RMIT alumni, former staff and an honorary doctorate recipient have been recognised in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours.
Their contributions span education, public service, community leadership, health, business, the arts, defence, disability services and social welfare.
The King’s Birthday Honours recognise Australians for outstanding service and achievement across a wide range of fields.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that this article acknowledges the passing of an Aboriginal Elder.
Former RMIT Vice-Chancellor and President Emeritus Professor Martin Bean CBE AM is among this year’s recipients.
Emeritus Professor Bean was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to tertiary education governance, digital learning and business.
He led RMIT for six years until mid-2021, making a lasting contribution to RMIT and the broader tertiary education sector. During this time, he helped lead RMIT’s evolution from a traditional dual-sector university into a multi-sector leader in contemporary tertiary education.
The late Professor Peter Buckskin AM PSM, who received an RMIT Doctor of Arts honoris causa in 2021, was also appointed a Member of the Order of Australia.
A proud Narungga man, Professor Buckskin was recognised for significant service to the Indigenous community through education, research and advocacy roles.
RMIT recently acknowledged Professor Buckskin’s passing and his remarkable legacy in advancing Indigenous education.
RMIT alumni, former staff and community members recognised
Others from across the RMIT community honoured in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours include:
Elaine Chia OAM
Awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to arts administration.
Peter Coombs AM
Appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to sonography, tertiary education and clinical training.
Jayne Dennis PSM
Awarded the Public Service Medal for outstanding public service in forensic disability services.
Trevor Eddy OAM
Awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the community through a range of organisations.
Bernadette Gigliotti OAM
Awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to secondary and vocational education.
Brigadier Shaun Hoffmann AM
Appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in the Military Division for exceptional performance of duty as Director General Land Manoeuvre Systems.
Geoffrey King OAM
Awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to broadcast media.
Alex Laslowski OAM
Awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to medical science and anatomical pathology.
Ross Pinney AM
Appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to the community through social welfare and service groups.
Catherine Remenyi OAM
Awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the community of Torquay.
Jillian Sears OAM
Awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to people with disability, and to equality and diversity.
Gina Wadden PSM
Awarded the Public Service Medal for outstanding public service in workforce reform and public sector capability building.
Dr Celina Yu OAM
Awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to business education and international trade.
Dr Bogumila Zongollowicz OAM
Awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the Polish community.
