The Australian of the Year Awards are taking over the Elizabeth Quay Floating Stage!

This is your opportunity to meet and hear from Western Australia’s 2026 Australians of the Year – extraordinary individuals whose passion, leadership and generosity reflect the very best of who we are.

Plus:

• Cultural performances
• Live music
• Free giveaways including a Gusto gelato voucher
• Stiltwalkers
• Born to Sing Choir

A live musician will precede the official event from 5.15pm.

Presented by Auspire – Australia Day Council WA, Australians of the Year (WA) Live! is a free public event.

From supporting the mental health of young boys to providing job opportunities for First Nations’ People, and helping kids fight online addiction to protecting our natural landscape – the WA 2026 Australians of the Year inspire us to look forward with optimism and pride, united by a shared belief in a better future for all. They each will share more of their powerful journeys, their hopes for the future, and their vision for an inclusive, thriving Australia – before they set off to Canberra for the national Australian of the Year Awards’ ceremony on the eve of Australia Day!

Reflect, respect and celebrate at this inspiring event, as we recognise those who uplift others and help define our national identity.

The WA 2026 Australians of the Year are…

WA Australian of the Year: Dr Daniela Vecchio – Digital addiction and gaming disorder specialist
WA Senior Australian of the Year: Professor Kingsley Dixon AO – World-leading botanist
WA Young Australians of the Year: Dr Haseeb Riaz and Gareth Shanthikumar – Positive masculinity educators as founders of MAN UP
Local Hero for Western Australia: Frank Mitchell – Indigenous construction leader

Assisted by the Australian Government through the National Australia Day Council.