Whadjuk-Yued Noongar electrician named Australia’s local hero

WARNING: This article contains disturbing content.

Frank Mitchell’s life took a turn for the worse.

As a teenager, he lost two friends to drugs and suicide and struggled through education.

But what pulled the Whadjuk-Yued Noongar man out of the ‘death spiral’ was the birth of his son.

With a new lease on life and the burden of fatherly responsibilities, he followed his uncle’s advice and got an electrical apprenticeship.

Now, at the age of 43, Frank runs four electrical and construction companies in his home state of Western Australia. Over the past ten years he has created more than seventy roles for Aboriginal people.

It’s an achievement that saw him named Local Hero at the Australian of the Year Awards in 2026.

“I always talked about paying it forward,” he said as he accepted his award in Canberra.

‘Our Ancient People had a word for this: reciprocity.

“If more Australians can embrace the age-old cycle of responsibility and reciprocity, we can work together and stand together for a better future for the mafia, for our children and for all who come after us.”

Frank took the plunge as a business owner in 2015, starting with just eight employees. He now employs 200 full-time employees at four companies: Kardan Construction, Wilco Electrical, Baldja RSGx and Bilyaa Arch&Design.

His efforts have led to a massive investment in Indigenous business, with his companies investing more than $11 million in Aboriginal subcontractors.

Speaking to SBS News, Frank said he prioritizes hiring people who might not get the opportunity elsewhere.

“I know that opportunity in a small country town can sometimes be the difference between changing your life or going down the wrong path,” he said.

Local hero Frank Mitchell after receiving the 2026 Australian of the Year award at the National Arboretum in Canberra. Source: MONKEY / Mick Tsikas/AAP image

‘If we can always offer Aboriginal people a first offer for any position [people] and secondly, for women, we know that we have exhausted two cohorts that might otherwise not be looked at.”

Mark Fraser, CEO of the National Australia Day Council, said Frank is a leader for what can be achieved through “collaboration and social inclusion”.

“Frank’s lived experience has inspired him to step up and create opportunities for others,” he said in a statement.

“His approach to building an industry-led community that combines education, employment and culture will deliver a stronger future for people who need it most, and demonstrate what can be achieved through collaboration and social inclusion.”