Tributes flow for pioneering doctor, former NSW Young Australian of the Year Dr Nikhil Autar following death at age 32

A “beloved” young doctor and former NSW Australian of the Year who overcame teenage leukaemia has died aged 32.

A trailblazing doctor who battled cancer as a teenager and campaigned against the scourge of domestic violence has died at the age of 32.

Dr Nikhil Autar refused to let a diagnosis of leukaemia at the age of 17 prevent him from making a difference to the lives of others and continued with his medical training.

Graduating from Western Sydney University he went on to be named the NSW Young Australian of the Year in 2024 – a testament to his bravery in the face of adversity.

But now, tributes have poured in following his death, which was confirmed in a heartbreaking social media post from Doctors Against Violence Towards Women – a fervent campaign group he helped found.

It reads: “It is with profound grief that we share the news of the passing of our beloved co-founder, Dr Nikhil Autar.”

Former NSW Young Australian of the Year and doctor Nikhil Autar has died aged 32. He became renowned for overcoming teenage leukaemia. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman
“There are people who move through the world quietly making it better. Dr Nikhil Autar was one of them and DAVTW would not exist without him.”

In the post, co-founder Dr Anita Hutchison, wrote: “There was something about his approach, the selflessness, that made me trust him.

“He did not want anything from us. He just wanted to help.”

Alongside his work in the medical profession, Dr Autar fought to improve accessibility for people with disabilities and campaigned against domestic violence, a cause close to his heart.

He created a mobile phone app called Knia (Know In Advance) Maps, which helped people living with disabilities access hospitals, university campuses and public venues.

He also founded a social enterprise called Breen Health, providing low-cost medical devices to sick and vulnerable people – while also raising half-a-million dollars for pressure sore and medical device research.

Former Australian of the Year Richard Scoyler and his wife, Dr Katie Nicoll, were among those to pay tribute to Dr Autar.

In a social media post, they wrote, “We are deeply saddened following the passing of Nikhil Autar, a remarkable Australian who showed us all the importance of living with compassion, kindness and a never-ending commitment to helping others.

“Nikhil’s determination and courage, coupled with his humility and wonderful sense of humour shone brightly.”