded She Shapes History, a social enterprise that uncovers and shares the overlooked stories of women who helped build Australia. Through walking tours in Sydney and Melbourne, digital content, and a published book, Sita has engaged over 10,000 people, offering a more inclusive view of national identity.
Nedd Brockmann (NSW) captured the nation's heart in 2022 when he ran 3,952 kilometres from Perth to Sydney in 46 days, becoming the fastest Australian to do so. The 27-year-old former electrician from Forbes launched his epic challenge to raise funds and awareness for homelessness. His efforts have generated over $2.6 million initially, and his subsequent Nedd's Uncomfortable Challenge has raised a total exceeding $8 million for charity partner Mobilise.
In Queensland, Jarib Branfield-Bradshaw is transforming his hometown of Cunnamulla. The 22-year-old proud Kooma man and youth worker established a vital neighbourhood centre for local youth. Drawing on his own lived experience, Jarib has personally provided case management for 200 young people, creating a safe haven for connection and support in a regional community with limited opportunities.
Chloe Wyatt-Jasper (SA), at just 16 years old, is a powerful mental health advocate. Using her personal experience with trauma, she bravely speaks out to reduce stigma. Her advocacy led to a successful lobbying effort in the South Australian Teen Parliament, securing a commitment of $5 million in funding from Premier Peter Malinauskas for improved youth mental health services.
Tasmania's finalist, Alyssia Kennedy (29), identified a critical gap in education. After leaving school unprepared for adult life, she created the Life After School program. This initiative teaches essential skills like budgeting and tax management. Recognised as a 2025 ABC Trailblazer, Alyssia now works with schools to equip young people with the practical knowledge needed to thrive after graduation.
Victoria's nominee, Abraham Kuol (28), is a community leader and PhD candidate in Criminology. He dedicates his time to mentoring, running sports programs, and building community ties. Abraham co-founded the Black Rhinos sports club to mentor at-risk youth and has helped raise over $3.5 million for programs supporting African-Australian families and justice-involved young people.
From Western Australia, Dr Haseeb Riaz (26) and Gareth Shanthikumar (28) are jointly nominated for their work challenging toxic masculinity. They founded MAN UP, an organisation that runs workshops for boys on mental health, respectful relationships, and emotional literacy. By addressing root causes, they aim to prevent poor mental health and gender-based violence, reaching thousands of students across the country.
A Celebration of Future Leaders
The 2026 Australian of the Year Awards, presented by the National Australia Day Council, highlight the incredible depth of talent and compassion within Australian communities. These eight young finalists exemplify the spirit of innovation, resilience, and service. Their collective impact, from remote towns to major cities, underscores a powerful message: young Australians are already shaping a better future for all.
The nation will watch on January 25 to see which of these exceptional individuals will be named the 2026 Young Australian of the Year.
