Northern Victoria MP Georgie Purcell has been shortlisted for the Rising Star award at the 2026 marie claire Women of the Year Awards. The Kyneton-based MP was recognised for her conviction in public life, her commitment to challenging conventions and her advocacy for a more inclusive future. The awards, now in their fifth year, recognise women across nine categories. Ms Purcell said she was honoured to be considered alongside such an impressive shortlist. The winners will be announced in Sydney on 19 November.
Ten players have been shortlisted for the 2026 Kopa Trophy, given to the best player under 21 in the world. Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal is widely expected to win for a third time, having been named in 2024 and 2025. The Ballon d'Or ceremony is set for Monday, October 26, and will be held in London this year to honour inaugural winner Sir Stanley Matthews. A panel of 32 former Ballon d'Or winners nominates the 10 Kopa Trophy finalists.
Fiona Mathoat was shortlisted in the Speaking Up, Standing Out category at an awards night held in mid-October. She appeared in a photograph alongside Permaan Gual, Brittany Williams and Mia Lin.
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Bacchus Marsh author Wayne Marshall has been shortlisted for this year's Readings New Australian Fiction Prize. His book, Henry Goes Bush, is inspired by the life of writer Henry Lawson. It blends a real outback trip Lawson took as a young man with science fiction and comedy. Marshall learned of the shortlisting by phone while visiting Lawson's birthplace of Grenfell in New South Wales. The six shortlisted books were selected by a panel of Readings staff. The winner will be announced in Carlton on 27 October.
