Media personality and advocate Carrie Bickmore has taken centre stage in Canberra as the nation prepares to crown its next Australian of the Year. The 45-year-old veteran presenter was photographed ahead of Sunday night's prestigious ceremony, cutting an elegant figure as she posed for an official portrait at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in the capital.
Elegant Appearance and Warm Welcome
Carrie Bickmore was seen wearing a crisp white sleeveless top with a high neckline, cinched at the waist with a flowing tie detail. She paired this sophisticated look with a fitted mocha-toned skirt, her blonde hair styled in soft waves and her makeup kept polished and natural. The media personality attended the Australian of the Year reception at The Lodge, where she was warmly greeted by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his partner Jodie Haydon.
Prime Minister's Praise for Nominees
The reception brought together this year's distinguished nominees ahead of the official announcement, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praising the 2026 finalists as a powerful reflection of modern Australia. According to The Daily Telegraph, the PM described the nominees as 'uplifting' and urged viewers to tune in for the ceremony.
'If people want to be inspired, watch the Australian of the Year awards tonight,' he said during an appearance on Insiders on Sunday. 'They are uplifting. It's one of the best things I get to do as Prime Minister. It shows ordinary Australians going out of their way to help each other. It is what defines us as Australians as well.'
Diverse Field of Nominees
This year's Australian of the Year nominees represent a remarkable cross-section of Australian achievement and service. The field includes an astronaut, a digital addiction and gaming disorder specialist, an emergency rescuer, and Carrie Bickmore herself, whose work in media and advocacy has resonated with Australians nationwide.
The 2026 Australian of the Year, alongside the Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year and Local Hero categories, will be revealed at a ceremony starting at 7.30pm on Sunday night, broadcast live on the ABC. The winner will take over the mantle from last year's recipient, former AFL player and FightMND co-founder Neale Daniher AO, continuing a legacy that celebrates service, resilience and community spirit across the country.
Bumpy Start to the New Year
It would seem Carrie Bickmore has had a somewhat bumpy start to the New Year, as the radio star recently revealed she had a minor accident prior to getting a spray tan. The wince-worthy injury left a small cut at the centre of her forehead.
Captioning a photo of the incident, Carrie revealed she had absent-mindedly collided with a cupboard while getting ready for her spray-tan appointment. 'Bumped my head into the corner of a cupboard 20 minutes before my spray tan,' she wrote. She saw the funny side of her accident, though, adding, 'Karma for vanity,' demonstrating her characteristic good humour about the mishap.
