Carrie Bickmore, a radio host and former TV presenter, has been honoured as the 2026 Victorian Australian of the Year for her significant fundraising efforts to advance brain cancer research.
Bickmore's dedication stems from the loss of her husband, Greg Lange, who died from brain cancer in 2010. Since 2015, she has raised over $27 million through her initiative, Carrie's Beanies 4 Brain Cancer Foundation, founded in his memory.
"She 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, Carrie Bickmore launched The Brain Cancer Centre, which enhances collaboration among researchers and clinicians via clinical trials and projects. The centre has attracted an additional $45 million in funding, dedicated to improving treatment options and survival rates for brain cancer patients nationwide.
These awards highlight outstanding contributions across different sectors within Victoria.
Author's summary: Carrie Bickmore’s tireless fundraising and leadership in brain cancer research have brought hope and progress to patients and their families across Australia.