BREAKING: Professor Rose McGready has been awarded the title of 2026 Australian of the Year for ACT at a ceremony held in Canberra on November 17, 2025. This recognition highlights her tireless advocacy for refugee health over the past three decades, making an immediate impact on the lives of vulnerable communities.
Professor McGready, a leading expert in migrant and refugee health, was honored alongside other remarkable individuals, including football pioneer Heather Reid AM, historian Sita Sargeant, and mental health advocate Ben Alexander. These four recipients will represent the ACT at the national awards ceremony scheduled for January 25, 2026.
Arriving as a young doctor, Professor McGready dedicated her career to aiding refugees fleeing persecution in Myanmar. Faced with significant barriers in accessing medical care, she established critical health services in the border region with Thailand. Her efforts have resulted in the creation of numerous clinics and out-patient services that have saved thousands of lives, particularly for expectant mothers during childbirth.
With her groundbreaking research, Professor McGready has developed new treatments for maternal malaria, which are now recognized by the World Health Organization as the global standard, impacting millions of women worldwide. Her commitment to providing life-saving care underscores the urgent need for healthcare access in humanitarian crises.
In addition to McGready’s recognition, Heather Reid AM was honored as the 2026 Senior Australian of the Year for ACT. Reid’s contributions to women’s football have paved the way for thousands of female athletes. As a founding member of the Australian National University Women’s Soccer Club and the first female CEO of Capital Football, her leadership has significantly grown the sport and ensured inclusivity for women in athletics.
Meanwhile, historian Sita Sargeant received the title of 2026 Young Australian of the Year for ACT. She founded She Shapes History, a social enterprise that uncovers women’s contributions to Australian history. Through innovative storytelling and historical tours, Sargeant has engaged over 10,000 people, bringing to light the often-overlooked achievements of women across various communities.
Lastly, Ben Alexander was named 2026 Local Hero for ACT. Known for his rugby career with the Brumbies and Wallabies, Alexander now focuses on mental health advocacy. He co-founded Running for Resilience (R4R), a program aimed at creating a suicide-free Canberra by 2033. Through community runs and mental health initiatives, Alexander is fostering connections and support for those facing personal challenges.
National Australia Day Council CEO Mark Fraser AO CVO praised the recipients, stating, “Rose has spent half a lifetime providing much-needed medical care to some of the most vulnerable people in the world; Heather was a leading light in shaping women’s football; Sita ensures that women’s stories are remembered; and Ben is building support for those battling mental health challenges.”
The recognition of these individuals not only celebrates their personal achievements but also amplifies the urgent issues they address, from healthcare access to mental health support and the importance of women’s history. As the nation prepares for the national awards in January, the community’s focus will remain on the vital contributions of these leaders and the impact of their work.
Stay tuned for more updates on this significant event as we approach the national awards ceremony.
