2027 Australian of the Year Award Recipients for the ACT Announced
Four community leaders recognized for their contributions to human rights, science, and social connection.
1Recognizing Local Excellence
Four individuals were named 2027 Australian of the Year recipients for the Australian Capital Territory on November 11, 2026. These awards honor citizens who demonstrate exceptional dedication to social progress and community welfare. The ceremony in Canberra highlighted diverse contributions ranging from international human rights advocacy to local grassroots support networks.
2Human Rights Advocacy
Martin Hodgson, 46, received the Australian of the Year award for his two decades of human rights work. Representing over 500 clients across 30 countries, he focuses on systemic reform and legal support for vulnerable populations. His efforts have successfully secured justice for individuals wrongfully imprisoned, including the notable case of Kevin Henry.
3Advancing Global Food Security
Dr. Andrzej Kilian, 68, was named Senior Australian of the Year for his work in agricultural genomics. As founder of Diversity Arrays Technology, he developed cost-effective DNA analysis methods to improve crop productivity. His mission addresses global hunger by helping farmers optimize crop health while reducing chemical dependency in diverse environments.
4Combating Social Isolation
Zakary Pino, 30, earned the Young Australian of the Year title for founding the charity WITH-ME. What began as solitary walks around Lake Burley Griffin in 2021 evolved into a support network for over 2,000 people. The organization now facilitates various activities to foster genuine human connection and improve mental health.
5Championing Maternal Support
Micaela Centenera, 42, was honored as the Local Hero for her work with The Little Capsule Co. and Mumma Mingle. Her social enterprise promotes sustainability by circulating children's clothing while funding maternal health research. Additionally, she coordinates the shipment of essential medical supplies and clothing to families facing extreme poverty abroad.
6Impact of Social Enterprises
The recipients demonstrate the power of social enterprise in addressing complex societal challenges. By combining business models with charitable goals, these leaders create sustainable systems for community support. Whether through circulating pre-loved goods or providing advanced genetic data, these initiatives provide tangible solutions to both local needs and broader global issues.
7National Recognition Path
These four ACT recipients will now represent the territory at the national Australian of the Year Awards. The national winners are scheduled to be announced on January 25, 2027, in Canberra. This selection process underscores the importance of local community leadership in shaping the broader national conversation on social and scientific progress.
8Broader Societal Implications
The awards highlight how individual initiative can drive systemic change in areas like mental health, justice, and nutrition. By bringing issues like loneliness and wrongful imprisonment into the public discourse, these recipients encourage greater accountability. Their work serves as a model for how grassroots efforts can effectively influence policy and community resilience.