Know an incredible Canberran? The 2026 Australian of the Year nominations are now open
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Know someone who makes our world a little brighter, someone who quietly transforms lives, builds stronger communities, or creates opportunities where none existed before? Right now, you have the chance to give them the recognition they truly deserve.
The 2026 Australian of the Year Awards nominations are officially open, and this year’s recipients have a powerful message for us all: don’t let extraordinary people go unnoticed. Whether it’s the local volunteer who’s been making a difference for decades, the innovative entrepreneur changing lives through their business, or the young leader inspiring change in their community, your nomination could put them on the path to national recognition.
We had the privilege of meeting some truly remarkable people at Café Stepping Stone in Strathnairn as the 2025 Australians of the Year gathered to share why your nominations matter so much. Their message was clear: every nomination counts.
On the morning Brother Olly Pickett AM (Senior Australian of the Year), Dr Katrina Wruck (Young Australian of the Year), and the dynamic Canberra duo behind Australia’s Local Heroes award, Vanessa Brettell and Hannah Costello, were joined by Bec Daniher, daughter of Australian of the Year Neale Daniher AO. Together, they painted a picture of just how transformative these awards can be, not just for the recipients, but for the communities they serve.
Most Canberrans will have heard of Vanessa and Hannah; the brilliant minds behind Café Stepping Stone. At just 31 and 32, these two women have created something genuinely special. Their café isn’t just serving up excellent vegetarian food and coffee (though it absolutely does) — it’s operating as a powerful force for social change.
Opening their first cafe in 2017 before opening the Strathnairn location in 2020, Café Stepping Stone is a social enterprise with a mission. Focusing on employing women facing significant barriers to employment (particularly those from migrant and refugee backgrounds), they help women with limited English, minimal employment history, or those who are sole income earners trying to rebuild their lives in a new country.
“We wanted to create a space where women could feel supported, safe, and empowered,” Vanessa explains.
“The café allows them to gain real-world skills, on-the-job training, and qualifications. We’re building more than just a café, we’re building pathways to better futures for these women.”
Hannah says the opportunities given to them through the Australian of the Year Awards have been life-changing.
“It’s given the work we do a bigger platform, allowing us to attract more customers and awareness for our work, and ultimately employ more women and make a long-lasting positive impact on their lives and families.”
“We can dream bigger now, and it’s opened so many doors for us.”
Not to mention, they were both very excited when they took their Mums to lunch at The Lodge with the Prime Minister!
The Australian of the Year Awards rely entirely on public nominations. It only takes one nomination for someone to be in the running for our nation’s most prestigious recognition.
Think about it – your few minutes of effort could elevate someone’s voice, help them access more support, or give them the national platform they deserve, just like Vanessa and Hannah. Every nomination is a powerful acknowledgment of someone’s impact and dedication.
So, Canberrans, who will you nominate? Who in our community has made Australia better through their work, their kindness, or their innovation?
Head to australianoftheyear.org.au and tell their story – because every extraordinary Australian deserves to be celebrated.
