WA Celebrates Outstanding Achievers at the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards

Western Australia has honoured its finest citizens at the 2026 WA Australian of the Year Awards, recognising exceptional contributions in fields ranging from mental health to environmental science, youth empowerment, and Indigenous leadership.

Western Australia unveiled its 2026 Australian of the Year Award recipients during a grand ceremony at Government House in Perth. At the forefront of this year’s honours is Dr. Daniela Vecchio, a leading specialist in digital addiction and gaming disorder, who has been named the 2026 Australian of the Year for Western Australia.

Dr. Vecchio serves as the Head of Mental Health and Addiction Services at Fiona Stanley Hospital. She is celebrated for pioneering Australia’s first publicly funded gaming disorder clinic in 2022, a globally unique initiative offering early detection and intervention within an acute hospital environment. She will now represent Western Australia at the national ceremony scheduled for 25 January 2026.

Renowned botanist Professor Kingsley Dixon AO has been named the 2026 Senior Australian of the Year for Western Australia. As the Foundation Director of Science at Perth’s Kings Park and Botanic Garden, he transformed a modest research team into one of the world’s leading botanic garden-based science institutions.

The title of 2026 Young Australians of the Year for Western Australia has been jointly awarded to Dr. Haseeb Riaz and Gareth Shanthikumar, advocates for positive masculinity and mental well-being. Through their initiative MAN UP, they aim to dismantle harmful stereotypes, promote emotional openness, and guide young men towards healthier and more fulfilling lives.

Indigenous construction industry leader Frank Mitchell has been recognised as the 2026 WA Local Hero. A proud Whadjuk-Yued Noongar man, Mitchell is the co-director of Wilco Electrical and co-founder/director of Kardan, Baldja, and Bilyaa—organisations reshaping opportunities for Indigenous Australians within the trades and construction sector. Notably, this honour coincides with his 43rd birthday, marking a meaningful milestone in his journey.