From human rights to ending isolation - meet the 2027 Australian of the Year Award recipients for the ACT

Detailed summary

The 2027 Australian of the Year Awards for the ACT have been announced

Four extraordinary people have been named the 2027 Australian of the Year Award recipients for the Australian Capital Territory at a ceremony in Canberra on Wednesday evening.

From upholding justice and improving global food security to connecting isolated people and creating a support network of mothers, the recipients of the 2027 Australian of the Year Awards for the ACT are making a difference at home in Canberra and beyond.

Martin Hodgson, 46, has spent more than 20 years advocating for human rights. He has represented over 500 clients pro bono across more than 30 countries through his work with The Disappeared Project and the Foreign Prisoner Support Service.

Through his work, Martin has supported First Nations people, vulnerable Australians, the Bali Nine and journalist Peter Greste. Martin's fearless advocacy has secured fair treatment, justice and, in some cases, release or repatriation.

Recognised for his integrity, resilience and compassion, Martin works closely with communities affected by violence and systemic injustice. His persistence is exemplified by his successful advocacy for First Nations man, Kevin Henry who was wrongfully imprisoned in Queensland for more than 25 years.

Through national and international media, publications and the podcast Curtain, Martin raises awareness of injustice and drives accountability. As an expert in international law and human rights, he continues to lead legal teams, support families in crisis and push for systemic reform.

Dr Andrzej Kilian, 68, is expanding the diversity and nutritional quality of food across the world by making advanced genetic technology both affordable and accessible.

In 2001, Andrzej founded the Canberra-based social enterprise, Diversity Arrays Technology (DArT), to commercialise his breakthrough invention: a fast, cost-effective method of analysing the DNA of virtually any organism. Doing so gives farmers, scientists and ecologists invaluable data that improves crop productivity.

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