The Australia Day 2026 Honours list

Andrew Matraszek ESM - 22-year veteran surf lifesaver.

"If everyone does whatever they can do in the volunteer/community service space, it makes society a better place."  

Nunziata Basile OAM - For service to seniors.

"When I first heard about the award I thought back to my early days in Australia, arriving as a young migrant with little more than hope and determination."

Alexander Francis del Porto OAM - For service to local government, and to the community of Bayside.

"What has motivated me has been the desire to improve the wellbeing of my local community and to be responsive to the needs of residents." 

Alisa La Pila APM - For her work within the Queensland Police Service.

“This recognition strengthens my commitment to serving our community and reinforces the importance of professionalism and integrity in policing.”

Caro (Caroline) Ryan OAM - For service to outdoor recreation through a range of roles.

“[The recognition is] humbling and a deep honour… a sense that all the unseen hours, months and years of work—never done for recognition—are seen."

Kylie Walker AM - For significant service to scientific communication and advocacy. 

“Making and applying new knowledge is more important than ever to creating a resilient and hopeful future."

Beverly (Bev) Edwards OAM - For service to the community of the Cardinia region.

"You just do what you can to help others."

Daniel (Tank) John Tellman OAM - For service to veterans.

“It’s about making sure veterans feel supported ... I sit down with them [veterans], have a coffee, share a meal – whatever it takes.”

Troy Morgan OAM - For service to Touch Football.

"Sport has an incredible ability to bring people together, teach life lessons, and create a sense of purpose and belonging."

Dannielle (Danni) Bull ESM - For her leadership and sustained commitment to frontline emergency management.

"Giving back and helping others is such an important part of life and reminds us all that we are human and need to be kind to others."

Anthony Keating OAM - For service to the community through a range of organisations. 

"Being able to contribute practical assistance in moments of extreme need is both grounding and motivating."

Kayla Szumer OAM - For service to the community through social welfare organisations.

"When I saw a need or an opportunity to help others, enhance their wellbeing, bring them some joy, I did what I could."

Zeynep Sertel OAM - For service to the Islamic community of Victoria.

“My greatest fulfilment comes from witnessing young people and communities grow in confidence, purpose and character, and from seeing the tangible impact of meaningful engagement — academically, emotionally, spiritually and socially.” 
 

Margaret Mickan OAM - For service to the Indigenous communities of the Northern Territory and the Kimberley.

"I accept this honour to highlight the importance of having literature and teaching materials in every Australian Indigenous Language, including Kriol."

Geoff Ragen APM OAM - For service to the community through emergency response organisations. 

"I don’t see it as an award just for me, it is for my family and in part for my people."