Celebrating the Outstanding Achievements of Territorians on the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours List
His Honour the Honourable David Connolly, Administrator of the Northern Territory congratulates the NT residents and those who have significantly contributed to the Territory named on this year’s King’s Birthday Honours List.
“Today we celebrate seventeen people who have given generously of themselves, to their communities, their industries, and to the Territory as a whole.
“From services to youth and Indigenous communities, to the building and construction and hospitality industries to public service and the military, the breadth of contribution on display is outstanding.
“What strikes me most is the thread that connects them all, a quiet, determined commitment to making life better for those around them. It is that spirit of having a real crack that the King’s Birthday Honours are here to recognise.
“I feel genuinely privileged, in my first year in this role, to meet many of these extraordinary Territorians in person. Their service is a gift to all of us.”
The honours list also includes an impressive range of achievements:
One Officer of the Order of Australia (AO)Two Members of the Order of Australia (AM) in the General DivisionSix Medals of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General DivisionOne Public Service Medals (PSM)One Australian Police Medals (APM)One Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM)One Australian Corrections Medal (ACM)One Conspicuous Service Cross (CSC)Three Conspicuous Service Medal (CSM)
Recipients this year are:
Appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO)
· Ms Patricia Turner AO
For distinguished services to the Indigenous community through policy development, to governance and leadership roles, and to improving health outcomes.
Appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM)
· Mr Stephen Margetic AM
For significant service to the building and construction industry, and to philanthropy.
· Mr Neil Westbury AM PSM
For significant service to the Indigenous community of the Northern Territory and Victoria.
Awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM)
· The late Mrs Annette Burke OAM
For service to the community through a range of organisation.
· Mr Justin Coleman OAM
For service to the hospitality industry, and to the community.
· Mr Richard Giles OAM
For service to the community of the Northern Territory.
· Mr Richard Griffiths OAM
For service to the community of Darwin.
· Mr David Milne OAM
For service to youth.
· Mr Allan Mitchell OAM
For service to the local government, and to the community.
Awarded the Public Service Medal (PSM)
· Dr Wayne Beswick PSM
For outstanding public services in systemic change to government practices and changes aimed at improving outcomes for First Nations people.
Awarded the Australian Police Medal (APM)
· Superintendent Mark Grieve APM
For distinguished service as a member of an Australian police force.
Awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM)
· Ms Dianne Tynan AFSM
For distinguished service as a member of an Australian fire service.
Awarded the Australian Corrections Medal (ACM)
· Ms Michelle Pennington ACM
For distinguished service as a member of an Australian correctional service.
Awarded the Conspicuous Service Cross (CSC)
· Captain Bernadette Alexander CSC RAN
For outstanding achievement in the fields of Navy Capability, Shipbuilding and Sustainment.
Awarded the Conspicuous Service Medal (CSM)
· Warrant Officer Class One Sonya Francis CSM
For meritorious devotion to duty in the field of logistics management and provision of welfare support at the 1st Combat Engineer Regiment.
· Captain Aaron Wurfel CSM
For meritorious achievement as the Staff Officer Grade Two National Entry, Combined Joint Theatre Support Component, Joint Operations Command.
· Sergeant Lawson Alick CSM
For meritorious devotion to duty as a Military Recruiter enabling the transformation of the recruiting operating framework within Defence Force Recruiting.
For a full list of recipients and citations, and information about making a nomination, visit here
