An emergency doctor who performed a life-saving amputation in treacherous rapids has been named the 2026 Tasmanian Australian of the Year.
Dr Jo Kippax received the honour at a ceremony in Hobart on Wednesday night for his role in rescuing Lithuanian whitewater rafter Valdas Bieliauskas from the Franklin River in 2024.
The 55-year-old led a specialist team that performed an underwater operation to amputate Bieliauskas’s leg, freeing him from the freezing rapids and saving his life.
The rescue earned Kippax Lithuania’s Life Saving Cross award, presented by President Gitanas Nausėda.
Tasmania’s Senior Australian of the Year title went to Julie Dunbabin, 65, whose school lunch program now provides 14,332 nutritious meals weekly to more than 6,600 students.
“Julie’s vision is for all school children to receive a nutritious, sit-down meal every day, prepared from scratch using seasonal, local produce,” the awards committee said.
Life skills educator Alyssia Kennedy, 29, was named Tasmania’s Young Australian of the Year for creating the Life After School program, which teaches young Tasmanians practical skills like budgeting and taxation.
The Local Hero award went to Emily Briffa, 36, founder of Hamlet, a community café providing training and support to disadvantaged Tasmanians facing employment barriers.
Since its inception, Hamlet has helped more than 700 people gain experience and skills, achieving a 75% employment placement rate.
National Australia Day Council CEO Mark Fraser congratulated the recipients.
“Jo’s longtime dedication has saved many lives, Julie is creating healthier futures for our children, Alyssia is ensuring our young people are better equipped for life after school and Emily has created a safe and welcoming space for marginalised people to find their feet,” he said.
The Tasmanian recipients will join winners from other states and territories at the national awards ceremony on 25 January 2026.
