King’s Birthday Honours List hails Australians' exceptional service

Illawarra residents who have served the nation through lifesaving, volunteering, bush care and suicide prevention advocacy are among 949 remarkable Australians recognised in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours List.

“Our honours system recognises outstanding people who contribute so much to Australia," said the Governor-General, Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC. "In our communities, in workplaces and across the country, recipients have made an exceptional contribution to Australia.”

Superintendent Darren Brand APM was awarded an Australian Police Medal in the general division. Supt Brand, who took command of Lake Illawarra Police in February 2026, has spent much of his career working in rural towns in NSW. As commander of Barrier Police District in far west NSW, he initiated Operation Safer Communities to prevent, disrupt and respond to incidents of domestic violence.  

Joanne Riley OAM, manager of social impact and engagement at COORDINARE - South-Eastern NSW Primary Health Network, was honoured for her suicide prevention advocacy. A champion the meaningful inclusion of those with lived experience of suicide, Joanne has held roles at Suicide Prevention Australia, the Black Dog Institute and the Illawarra Shoalhaven Suicide Prevention Collaborative.

Figtree's Denis John Walsh OAM was awarded for service to the community through social welfare organisations. In addition to a career in insurance and superannuation, Denis has volunteered for many years and in many roles at St Vincent de Paul Society, including a stint as NSW president.

Kiama's David Macallister OAM was awarded for his service to the community through aquatic safety organisations. David has served as the chair of the national sport committee at Royal Life Saving Society Australia and led the NSW branch as CEO for 20 years. He is a life member of the Aquatic and Recreation Institute.

A longtime protector of the critically endangered littoral rainforest at Stanwell Park, Banksia Bush Care founder Kieran Tapsell OAM was awarded for service to conservation and the environment. An artist who has involved people of all ages to create a bush gallery with giant ‘nests’ and painted ‘dinosaur’ eggs, Kieran's work makes people smile and is widely loved.

Four residents of the Southern Highlands' town of Bowral were recognised today. Linda Emery OAM was awarded for service to the community of Wingecarribee, including four decades with the Berrima District Historical and Family History Society, in roles that have ranged from researcher to president. Geoffrey Prenter OAM was awarded for his service to print media as a sports journalist, including as the founding editor of Rugby League Week. Rare Cancers Australia founder and director Kathryn Vines AM was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to community health. Professor Timothy Entwisle AO, a botanist, phycologist and author who has held numerous botanic gardens roles in Sydney and Melbourne, was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for distinguished service to environmental conservation, to botanical sciences, to the media, to tertiary education, and to the community. Look out for his science talk series at the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan.

Also honoured across the wider South Coast and Southern Highlands regions were Jaspers Brush’s Louise Mary Walsh AM, a former CEO of Philanthropy Australia, who was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for her significant service to the arts and philanthropy.

North Nowra’s Kevin William Camm OAM – a member of the Royal Australian Navy Helicopter Flight who served in Vietnam and was last year named a Life Member, Shoalhaven Vietnam Veterans, Peacekeepers and Peacemakers Subbranch – was awarded for his service to veterans' welfare.

Ulladulla's Kevin Tant OAM, a retired police officer, was awarded for service to the game of bridge, and to club administration, with his many roles including serving as director of the Illawarra Bridge Association.

NSW Ports CEO Marika Calfas AM, a board member of the Regional Development Australia Illawarra-Shoalhaven, was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to the transport and shipping industry, to logistics, and to infrastructure.

Today's recipients join Australia's growing list of remarkable citizens who've helped shape the nation over 50 years.

“The work of our award recipients, and the contributions of the thousands of Australians who have been nominated and recognised throughout the history of our honours system, is something we can take great pride in celebrating,” the Governor-General said.

Every year the list includes people nominated by community members, then recommended to the Governor-General by the independent Council for the Order of Australia. With twice as many men awarded, people are being encouraged to nominate women to address a gender imbalance. “Every Australia regardless of their gender, social, cultural or economic background should be able to look at the honours List and see themselves,” the Governor-General said.

Recipients will attend investiture ceremonies at Government House to receive the insignia of their award.

Anyone can nominate a member of their community for an award.