Abraham Kuol spent the first seven years of his life in Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya. His family came to Australia as refugees, and this year he is Victoria’s Young Australian of the Year. 

Abraham is an Associate Research Fellow in Criminology at Deakin University, where his research focuses on the post-settlement challenges faced by African Australians, particularly regarding interactions with the justice system. His work with the 2025 Westpac Social Change Fellowship has seen Abraham travel to countries in Europe and the UK to compare their justice responses to those in Victoria.

Abraham is also a leader in Melbourne’s African-Australian community. He understands the power that sports have to create positive change, and he mentors at-risk young people in team sports programs. 

In 2010, Abraham was elected as captain of his primary school, which taught him lessons of service and responsibility that he has carried ever since.

Guest: Abraham Kuol - 2026 Young Australian of the Year for Victoria, and Associate Research Fellow at Deakin University