Australian of the Year

Ryan Brigham founded Health in Focus (HIF) at 21, a charity delivering healthcare initiatives and education programs in Australia and overseas to ensure everybody has access to basic healthcare support and information. 

To date, HIF has engaged more than 800 young volunteers across Australasia, Southeast Asia, and Africa, mobilising more than $500,000 for health initiatives reaching thousands of patients, students and community members in Australia and overseas. 

In Victoria, HIF runs mobile cardiac screening clinics offering free heart health assessments to promote early detection of cardiovascular disease.  

Ryan’s endeavours are underscored by his personal experience of years of serious illness, repeated hospitalisations, and more than 10 operations, which have given him an understanding of the need for equitable healthcare access. 

Ryan’s leadership and vision are providing opportunities for young volunteers to help direct and deliver healthcare programs designed to create genuine change and address healthcare inequity.