Australian of the Year

At 14 years old, Byron Waller became the youngest person to circumnavigate Australia in a supported light aircraft. Then at age 15, Byron completed a 67‑day, 45,000‑kilometre flight around the world across 19 countries and five continents.  

Byron's achievements are especially remarkable given a childhood marked by serious medical challenges and a diagnosis of Crohn’s disease that brings uncertainty and disrupts schooling.  

Determined to not let illness define his future, Byron has become an advocate for resilience, aviation and STEM education, speaking at schools, hospitals, community groups, national conferences and major international aviation events.  

Byron continues to support young patients at Queensland Children’s Hospital, returning not only as a former patient but as proof that a diagnosis need not limit a child’s dreams. He also founded the Teen Pilot Foundation to create opportunities for young people facing illness or disadvantage to discover confidence, purpose and pathways into aviation, STEM and leadership.