Australian of the Year

Dr Abigail De Waard is a Tasmanian doctor deeply committed to improving medical access for regional, rural and culturally diverse communities.  

Pursuing rural and remote placements in Tennant Creek, Cooma and among Aboriginal communities in regional NSW, Abigail contributes to research strengthening Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health systems. 

Currently, Abigail is working in anaesthetics and critical care within the Tasmanian Health Service. She has also delivered Hospital at Home services, reducing travel and financial burdens for regional patients.  

Through her volunteer work with The Water Well Project, Abigail designs and delivers health literacy sessions to migrant and refugee communities across Tasmania, helping them to navigate the Australian healthcare system. 

Previous volunteer work includes serving on a YWAM medical ship in Papua New Guinea, as an overnight volunteer with Ronald McDonald House Charities and in programs supporting children in foster care. Alongside her clinical work, Abigail also mentors junior doctors and medical students.