Mr David Glasson PSM has been awarded the Public Service Medal (PSM) in The King’s Birthday 2026 Honours List for outstanding public service to the maintenance and conservation of the Pyrmont Bridge in New South Wales.

For almost four decades, David has been the driving force behind the operation, maintenance and conservation of Pyrmont Bridge – the world’s oldest surviving electrically operated swing-span bridge. Since first working on the bridge at just 18 years of age, he has dedicated his career to ensuring this iconic Sydney landmark continues to serve the community while preserving its rich engineering heritage.

“I started work on Pyrmont Bridge aged 18 when I was able to bring it back into operation. Since that time, I have been keeping the bridge in service and overseeing the structural restoration of its timber spans,” David says.

He continues, “a key part of that has been mentoring and educating trade skills in heavy carpentry and DC engineering so that we can continue to care for this iconic Sydney structure and other similar structures for future generations.”

Trained in marine and mechanical engineering, David is widely recognised for his expertise in heritage infrastructure and mechanical conservation. Over the years, he has led and advised on major restoration projects, developed innovative maintenance solutions and ensured the safe operation of a complex structure whose original machinery remains in use more than a century after it was built.

For David, the foundations of good public service are simple:

“Consistency and care. I try to treat every day as a learning day — training and inspiring people to learn and own the work they are doing … also, encouraging the team to think about how they can get better outcomes.”

His commitment to knowledge-sharing extends beyond the bridge itself. For more than 35 years, David has mentored apprentices across multiple trades and supported Indigenous youth through the Tribal Warrior Association, helping build skills, confidence and employment pathways. “I am not focussed on people’s backgrounds, gender or race, I look to mentor and inspire them to be the best they can be,” he says.

David credits many of the lessons that shaped his career to the experienced tradespeople who mentored him when he first entered the workforce:

“After I left school, I began work in machine shops learning from the older generation who taught me work and life skills. They taught me ownership and pride in the job. ‘Own what you do.’ It is what I believe in and try to instil in the current and future generations.”

Through public demonstrations, guided tours and the detailed working models he builds of historic vessels and heritage structures, David has also helped foster a greater appreciation of engineering heritage within the broader community.

Reflecting on recognition through the Australian Honours and Awards system, David believes it shines a light on those making a difference in their communities, adding, “there are lots of ordinary people doing extraordinary things who are not recognised, but need to be encouraged and can provide inspiration for others,” he said.

Through his exceptional stewardship of Pyrmont Bridge and his commitment to mentoring future generations, David has preserved an important piece of Australia’s history while inspiring others to take pride in the work they do.