The Kings Birthday Honours for the ACT - OAM
In a heartfelt recognition of service and dedication, several distinguished individuals from the Australian Capital Territory have been named in the 2025 King's Birthday Honours List. Their contributions span diverse fields, reflecting the rich tapestry of commitment and excellence within our community.
Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division
The late Mrs Georgia Alexandrou, ACT
For service to the Greek and Cypriot communities of Canberra.
The late Mrs Georgia Alexandrou was recognised for her outstanding service to the Greek and Cypriot communities of Canberra. She led the Cyprus Community of Canberra & ACT as President for over two decades and played a key role in celebrating culture through the National Multicultural Festival. Her advocacy extended nationally through leadership roles with PASEKA and involvement in the Australian Hellenic Council and the World Council for Hellenes Abroad. Her legacy is one of unwavering dedication to community, cultural pride, and justice for Cyprus.
Dr David Bagnall, O'Connor
For service to rowing.
Dr David Bagnall has been recognised for his exceptional service to the sport of rowing in the ACT. With involvement spanning nearly five decades, he has held leadership roles across Rowing ACT, ANU Boat Club, Black Mountain Rowing Club, and Capital Lakes Rowing Club, and has coached at both community and school levels. Dr Bagnall served as President of Rowing ACT from 2010 to 2019 and was recognised as ACT Sports Volunteer of the Year in 2013. His contribution has shaped generations of rowers and strengthened the sport’s presence in Canberra.
Ms Nanette Jane Bak, ACT
For service to the community of Canberra.
Ms Nanette Jane Bak has been recognised for her service to the Canberra community through leadership in both the arts and charitable sectors. She currently serves as President of the ACT Branch of Lord Taverners Australia and is a former President of Strathnairn Arts. Her professional career included nearly three decades as ACT State Manager for Konica Minolta. In 2006, she received the Chief Minister’s Canberra Gold Award which is awarded for 50+ years of service to the Canberra community.
Mr Malcolm Henry Barlow, Stirling ACT
For service to local government, the environment, and to education.
Mr Malcolm Henry Barlow has been awarded for his significant contributions to local government, environmental conservation, and education. He served as a councillor with Upper Lachlan Shire Council and played key roles in Landcare and community advocacy groups. A dedicated educator, he influenced curriculum development through decades of involvement with the NSW Board of Studies and led St Johns Park High School as Principal from 1982 to 1996. His long-standing service to the Geographical Society of NSW and contributions to geography education have left a lasting legacy.
Emeritus Professor John Adrian Carver, Ainslie ACT
For service to science in the fields of chemistry and biochemistry.
Emeritus Professor John Adrian Carver has been awarded for his outstanding service to science, particularly in the fields of chemistry and biochemistry. Over a distinguished academic career spanning decades, he has held senior leadership roles at the Australian National University, University of Adelaide, and University of Wollongong, contributing to major scientific bodies and committees nationally and internationally. A prolific researcher with over 200 publications and a strong track record in grant acquisition, Professor Carver has also actively supported scientific advancement through advisory and governance roles in major research institutions. His contributions extend beyond academia, including environmental volunteer work and long-standing involvement in university sport and community life.
Dr Edward Peter Chapman, ACT
For service to medicine in Otorhinolaryngology.
Dr Edward Peter Chapman has been recognised for his dedicated service to medicine in the field of otorhinolaryngology. Over a career spanning more than three decades, he served as an ENT surgeon in both Canberra and Orange, including as Director of the ENT Unit at Canberra Hospital. He contributed to medical education through his roles with the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and volunteered on surgical outreach missions in the Solomon Islands and remote Australia. Dr Chapman is also known for his work in cochlear implant services, improving hearing health for countless patients.
Mr David Ian Cocking, Hawker ACT
For service to youth through Scouts, and to sport.
Mr David Ian Cocking has been honoured for his long-standing service to youth through Scouts and his contributions to sport and recreation. A dedicated volunteer with Scouts ACT since the late 1960s, he has held numerous leadership roles, including Branch Commissioner and long-term involvement with Camp Cottermouth and youth participation in ANZAC Day events. He also made a significant impact on university sport, serving as President of the ANU Sports and Recreation Association for over two decades. In recognition of his contributions, ANU named the David Cocking Sport and Recreation Centre in his honour in 2009.
Dr Mandy Evans, ACT
For service to medicine in the field of psychiatry.
