UPDATE: In a monumental announcement, Dr. Daniela Vecchio, a leading expert in digital addiction, has been named the 2026 Australian of the Year for Western Australia during the awards ceremony held on November 13, 2023. This recognition underscores her groundbreaking work in addressing the escalating crisis of online gaming and social media addiction among youth.
As head of mental health and addiction services at Fiona Stanley Hospital, Dr. Vecchio established Australia’s first publicly funded gaming disorder clinic in 2022. With the alarming rise in young individuals suffering from addiction, her clinic has become a beacon of hope, providing early detection and intervention in an acute hospital setting. Dr. Vecchio, 57, has developed personalized treatment plans and collaborative initiatives that span across nations, including partnerships with experts in Korea, Germany, and Dubai.
The awards also honored other remarkable individuals. Professor Kingsley Dixon, a world-renowned botanist, was named the 2026 Senior Australian of the Year. At 71, Dixon has revolutionized Australian native plant conservation and played a pivotal role in making Western Australia a leader in environmental science. His notable discoveries, such as the role of smoke in plant germination after bushfires, have had a profound impact on ecological practices.
Additionally, Haseeb Riaz and Gareth Shanthikumar have been recognized as the 2026 Young Australians of the Year for their innovative program, MAN UP, which empowers young men to engage in respectful relationships and prioritize mental health. Through their workshops, they have reached thousands of students, fostering emotional literacy and self-awareness among boys across Australia.
Lastly, Frank Mitchell, a proud Whadjuk-Yued Noongar man, was honored as the 2026 Local Hero for Western Australia. At 43, he has transformed the trades and construction industry by creating over 70 Aboriginal upskilling positions and awarding more than $11 million to Aboriginal subcontractors through his companies.
Mark Fraser, CEO of the National Australia Day Council, praised all recipients for their contributions to society. “Daniela is at the leading edge of treating the quickly growing problem of digital addiction; Kingsley continues to lead conservation practices; Haseeb and Gareth are positively impacting a generation of young men’s values; and Frank is creating generational change,” he stated.
All four Western Australian recipients will join others from across the country as they await the national awards announcement scheduled for January 25, 2026, in Canberra. This event promises to highlight the incredible achievements of Australians dedicated to making a difference in their communities. For more information about the Australian of the Year Awards, visit australianoftheyear.org.au.
Stay tuned for further updates on these inspiring stories, as they continue to unfold!
