Australia’s Kindest Person: HumanKind Launches $50,000 Search for Everyday Heroes

Key points:

  • The search has officially begun to find and celebrate ordinary Australians making an extraordinary difference in the lives of others.
  • Recent research found that performing one act of kindness a week can significantly reduce loneliness and strengthen community connections.
  • HumanKind wants to hear the stories that reflect the best of humanity.
  • If you know someone who has made your community brighter, you can nominate them by visiting australiaskindestperson.com.au.

This November, as the world marks World Kindness Day on November 13, Australian charity HumanKind is leading a nationwide celebration of compassion with an invitation to find Australia’s Kindest Person.

The search has officially begun to find and celebrate ordinary Australians making an extraordinary difference in the lives of others.

Celebrating kindness that changes lives

“Kindness inspires kindness, and when we tell those stories, it creates a ripple that makes the whole country better,” said Angela Williams, CEO and Founder of HumanKind.

The campaign’s purpose is simple yet transformative: to shine a light on the neighbours, teachers, carers, volunteers, and quiet heroes who make their communities stronger every day. Australians can now nominate someone whose kindness has left a genuine impact.

Finalists will be revealed throughout 2026, culminating in a national awards celebration on World Kindness Day 2026. The winner will receive $50,000, half for themselves and half to donate to a charity of their choice.

The search has officially begun to find and celebrate ordinary Australians making an extraordinary difference in the lives of others.

Research proves kindness heals

Recent research involving over 4,200 participants across Australia, the UK, and the US found that performing just one act of kindness a week can significantly reduce loneliness and strengthen community connections.

It’s science-backed proof of what most people already know — kindness doesn’t just make others feel good; it changes the giver too.

Recent research found that performing one act of kindness a week can significantly reduce loneliness and strengthen community connections.

Through this campaign, HumanKind hopes to encourage Australians to notice and celebrate the small, daily acts of compassion that often go unseen but have a big impact.

A movement built on generosity

“We wanted this to be more than just an award, it’s a statement about what we value as a country,” said Dave Matthews, Host of HumanKind.

“The $50,000 prize is split in two because that’s what kindness is about, lifting others while you rise yourself. Half goes to the winner, and half to a charity they care about. It’s generosity multiplied, and that’s the heart of this whole movement.”

From a teacher quietly supporting struggling students to a volunteer delivering meals to the elderly, HumanKind wants to hear the stories that reflect the best of humanity.

HumanKind wants to hear the stories that reflect the best of humanity.

Inspiring a national ripple effect

The Australia’s Kindest Person campaign will roll out across television, radio, social media, and digital platforms, sharing real stories of compassion, courage, and connection.

Through these stories, HumanKind hopes to “restore faith in the kindness of humanity”, beginning right here in Australia.

“Kindness isn’t about grand gestures,” Angela said. “It’s about consistency, showing up, helping someone in need, or offering a word of encouragement. That’s where change begins.”

How to nominate someone

If you know someone who has made your community brighter, you can nominate them by visiting australiaskindestperson.com.au.

Nominations are open to anyone living in Australia, and all stories will contribute to a growing celebration of kindness across the nation.

If you know someone who has made your community brighter, nominate them by visiting australiaskindestperson.com.au.


This article was prepared with AI assistance and carefully reviewed by our Digital team.


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