With the Australian of the Year winner announced on Australia Day (Monday 26th), it’s the perfect moment to celebrate the people shaping our nation, and bringing their stories, expertise and purpose-driven leadership to stages across Australia.
At Saxton Speakers, we’re proud to represent a number of Australian of the Year nominees and Young Australian of the Year nominees who are available to book for keynotes, corporate events and conferences across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and Canberra.
Whether you’re looking to inspire your teams, elevate your next leadership summit, or add real depth to your conference program, these nominees are powerful speaker choices for 2026.
Why book an Australian of the Year nominee for your next event?
Australian of the Year nominees are recognised for their impact, leadership and service. They’re not only high-profile names, but they’re proven changemakers with stories that spark real conversations.
When you book an Australian of the Year nominee as a keynote speaker, you bring:
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Credibility and relevance to your program
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Fresh perspectives on leadership, community and resilience
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A speaker who can engage audiences across industries and generations
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A timely hook for Australia Day, company kick-offs and mid-year conferences
Saxton can help you find the right fit for your audience, objectives and event format, from large-scale conferences to intimate leadership sessions.
Australian of the Year nominees available to book through Saxton
Carrie Bickmore OAM (VIC)
Carrie Bickmore is one of Australia’s most recognisable media personalities and a passionate advocate for mental health. Her work has helped shift public conversations around wellbeing, vulnerability and support.
Popular keynote themes include:
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Mental health awareness and workplace wellbeing
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Leading with empathy and authenticity
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Building meaningful connections through communication
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Creating cultures that support performance and people
📍 Available for corporate keynotes and conference appearances Australia-wide.
Enquire now: https://www.saxton.com.au/speakers/carrie-bickmore
Dr Alison Thompson (NSW)
Dr Alison Thompson is an internationally recognised humanitarian whose work focuses on crisis response, disaster relief and community resilience. Her experience on the frontline of global emergencies offers powerful insights into leadership under pressure.
Popular keynote themes include:
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Resilient leadership in uncertain times
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Purpose-driven decision-making
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Humanitarian impact and community rebuilding
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Courage, adaptability and high-performance under pressure
📍 Ideal for leadership events and conferences looking for a global perspective and real-world impact.
Enquire now: https://www.saxton.com.au/speakers/alison-thompson
Dr Jorian Kippax (TAS)
Dr Jorian Kippax is a leading expert in health and community-focused work, recognised for advancing outcomes that matter at a national level. She brings credibility, clarity and expertise that resonates strongly with professional audiences.
Popular keynote themes include:
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Public health, prevention and community wellbeing
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Leadership in complex systems
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Collaboration and sustainable change
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Evidence-based impact and advocacy
📍 A strong choice for conferences, professional forums and mission-driven organisations.
Enquire now: https://www.saxton.com.au/speakers/jorian-kippax
Dr Felix Ho (NT)
Dr Felix Ho is a widely respected medical professional and leader, recognised for work that contributes meaningfully to community health outcomes. His talks connect the realities of frontline work with practical insights for teams and leaders.
Popular keynote themes include:
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Leadership and performance in high-stakes environments
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Health, wellbeing and sustainable workplaces
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Service, responsibility and resilience
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Innovation and care in regional and remote contexts
📍 Especially relevant for health, government, and leadership conferences across Australia.
Enquire now: https://www.saxton.com.au/speakers/felix-ho
Young Australian of the Year nominees you can book through Saxton
Nedd Brockmann (NSW)
Nedd Brockmann captured Australia’s attention through his extraordinary endurance achievements and commitment to raising funds and awareness for homelessness.
Popular keynote themes include:
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Motivation, discipline and mental toughness
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Building momentum through purpose
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Resilience and overcoming adversity
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Community impact and social responsibility
📍 A powerful speaker for high-energy conference sessions and large corporate audiences.
Enquire now: https://www.saxton.com.au/speakers/nedd-brockmann
Abraham Koul (VIC)
Abraham Koul is recognised for creating meaningful impact through leadership, innovation and youth-driven change. He brings a forward-thinking voice that resonates with modern organisations.
Popular keynote themes include:
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Innovation, entrepreneurship and new ways of thinking
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Youth leadership and social impact
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Change-making with purpose
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Creating opportunities through initiative
📍 Ideal for conferences focused on leadership, the future of work and innovation.
Enquire now: https://www.saxton.com.au/speakers/abraham-kuol
Sita Sargeant (ACT)
Sita Sargeant is an influential advocate and leader, recognised for driving positive change through lived experience, social leadership and inclusion.
Popular keynote themes include:
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Inclusion, empowerment and representation
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Values-led leadership and advocacy
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Courage, identity and purpose
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Creating change through community and communication
📍 A compelling speaker for organisations focused on culture, inclusion and leadership.
Enquire now: https://www.saxton.com.au/speakers/sita-sargeant
Also available, the current Australian of the Year, exclusive to Saxton
Neale Daniher AO (Australian of the Year 2025, Saxton exclusive)
As the current Australian of the Year, Neale Daniher AO is one of the most respected voices in the country, known for his leadership, determination and impact through FightMND.
