Madeleine Buchner OAM

Young carer champion

2025 VIC Australian of the Year Nominee

At the age of 16, Madeleine Buchner OAM founded Little Dreamers, Australia’s leading young carer support organisation. Little Dreamers supports young people aged 4 to 25 who care for a family member affected by disability, chronic or mental illness, addiction or frail age. 

Madeleine’s bold vision is to ensure that no young carer feels alone, unsupported or unrecognised. Each year, her vital organisation delivers over 14,500 hours of direct support to young carers – including respite care, educational support, mentorship programs and mental health resources. 

Her efforts have empowered local communities to better understand and assist young carers, significantly improving the quality of life of 6,500 young people. In 2019, Madeleine was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia. 

Madeleine’s entrepreneurial spirit, leadership and dedication demonstrate how personal adversity can be transformed into positive change. She’s a role model for resilience and a beacon of hope for all Australians.