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The winners will join their counterparts from other states and territories for the national awards on January 25 next year. The 2026 Australian of the Year for NSW is global humanitarian Dr Alison Thompson OAM. Over her career, Dr Thompson has mobilised more than 30,000 volunteers to deliver aid in disaster zones, helping over 18 million people worldwide. Her journey began on September 11, 2001, when, as an investment banker, she rushed to New York’s World Trade Center with a first aid kit, staying nine months to provide relief. Since then, Dr Thompson founded Third Wave Volunteers, a global network of first responders delivering humanitarian aid to war-torn and disaster-struck regions including Ukraine, Syria, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka. After the 2004 tsunami, she also established the first Tsunami Early-Warning Centre and education museum, which continues to operate today. “By mobilising everyday people, Alison is building resilience in local communities through sustainable, locally driven disaster prevention and recovery,” the award statement said. The Senior Australian of the Year for NSW is dementia treatment pioneer Professor Henry Brodaty AO, whose work has transformed dementia diagnosis, care, and prevention both in Australia and internationally. Professor Brodaty was one of the experts involved in News Corp’s Think Again campaign, calling for more funding for dementia research. His dedication to the field was sparked in 1972 when his father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at 52. In 2012, he co-founded the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, leading research that has reshaped global understanding of dementia prevention. His landmark Maintain Your Brain trial showed that targeted, cost-effective interventions can significantly delay or even prevent the onset of the disease. The Young Australian of the Year for NSW is ultra-marathon runner Nedd Brockmann, whose 3952km run from Perth to Sydney in 2022 raised awareness of homelessness and over $2.6 million for the cause. Since then, Mr Brockmann, 26, has continued his advocacy through Nedd’s Uncomfortable Challenge, raising more than $8 million for initiatives helping people experiencing homelessness. “I wanted to highlight homelessness, show it’s solvable, and inspire people to do more,” Mr Brockmann said, reflecting on his journey from a 23-year-old electrician to national youth changemaker. Finally, the Local Hero for NSW is Theresa Mitchell, a tireless carer for people experiencing homelessness and crisis. Ms Mitchell founded Agape Outreach Inc in 2009, initially cooking meals in her own kitchen for those in need. Today, with the support of 300 volunteers, Agape delivers over 1,500 meals weekly and offers programs in life skills, employment, and psychology throughout the Northern Rivers and Gold Coast. Mark Fraser AO CVO, chief executive of the National Australia Day Council, praised the winners. “Alison not only shows us we can all help others, she enables people to help where it is needed most; Henry is changing the experience and treatment of dementia now and for the future; Nedd decided to help people in need and created a movement of care; and Theresa is the embodiment of care, giving dignity and support to vulnerable people,” Mr Fraser said.
