Australian of the Year

Dwayne Fernandes is a person with a disability and advocate whose work championing inclusion and removing barriers to accessibility is improving the lives of the disability community. 

As a speaker, educator, mentor and leader, Dwayne has transformed how entire organisations view disability access, not as an obligation but as a positive contribution to workplace culture.  

His achievements are wide-ranging: an elite vertical marathon runner; the co-founder of Minds at Play, online social groups that help build communication skills and social confidence in the disability community; and an ambassador for AstroAccess which promotes inclusion in space flights, demonstrating that disability access belongs everywhere. 

Above all, Dwayne connects on a human level, helping people get the resources they need, find hope and explore new possibilities. He also volunteers his time to support disability leadership by offering practical advice and guidance. 

Dwayne’s compassion, drive and selfless advocacy are delivering fundamental changes that affect countless people and help to create a more equitable society.