A humanitarian, maternity care advocate and migrant health expert are among the inspiring ACT residents nominated for the 2026 Australian of the Year awards.

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Cancer patient advocate Sarah McGoram joins refugee and migrant health expert Professor Rose McGready, humanitarian Lauren Cannell and maternity care volunteer Karen Schlage as finalists for ACT's top honour.

Four nominees from four categories will go on to represent ACT in the national Australian of the Year Awards, to be presented on Australia Day eve in January 2026.

Announced on November 3, ACT's nominees in the four categories are:

Australian of the Year

Lauren Cannell - Advocat

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