Australian of the Year

Mathew Duggan has run the length of Tasmania – twice – to raise awareness about early detection of bowel cancer, and how the disease can impact people of all ages. 

Mathew was only 36 when he found out he had bowel cancer, a relatively young age to develop the disease. After successfully undergoing treatment, he was determined to use his own experiences to help others. 

In 2025, Mathew ran from Cockle Creek south of Hobart to Stanley on the north coast in 12 days, signifying the 12 rounds of chemotherapy he went through. The following year, he repeated the journey in reverse, this time running 550km in just 10 days. Over the two years, he raised $126,000 for Cancer Council Tasmania and $150,000 for Bowel Cancer Australia, while also sharing the message that bowel cancer can afflict younger people, too. 

Since completing the runs, Mathew has been a tireless campaigner and educator about the early detection of bowel cancer, openly talking about his own journey to teach others to recognise the early warning signs.