Australian of the Year finalist cherishes once-in-a-lifetime awards experience

A finalist in the Australian of the Year awards, Dr Daniela Vecchio spent the long weekend in Canberra with the Prime Minister, Governor General, dignitaries and some extraordinary Australians doing so much to help others.

Attending the national ceremony after being named 2026 Australian of the Year for Western Australia late last year, Daniela was recognised for her groundbreaking work in establishing the country’s first publicly funded Gaming Disorder Clinic.

Consultant Psychiatrist and Head of Service for South Metropolitan Health Service (SMHS) Mental Health at Fiona Stanley Hospital, Daniela said the entire experience felt so important.

“As we boarded the Qantas flight on the way over the pilot congratulated us, then from the moment we landed, we were overwhelmed in the hotel lobby to see bios of all the Australians of the Year since its’ inception in 1960 – so many great people who’ve changed the lives of so many,” Daniela said.

“Once we got to Parliament House, every finalist had a flag flying with their photo on it – it’s not every day you see your face on a flag in the nation’s capital!”

Grateful for a platform to raise awareness of the harms of screen addiction and to advocate for services, Daniela said children and adolescents are most at risk and most likely to benefit from education, screening and early intervention.

“It was such an honour to meet the Prime Minister and the Governor General to talk about gaming disorder, school refusal, building on the social media ban and the work of the clinic.

“I met many wonderful people over the course of the weekend who are interested in this issue, who’ve also been touched by it themselves, and have offered their help. The Governor General even said that she follows our work and would like to visit us!

“I also had the great privilege of meeting the extraordinary finalists who are doing so much to help others, in Australia and beyond.”

Amongst the diverse groups of finalists were people raising money for brain cancer research, building wheelchairs to send abroad to children with disabilities, and helping Indigenous people access employment. Others were recognised for providing health services to displaced people in the Thailand Myanmar border region, leading native plant conservation and providing workshops where boys can explore identity, relationships and emotional literacy.

Accompanied by her 14-year-old daughter, Daniela says the teen now has a deeper understanding of the importance of helping others and of driving change.

“We all shared our stories and visions of making the world a better, kinder place. I was humbled and inspired and hope I inspired others a little bit too.

“The national award ceremony was just fantastic, and it really strengthened our determination to continue to help others and overcome the challenges because this is who we are.

“I’m determined to use this opportunity to help our patients by strengthening and extending our service and advocating for the resources we need.

“It really was an amazing experience that will stay with my daughter and I, forever."

On behalf of SMHS we congratulate Daniela on the incredible honour of being a finalist in the Australian of the Year awards. We are incredibly proud to have Daniela as a leader within SMHS Mental Health and we know she will continue to define the future of mental health care across our service.

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