Celebrating the 2026 Senior Australian of the Year — Professor Henry Brodaty AO
Each year, the Australian of the Year Awards recognise outstanding Australians whose work, leadership and commitment make a real difference in our communities. Among these honours is the Senior Australian of the Year, which celebrates older Australians whose contributions over many years have had a deep and lasting impact on the nation.
In 2026, that award was bestowed on Professor Henry Brodaty AO — a clinician, researcher and tireless advocate whose life’s work has reshaped how Australia understands, diagnoses and cares for people living with dementia.
A lifetime of purpose
At the heart of Professor Brodaty’s work is a deeply personal story. His father’s diagnosis with Alzheimer’s disease in the early 1970s profoundly influenced his career path, motivating him to pursue psychiatry, research and advocacy in dementia care — at a time when the condition was poorly understood and few resources existed for families affected by it.
Today, dementia affects hundreds of thousands of Australians and their families. Professor Brodaty’s research, clinical leadership and advocacy have helped drive progress in diagnosis, treatment and support services, while also changing the broader conversation around ageing and brain health.
His work extends beyond scientific discovery — it has touched lives across the country, offering hope, empowerment and practical improvements to the quality of life of people living with dementia and those who care for them.
What this award means
The Senior Australian of the Year Award isn’t just a title. It’s a recognition of years of dedication, resilience and compassionate leadership — qualities that reflect what later life can offer when lived with purpose. Professor Brodaty’s achievements remind us that age brings depth of understanding, strength of character and the freedom to commit deeply to causes that matter.
At Waterford, we witness similar values every day: residents sharing their skills, compassion and wisdom with one another and the wider community. Whether it’s offering a helping hand, mentoring someone new, or bringing people together through shared interests, contribution doesn’t stop with age — it evolves into something enduring and meaningful.
Beyond the award
Professor Brodaty’s story encourages all of us — young and old — to think about the ways we can continue to contribute to our communities, to support one another, and to shape a society where experience and empathy are valued.
As we celebrate his achievement, we also celebrate the countless seniors across Australia whose quiet acts of service and leadership inspire us every day.
Because later life isn’t about what you’ve finished — it’s about what you still have to offer.
