Alex Dekker

Alex Dekker is a humanitarian worker and founder of the Australian food charity Alex Makes Meals.

In 2020, during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dekker started the food charity inspired by helping his sister, a doctor. The demand for meals quickly outgrew the capacity of the then 19-year-old university student, so he gathered a team of volunteers and founded the charity Alex Makes Meals. The charity expanded its attentions to include homeless people and other support groups.

Dekker initially left his university course to run the charity at the peak of 2020, although he has since finished studies at the University of Melbourne in the Bachelor Of Commerce.

Year Award Category Result 2020 Melbourne Awards Community Champion (COVID-19 response) Finalist 2022 Victorian Young Australian of the Year — Nominated 2022 Premier's Sustainability Award Community Champion, Healthy and Fair Society Won 2023 Banksia Foundation National Sustainability Awards Young Changemaker Won 2024 Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia Social Impact Listed 2024 Melbourne Awards Young Melburnian of the Year Won 2025 Herald Sun Future Victoria 25 Under 25 Listed 2025 Forbes 30 Under 30 Australia Social Impact Listed 2026 University of Melbourne Alumni of Distinction Awards Rising Star for Young Alumni Won