Community volunteers, health leaders, police officers, writers and musicians from across the Murraylands, Adelaide Hills and South Coast have been recognised in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours List.
Among those honoured is Mannum volunteer Barry Burdett, who received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the community of Mannum.
Mr Burdett has spent decades volunteering with organisations including the Country Fire Service, Lions Club of Mannum, Mannum Hospital Advisory Council, BlazeAid and St Martin’s Lutheran Church.
He first joined the CFS in 1974 and last year received a 50-Year Service Medal.
Murray Bridge Senior Community Constable First Class Greg Smith was awarded the Australian Police Medal for his work building relationships between SA Police and First Nations communities.
A 23-year police veteran, Senior Constable Smith has led a number of local initiatives focused on cultural awareness, youth engagement and community trust, including Blue Light boxing programs and the Kuti Camp initiative.
Riverland Mallee Coorong Local Health Network chief executive Wayne Champion received the Public Service Medal for outstanding service to public health in regional South Australia.
Mr Champion helped lead regional responses during the COVID-19 pandemic, the River Murray floods and statewide hospital pressures in recent years.
Other recipients of the OAM come from the Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu Peninsula.
Macclesfield’s Dennis Oldenhove was recognised for service to veterans and the local community after more than two decades of involvement with the Macclesfield RSL and a career in the Australian Army.
Victor Harbor author William Barry Marsh received an OAM for service to literature as a writer, following decades documenting stories from regional and outback Australia.
Stirling resident Robert Mason was honoured for service to the wool growing industry and the community through his involvement with agriculture, regional organisations and the Royal Adelaide Show.
Mount Pleasant’s Genevieve Hebart was recognised for service to the Barossa community and to nursing after a long career across regional health services including Mount Barker and Murray Bridge hospitals.
Woodside musician and educator Stuart Connew received an OAM for service to music and the church.
Langhorne Creek-raised leading dermatologist Dr Lachlan Warren, was also given an OAM for his decades of specialised medical service and dedicated outreach to remote and regional communities along with his long tenure at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
The Governor-General Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC, said the honours recognised Australians who make exceptional contributions to the country and their communities.
“Our honours system recognises outstanding people who contribute so much to Australia,” the Governor-General said.
“In our communities, in workplaces and across the country, recipients have made an exceptional contribution to Australia.”
This year’s King’s Birthday Honours List recognises 948 Australians across the Order of Australia, military honours and meritorious awards.
“As Governor-General and Chancellor of the Order of Australia, I am delighted to announce and congratulate the remarkable Australians receiving honours in the 2026 King’s Birthday list,” the Governor-General said.
Recipients will attend investiture ceremonies at Government House in coming months.
