Dylan Conway

Dylan Conway is the founder of Brothers and Books, a bibliotherapy charity supporting mental health through the power of reading. After serving 12 years in the Australian Defence Force, Dylan’s life changed dramatically when a chronic illness left him hospitalised and largely bedridden for nearly two years. During this time, books became his anchor, offering healing, reflection and resilience.

Inspired to share this resource with others, Dylan launched Brothers and Books to establish free community libraries in workplaces and frontline environments where mental health challenges are common. Today, there are over 100 libraries across Australia in locations such as army bases, hospitals, police stations, homeless shelters and domestic violence centres. His organisation has donated over 18,000 books and more than $150,000 to other charities, helping thousands of Australians access support through storytelling and literature.

In 2025, Dylan was named a Queensland Young Australian of the Year nominee in recognition of his leadership, advocacy and commitment to wellbeing. His journey is a powerful reminder that even in hardship, we have the capacity to create meaningful change for ourselves and for others.