Surgeon Dr Jasmina Kevric wins 2026 Les Murray Award

Australia for UNHCR and SBS are proud to announce that Dr Jasmina Kevric, a Melbourne-based breast cancer surgeon, is the winner of the 2026 Australia for UNHCR–SBS Les Murray Award for Refugee Recognition.

Named after the late SBS sports broadcaster and former refugee Les Murray AM, the annual award celebrates an outstanding individual from a refugee background who raises positive awareness of displaced people.

“What stood out about Dr Kevric was not only her extraordinary professional achievement, but her deep commitment to giving back to refugee communities,” said Trudi Mitchell, CEO of Australia for UNHCR.

“Through her work in medicine, advocacy and mentorship, she is helping to break down barriers and improve access to care for people from refugee backgrounds, while also shaping a more inclusive and compassionate society.”

“Now in its fifth year, the Australia for UNHCR – SBS Les Murray Award recognises the extraordinary contributions those with refugee backgrounds make to their communities and to Australia more broadly. Honouring people like Dr Kevric reflects SBS’s commitment to the stories, perspectives and contributions that shape modern Australia, and to continuing Les Murray’s legacy,” said Jane Palfreyman, Acting Managing Director of SBS.

“I congratulate Dr Kevric on her many achievements and the meaningful impact her advocacy and mentorship continue to have on others.”

Dr Kevric was a child when she arrived in Australia as a refugee from Bosnia. Her family endured years of war in the former Yugoslavia before eventually fleeing. Dr Kevric was just six years old when a missile struck her grandparents’ home, injuring her father and grandfather. That was the moment she decided she wanted to be a doctor.

“I always felt like if I can overcome the war and the memories that I carry with me today, then I could overcome anything,” said Dr Kevric.

Now a breast cancer surgeon, Dr Kevric is passionate about improving health outcomes for refugee women, including increasing awareness and access to screening services. She also mentors students and junior doctors from refugee and migrant backgrounds and volunteers her time providing specialist care to people seeking asylum.

Beyond her medical work, Dr Kevric has contributed to community initiatives that support refugee and migrant youth, using creative methods to foster connection and social inclusion.

“If we embrace refugees and everything they bring – the skills, the diversity – then we can have a better Australia, a better place where we live,” she said.

The Les Murray Award for Refugee Recognition is jointly presented by Australia for UNHCR and SBS, whose longstanding commitment to diverse storytelling continues through the award.

Dr Kevric will be officially presented with her award at Australia for UNHCR’s World Refugee Day event in Sydney on 18 June 2026.

For a PDF of this media release, click here.