Child and Adolescent Health Service’s Post

We’re proud to share that Dr Gareth Baynam has been nominated as a 2026 Australian of the Year for Western Australia – a well-deserved recognition of his extraordinary contributions to rare disease care and advocacy. As a clinical geneticist, Gareth is establishing precision medicine solutions for some of Australia’s rarest and most complex conditions. Rare disease affects around 500,000 Australian children and are the leading cause of child deaths in developed countries, yet 95% of these conditions have no approved treatment. Gareth’s work is dedicated to changing outcomes for these vulnerable patients. He serves as Medical Director of the Rare Care Centre at Perth Children’s Hospital and its regional hub in the Pilbara, and founded the Undiagnosed Diseases Program to help families find long-sought answers. His leadership has shaped national policy through his work with Rare Voices Australia, contributing to the development of Australia’s first National Strategic Action Plan for Rare Diseases. Gareth’s collaborative efforts are improving diagnosis, health care delivery, research, and community understanding, while positioning Australia as a global leader in rare disease innovation. Congratulations, Gareth, and thank you for your extraordinary contribution to rare disease care and advocacy. WA award recipients will be announced on 13 November 2025 at Government House, Perth. Watch online at australianoftheyear.org.au