Tasmania’s Australians of the Year for 2027 announced

A Tasmanian woman who is challenging Australia’s approach to bullying through a preventative kindness movement has been awarded Tasmania’s Australian of the Year for 2027.

As founder of the b kinder foundation, Danny Mayson-Kinder has channelled unimaginable grief into purpose after losing her 12-year-old daughter Billie in a tragic accident.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff said Ms Mayson-Kinder had shown tremendous determination to honour Billie’s legacy by creating a movement that is inspiring kindness, strengthening communities and helping prevent bullying.

“Danny is a truly special Tasmanian, who has proven that kindness is a powerful, measurable force for positive change,” Premier Rockliff said.

“What began as a tribute to Billie’s compassionate spirit has become an evidence-informed charity that’s influencing schools, workplaces and communities across the country.”

Through the b kinder school program, b kinder summit and b kinder day, Ms Mayson-Kinder has reached more than 400 schools and over 200,000 students.

Her preventative approach teaches kindness as a practical, learnable skill – empowering young people to lead their own student driven kindness movements.

Independent evaluation of the program shows the remarkable impact of Ms Mayson-Kinder’s work, including a 36 per cent reduction in students feeling bullied and an 18 per cent reduction in students witnessing bullying.

Ms Mayson-Kinder will join three other Tasmanian Australian of the Year representatives at the Australian of the Year Awards to be announced in Canberra on 25 January 2027.

“Congratulations to all 16 nominees whose outstanding contributions make our State an even greater place to live,” Premier Rockliff said.

Other Tasmanian Australian of the Year recipients include:

Tasmanian Senior Australian of the Year, Community volunteer, Christine Chilcott OAM: Christine is a dedicated and tireless volunteer who has made an immense contribution to the people and community of northern Tasmania. Across sporting clubs, aged care, children, youth and community groups, Christine has given her time and skills with generosity, compassion and leadership.

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Tasmanian Young Australian of the Year, Solo hip-hop and R&B artist, Grace Chia: Grace is a Hobart based hip-hop artist reshaping Tasmania’s arts scene through diversity, empowerment and community impact. As founder of CHIA Studios, Grace has produced over 50 inclusive events and delivered over 150 workshops. She creates safe spaces for women, art-risk-youth and emerging artists through events and mentorship.

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Tasmanian Australia’s Local Hero, Wildlife rescuer and conservationist, Greg Irons: Greg is a conservationist who created the state’s first 24/7 wildlife rescue service and wildlife hospital. Through his leadership of Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, Greg has personally trained over 20,000 people in wildlife rescue, enabling assistance for over 22,000 animals each year – an extraordinary contribution to the protection of Tasmania's wildlife.

For more information visit www.australianoftheyear.org.au