BREAKING: In a stunning announcement earlier today, Dr. Daniela Vecchio has been named the 2026 Australian of the Year for Western Australia at the annual awards held on November 13, 2023. As a leading specialist in digital addiction, Dr. Vecchio’s groundbreaking work at Fiona Stanley Hospital has brought national attention to the urgent issue of online harm, particularly among youth.
Dr. Vecchio, aged 57, is the visionary behind Australia’s first publicly funded gaming disorder clinic, which opened in 2022. This innovative facility provides early detection and intervention for those struggling with addiction to video games and social media. The clinic has seen a significant surge in young patients, reflecting a growing crisis that impacts families across the nation.
“We are witnessing increasing numbers of young people suffering from addiction to digital platforms,” Dr. Vecchio stated. Her clinic’s unique approach combines holistic assessments with personalized treatment plans, setting a global standard in digital addiction care.
Dr. Vecchio has also been instrumental in fostering collaborations with international experts from Korea, Germany, and Dubai, as well as national partnerships with health, education, and police services. As a director of the Australian Gaming and Screens Alliance, she actively influences policy while promoting awareness and research on the dangers of harmful online usage.
Alongside Dr. Vecchio, the 2026 Senior Australian of the Year for Western Australia is Professor Kingsley Dixon AO, a renowned botanist from The University of Western Australia. His pioneering work in Australian native plant conservation has made significant impacts, including the discovery that smoke triggers germination in Australian flora after bushfires, a breakthrough that has transformed environmental practices.
Young Australians of the Year, Dr. Haseeb Riaz and Gareth Shanthikumar, both aged in their twenties, have been recognized for their efforts in promoting positive masculinity through their initiative, MAN UP. Their workshops aim to empower young men to confront harmful stereotypes, fostering emotional intelligence and respect in relationships. Together, they have reached thousands of students nationwide, creating safe spaces for dialogue and growth.
The title of Local Hero for Western Australia was awarded to Indigenous construction leader Frank Mitchell, who has dedicated his career to creating opportunities for Aboriginal communities. Through his companies, he has generated over $11 million for Aboriginal subcontractors and established more than 70 upskilling positions in the trades and construction sectors.
National Australia Day Council CEO Mark Fraser AO CVO commended the award recipients, stating, “Daniela is at the leading edge of treating the quickly growing problem of digital addiction; Kingsley has made fundamental discoveries; Haseeb and Gareth are positively impacting a generation; and Frank is creating generational change.”
All four recipients will be honored at the national awards ceremony in Canberra on January 25, 2026, where they will join finalists from other states and territories. Stay tuned for further updates as these trailblazers continue to make a difference across Australia.
For more information on the Australian of the Year Awards, visit australianoftheyear.org.au.
