UPDATE: The 2026 Australian of the Year awards for Western Australia have just concluded, with significant recognition for individuals making impactful changes in their communities. Dr. Daniela Vecchio, a leading expert in digital addiction, was awarded the prestigious title at an event held at Government House on Thursday night.
Dr. Vecchio, head of mental health services at Fiona Stanley Hospital, founded Australia’s first publicly funded gaming disorder clinic in 2022. Her groundbreaking work has already helped over 300 patients struggling with the rise of digital addiction. During her acceptance speech, she expressed gratitude for the honor and emphasized the urgent need to address the plight of those she calls “invisible children,” who suffer from isolation and disengagement due to gaming disorders.
“Studies indicate that 2.8 percent of teenagers aged 12 to 17 are affected by gaming disorders, with more than 10 percent at risk,” Dr. Vecchio stated. Her clinic has become a beacon of hope as society grapples with the effects of technology on youth.
Alongside her, Professor Kingsley Dixon AO was honored as the 2026 Senior Australian of the Year. The 71-year-old botanist made headlines in 1992 with his revolutionary discovery that bushfire smoke, not heat, triggers seed germination in Australian plants. Recognized for his extensive contributions to conservation biology, Professor Dixon advocated for environmental stewardship, urging everyone to take an active role in protecting biodiversity.
“Each of us must become participants in creating a better future for our planet,” he emphasized during the ceremony. His passion for botany was rooted in his childhood experiences in Western Australia, where he developed a deep appreciation for the environment.
The 2026 Young Australians of the Year award was presented to educators Dr. Haseeb Riaz and Gareth Shanthikumar, founders of the not-for-profit organization MAN UP. Their initiative focuses on empowering young men to combat negative stereotypes and strengthen their mental health. With more than 45,000 sessions conducted, they have engaged over 22,000 boys across WA, fostering deeper conversations about emotions and well-being.
“Building rapport through shared experiences allows us to reach young men in meaningful ways,” Dr. Riaz said. “It’s exciting to show them that it’s okay to express their feelings.”
Frank Mitchell, an Indigenous construction leader, was awarded the title of 2026 Local Hero for his commitment to creating opportunities for Aboriginal youth. As co-director of Wilco Electrical, he has established 70 upskilling positions and facilitated 30 electrical apprenticeships. His advocacy has led to over $11 million awarded to Aboriginal subcontractors, fostering generational change.
“There are countless stories of transformation,” Mitchell shared, highlighting the impact of his work on young people’s lives.
National Australia Day Council CEO Mark Fraser praised all recipients, stating, “These individuals are at the forefront of addressing critical social issues; they are deserving of this recognition.”
The winners will now advance to represent Western Australia at the national ceremony in Canberra early next year, where their contributions will be celebrated on a larger platform.
As the community reflects on these remarkable achievements, the urgency to address mental health and environmental challenges is clearer than ever. The awards serve as a reminder of the power of individual action in creating meaningful change.
