Australian of the Year

Dr Matthew Hutchinson is a leading orthopaedic surgeon and child protection advocate. Raised and homeschooled in the country, his life changed when he received an educational scholarship.   

Overcoming significant childhood challenges, he channelled personal adversity into a decades-long campaign for child safety. Working closely with politicians, community leaders and media outlets, his dedicated lobbying directly triggered landmark legislative changes in South Australia in 2018. His powerful story also attracted international attention, including public support from rock legend Jon Bon Jovi.  

A passionate believer in grass-roots action, Matthew has spoken at over 100 country schools and established Indigenous youth partnership programs. In 2025, he raised over $250,000 to fund scholarships for disadvantaged children by hiking from Mexico to Canada. Carrying everything he needed to survive on his back, he spent six months trudging 4,265 km across deserts, mountains and rivers. Now aiming to raise $1 million, he is committed to giving other disadvantaged children the same opportunities he had.