Neale’s keynotes are unforgettable, delivering perspective and inspiration that stay with audiences long after the event ends.
Popular keynote themes include:
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Courage, resilience and mindset
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Leadership through challenge
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Creating impact and legacy
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Purpose-driven performance
📍 Bookings available exclusively through Saxton.
Enquire now: https://www.saxton.com.au/neale-daniher
Other Australians of the Year you can book through Saxton
Looking to secure a keynote speaker with national recognition and proven stage impact? Saxton represents a standout group of past Australians of the Year who bring credibility, inspiration and deep expertise to corporate events and conferences across Australia.
Ita Buttrose AC OBE
A true Australian icon, Ita Buttrose is a trailblazing leader in media, business and public life, known for shaping national conversations and championing excellence.
Popular keynote themes include:
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Leadership and influence
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Change, resilience and reputation
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Women in leadership
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Communication and media
Enquire now: https://www.saxton.com.au/speakers/ita-buttrose
Dr Daniel Nour
Dr Daniel Nour is a leading voice in youth health and social impact, recognised for driving measurable change and empowering communities through health, education and opportunity.
Popular keynote themes include:
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Youth leadership and innovation
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Social impact and equity
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Community health and wellbeing
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Purpose-driven leadership
Enquire now: https://www.saxton.com.au/speakers/daniel-nour
Grace Tame
Grace Tame is an award-winning advocate and bestselling author, recognised for her impact in creating cultural change and driving national conversations around safety, accountability and empowerment.
Popular keynote themes include:
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Courageous leadership and advocacy
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Culture change and accountability
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Empowerment and resilience
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Lived experience storytelling
Enquire now: https://www.saxton.com.au/speakers/grace-tame
Dylan Alcott AO
Dylan Alcott is an Australian of the Year, Paralympian, Grand Slam champion and media personality. He is a dynamic keynote speaker who motivates audiences to take action through ambition, resilience and inclusion.
Popular keynote themes include:
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High performance and motivation
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Inclusion and accessibility
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Mental toughness and goal setting
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Leadership, confidence and mindset
Enquire now: https://www.saxton.com.au/speakers/dylan-alcott
Dr Richard “Harry” Harris SC OAM
Dr Richard Harris is a world-renowned anaesthetist and a key member of the Thai cave rescue team. His keynotes are gripping and packed with lessons in calm decision-making and performance under pressure.
Popular keynote themes include:
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Leadership under pressure
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Teamwork and trust
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Decision-making in high-stakes moments
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Resilience and responsibility
Enquire now: https://www.saxton.com.au/speakers/richard-harris
Dr Craig Challen AM
Dr Craig Challen is an Australian of the Year honoured for extraordinary service and leadership, widely respected for his story of courage, collaboration and staying calm under pressure.
Popular keynote themes include:
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Mental resilience and endurance
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Leadership and teamwork
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Crisis response and problem-solving
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Purpose-driven achievement
Enquire now: https://www.saxton.com.au/spea...
Taryn Brumfitt
Taryn Brumfitt is a globally recognised speaker, author and filmmaker, celebrated for driving change in the body image and wellbeing space, and inspiring audiences to rethink confidence and self-worth.
Popular keynote themes include:
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Wellbeing and self-leadership
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Confidence and mindset
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Creating a positive workplace culture
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Leadership through authenticity
Enquire now: https://www.saxton.com.au/speakers/taryn-brumfitt
Adam Goodes
Adam Goodes is an Australian of the Year, AFL legend and leading voice on equality and inclusion. His keynotes are powerful, thought-provoking and deeply relevant for organisations shaping stronger cultures.
Popular keynote themes include:
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Leadership and identity
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Inclusion, respect and belonging
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Courage and resilience
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Driving cultural change
Enquire now: https://www.saxton.com.au/enquire
Professor Georgina Long AO
Professor Georgina Long is a world-leading medical researcher, recognised for transforming outcomes in melanoma treatment and medical innovation. She brings clarity, credibility and inspiration to professional audiences.
Popular keynote themes include:
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Innovation and breakthrough thinking
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Leadership in research and science
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Collaboration and impact
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Health, progress and purpose
Enquire now: https://www.saxton.com.au/speakers/georgina-long
Book an Australian of the Year nominee through Saxton
If you’re planning a keynote, corporate conference or leadership event in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide or Canberra, Saxton can help you secure an Australian of the Year nominee speaker to match your audience, budget and goals.
Enquire now to check availability and discuss the best fit for your event:
https://www.saxton.com.au/spea...
FAQs, booking Australian of the Year nominee speakers
Can I book Australian of the Year nominees for corporate events and conferences?
Yes. Many nominees speak regularly at conferences, leadership events and corporate programs.
Can Saxton help with speaker availability for Australia Day week?
Yes, availability can vary quickly around Australia Day, so early enquiries are recommended.
Do these speakers present in-person or virtually?
Many are available for both formats, depending on the event location and schedule.
How do I enquire about booking a speaker?
Simply submit an enquiry through the Saxton website and our team will help confirm availability, fees and event suitability.
