Love, the greatest achievement of all

In the 2026 Australian Day Honours List, the Governor-General has recognised 949 people for their exceptional achievements. And for two Illawarra recipients, the greatest of these was love.

Reginald Alan Young was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division for his service to the electrical trade industry, following a successful business career that also included serving as chairman of the board for industry fund NESS Super for 15 years, founding and chairing the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA), and serving as president of the NSW branch, where he is a life member.

“I’m proud of my work in the electrical contracting industry, encouraging tradespeople to develop into business managers and operators, from the site office to head-office," Reg says. 

“But my greatest achievement is definitely my family and caring for my wife of 54 years through an awful condition called MND."

Marie was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) in 2020 and died on 26 July 2023.

“Marie passed at home by my side, still holding hands – something we did since we were 15 years of age,” Reg says.

“Meeting Marie as a 15-year-old, with both of us working at that age… three children and seven grandchildren later, here we are! A fortunate life, I reckon.”

The couple – who celebrated their 50^th anniversary in 2021 – shared a love of horse racing and, in particular, the sprinter Headwall, which Reg part owns. 

A year after Marie passed away, one of her favourite jockeys rode Headwall to victory in The Warra at Kembla Grange. “Marie’s lucky number was 4, we drew number 4 … it just blew us away, the emotion was incredible,” Reg recounts in World Horse Racing's The Story of Headwall.

Surf life saver pays tribute to late wife

Ross Gregory Taylor was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division for his service to surf lifesaving, and to the community of the Illawarra.

Ross has a long history of achievements as an athlete and volunteer. He was president of Surf Life Saving Illawarra in the late 70s, and is a life member of two clubs (Thirroul and Coalcliff), where he has held many roles, from patrolling member to public officer and president. He is also a life member (and current poet laureate) of Austinmer Early Morning Swimmers Club.

Asked what he considers his greatest achievement, Ross says: “It’s something I’d never really thought about, but the answer came to me straight away: marrying the woman I did.”

Ross married his wife, Bette, in 1966.

“I’ve just marked the 5th anniversary of her death; this year would have been 60 years together if she were still with me. If you asked the children whether they ever heard us argue, they would say no – that’s how good the marriage was. 

“I definitely believe that is my greatest achievement, and as I say to people, if you like who I am, you can thank my wife.”

Congratulations to all the honourees

Other Illawarra residents awarded OAMs this year include two long-time local Scout leaders.

Corrimal's Jennifer Irene King – who Scouts Australia recognised with the Silver Wattle in 2023 – has been awarded for her service to youth through Scouts. Jennifer has been the leader in charge of 1st Russell Vale group since 2021.

Anthony Zuiderwyk – Scout Leader at 1st Bulli Scout Group since 1985 – was also recognised for his service to youth, and to the community via membership and volunteering at the Dutch Australian Society in Illawarra, the Motorlife Museum and the Walking for Pleasure Walking Group. 

“The qualities and accomplishments of this year’s honourees reflect Australia’s values for service, community, kindness, curiosity, tenacity, and care,” says the Governor-General, Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC.

“As the list so vividly showcases, so many Australians continue to give the best of themselves across many endeavours, in the interest of others.

"It is rewarding to see an increase in the number of awards, which reflects more nominations and recognition of the many Australians who inspire the best in all of us.”

Stanwell Park Bush Fire Brigade's Gary Laker – who joined the RFS at age 14 in 1976 – received the Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) for his five decades of distinguished service. In a 2023 interview after fighting fires in the Northern Territory, Gary told the Flame he enjoys volunteering because of the "camaraderie between the people that you work with and the hope that you're making a difference".

Gerringong’s Shane Andrew Wicks was recognised with an OAM for his service to the community through emergency response organisations, including Gerringong Rural Fire Brigade, the SES, surf lifesaving and as the medical support officer at Gerringong Lions Rugby League Club.

Samara Jaye Abbott, manager of the Wollongong Community Corrections Office, received the Australian Corrections Medal (ACM) for her people-focused leadership approach, which has empowered a team of 30 officers and led to a highly successful Aboriginal outcomes initiative.

Kiama’s Margaret Rose Snelling was honoured with an OAM for her service to hockey after a lifetime of playing, coaching, umpiring and committee membership. Margaret is a life member of Kiama Ladies Hockey Club and the South Coast Women's Hockey Association (now Illawarra South Coast Hockey).

Robert William Lambourn was awarded an OAM for his service to basketball as an official, including as a referee coach for Basketball Illawarra since 2014 and a referee for the Waratah League.

Dapto’s Anthony John Cox – who served in the Australian Defence Force in Vietnam – was awarded an OAM for his service to the welfare of veterans. He is the website manager, treasurer and reunion organiser of the 3rd Battalion Royal Australian Regiment Association.

A former puppeteer, venue manager and director of the Illawarra Performing Arts Centre (IPAC) from 1987-1996, Robert John Peet received an OAM for service to the performing arts. Bob continues a lifetime’s work in theatre as a production team member with South Australia’s The Stirling Players in Mount Barker.

Figtree’s Roger John Downs, a former managing partner at Kells Lawyers and a former chair of the Illawarra Credit Union, received an OAM for his service to the community of the Illawarra. Roger has served on numerous boards, including the New South Wales Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network.

Also awarded an OAM for community service, Ian Norman Mackay has held many volunteer roles, including president of the Lions Club of Figtree, where he is a life member, president of Illawarra Cancer Carers and director at Dapto Leagues Club. 

And retired Grammar School headmaster John Weeks, of Thirroul, was awarded an OAM for his service to secondary education – read more here.