COTA Australia has congratulated Professor Henry Brodaty AO on being named the 2026 Senior Australian of the Year, recognising his extraordinary contribution to transforming the diagnosis, care and prevention of dementia in Australia and around the world.
COTA Australia – the leading advocacy organisation for older people – Chief Executive Officer Patricia Sparrow said Professor Brodaty’s life-long commitment to improving outcomes for people living with dementia and their families has changed countless lives.
“Professor Brodaty’s work has fundamentally reshaped how we understand, treat and prevent dementia,” Ms Sparrow said.
“His leadership has helped move dementia from something that was once poorly understood and often ignored, to an area of care grounded in evidence, dignity and hope.
“With dementia now the leading cause of death in Australia, continuing the work Professor Brodaty has championed is critical to saving lives and improving quality of life for future generations.
“His work reminds us that investing in brain health today is an investment in all our futures.”
Ms Sparrow also congratulated all Senior Australian of the Year finalists, acknowledging their remarkable contributions to communities across the country.
“Every finalist has made a profound difference in the lives of others,” she said.
“The Senior Australian of the Year awards highlight something COTA Australia knows well: there is no age limit on impact, leadership or the ability to create positive change.”
This year’s Senior Australian of the Year finalists included:
• Senior Australian of the Year for the NT, Jenny Duggan OAM
• Senior Australians of the Year for the ACT – Heather Reid AM
• Senior Australian of the Year for Western Australia – Professor Kingsley Dixon AO
• Senior Australian of the Year for Victoria – Bryan Lipmann AM
• Senior Australian of the Year for South Australia – James Currie
• Senior Australian of the Year for South Australia – Malcolm Benoy
• Senior Australian of the Year for Tasmania – Julie Dunbabin
• Senior Australian of the Year for Queensland – Cheryl Harris OAM
Media contact: Alana Mew, 0419 929 722 or Tamara Kotoyan, 0430 291 890