Australian of the Year

Ryan Wiggins is a disability and mental health ambassador who uses his lived experience of quadriplegia to drive awareness, community support and spinal cord injury research.  

A former carpenter, Lauderdale/Cygnet footballer and state representative player, Ryan sustained a near‑fatal C2 spinal cord injury in 2021 after diving into a pool, leaving him paralysed from the neck down. 

Ryan now serves as an ambassador for the Perry Cross Spinal Research Foundation to raise funds and awareness for spinal cord injuries. He also spearheads initiatives such as the Paralysis Round in the Tasmanian State League and coordinates an annual Spinal Swing Day to raise money for spinal cord injury research.  

Through his work for the Tasmania Devils Football Club, Ryan created the club’s inaugural Mental Health Match in 2026. Ryan speaks to young people about mental health and resilience and has a long‑term vision to establish a dedicated spinal recovery centre in Tasmania.