WARNING: This article contains distressing content.

Frank Mitchell was on a precarious path as a young man.

During his teenage years, he endured the devastating loss of two friends—one to drugs and the other to suicide. These tragedies, coupled with his struggles in school, seemed to set him adrift.

However, a transformative moment arrived with the birth of his son. This pivotal event offered Mitchell a renewed perspective on life, pulling him back from what he describes as a “death spiral.”

Determined to embrace his new role as a father, Mitchell took his uncle’s advice and embarked on an electrical apprenticeship, a decision that marked the beginning of a brighter future.

Now, at 43, Frank runs four electrical and construction businesses in his home state of Western Australia. In the last decade, he has created over 70 roles for Aboriginal people.

Local Hero Frank Mitchell and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards at the National Arboretum in Canberra. Source: AAP / Mick Tsikas/AAP Image

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

“I used to talk about paying it forward,” he said while accepting his award in Canberra.

“Our Old People had a word for this: reciprocity.

“If more Australians can embrace in ancient cycle of responsibility and reciprocity, we can work together and walk together for a better future for mob, for our children and for all those who come after us.”

Frank took the plunge as a business owner in 2015, beginning with only eight staff. Now, he employs 200 full-time staff across four businesses, Kardan Construction, Wilco Electrical, Baldja RSGx and Bilyaa Arch&Design.

His efforts have seen a mammoth investment in Indigenous business with his businesses investing more than $11 million to Aboriginal subcontractors.

Speaking to SBS News, Frank said he prioritises employing those who may not be given the chance elsewhere.

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

Local Hero Frank Mitchell after the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards at the National Arboretum in Canberra. Source: AAP / Mick Tsikas/AAP Image

“If we can always offer first line of offer for any position to Aboriginal [people] and then secondly to women, we know that we’ve exhausted two cohorts that might not otherwise had a look in.”

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

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

“His approach to building an industry-led community that combines training, employment and culture is delivering stronger futures for people who need them most, and demostrates what can be achieved through collaboration and social inclusion.”