Dr Mandy Evans has been recognised for her significant service to medicine in the field of psychiatry. With over a decade at ACT Health, she served in key leadership roles including Chief Psychiatrist and Director of Clinical Services, and has made lasting contributions to psychiatric training and clinical research. She has coordinated the ACT psychiatry training program since 1995 and represented the territory on national training committees. A respected clinician, educator, and author, Dr Evans has helped shape mental health services and professional standards across the ACT and beyond.
Brigadier Peter John Evans (Retd), Red Hill ACT
For service to veterans, and to the community of Canberra.
Brigadier Peter John Evans (Retd) has been honoured for his extensive service to veterans and the Canberra community. A senior Army officer with a distinguished military career spanning nearly four decades, he continued to serve post-retirement through leadership roles in veteran organisations including the Royal Australian Signals Association, the Duntroon Society, and the ACT Branch of the RSL. He also held key volunteer positions with St John Ambulance, the Catholic Archdiocese, and aged care services, alongside philanthropic contributions to organisations such as St Vincent de Paul and the Order of Malta. His enduring commitment reflects a lifetime of service marked by leadership, compassion, and civic dedication.
The Reverend Mary Elaine Farmer, Griffith ACT
For service to the Anglican Church of Australia.
The Reverend Mary Elaine Farmer has been honoured for her dedicated service to the Anglican Church of Australia. As an Associate Priest at St Paul’s Anglican Church in Manuka since the 1990s, she has provided decades of pastoral care and spiritual leadership, including international outreach following natural disasters in Indonesia. She has also contributed to theological education through her roles as a lecturer, tutor, and editor, and served on ethics and cultural committees. Reverend Farmer’s ministry has been marked by compassion, scholarship, and a commitment to faith in both local and global contexts.
Dr Gregory Ernest Fry, Ainslie ACT 2602
For service to tertiary education.
Dr Gregory Ernest Fry has been recognised for his distinguished service to tertiary education, particularly in the fields of diplomacy and Pacific regional affairs. Over several decades, he has held senior academic roles at The Australian National University, including as Director of Graduate Studies in International Affairs and Hedley Bull Fellow. He has also contributed to regional education through his work with the University of the South Pacific, shaping future leaders in diplomacy and development. A respected scholar and author, Dr Fry’s work has significantly influenced Pacific diplomacy and international relations education.
Mrs Carol Glenda Gathercole, ACT
For service to the community as a swimming teacher.
Mrs Carol Glenda Gathercole has been honoured for her lifelong service to the community as a swimming teacher and coach. With a career spanning more than six decades, she has taught generations of children and adults, including over 20 years at Canberra Girls Grammar School and as a founding member and course presenter with the Australian Swimming Coaches and Teachers Association. She also pioneered swim programs in the United States and has contributed to water safety through Royal Life Saving Australia. Her dedication has been recognised with multiple awards, including a Hall of Fame Pioneer Award in 2022.
Mr Scott Desmond Gorringe, ACT
For service to the Indigenous community, and to leadership development.
Mr Scott Desmond Gorringe has been recognised for his impactful service to the Indigenous community and leadership development. As Founder and Director of Murrimatters and co-creator of the Engoori Method, he has led transformative programs that blend cultural wisdom with modern leadership practice. He has played key roles with the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation and in native title processes for the Mithika people. His work in academia and community leadership has empowered Indigenous voices and fostered greater understanding across sectors.
Mr Peter Granleese, ACT
For service to people who are blind or have low vision.
Mr Peter Granleese has been honoured for his dedicated service to people who are blind or have low vision. He led the Canberra Blind Society for over 15 years as President and continues to contribute as Public Officer and mentor. His advocacy has extended across key disability organisations, including Blind Citizens Australia and the ACT Disability Advisory Council, as well as accessibility initiatives such as the Museum of Australian Democracy’s Disability Action Plan. A committed community volunteer, he has also supported inclusive sport through the Achilles Running Club and fundraising for Hartley Lifecare.
Mr Colin Steven Greef, Chisholm ACT
For service to veterans, and to the community.
Mr Colin Steven Greef has been recognised for his dedicated service to veterans and the Canberra community. A Royal Australian Navy veteran, he founded the Canberra Soldier On Music Group in 2016, using music and donated instruments to support the wellbeing of veterans and children. He has also contributed as a Justice of the Peace and volunteer with the Australian Federal Police, The Early Morning Centre, and various service clubs. His lifelong commitment to service is reflected in both his military peacekeeping work and ongoing community advocacy.
Mr Hieu Huy Hoang, ACT
For service to the community of Canberra.
Mr Hieu Huy Hoang has been honoured for his significant service to the Canberra community through business, mentoring, and cultural leadership. He is the founder of multiple initiatives including Tailored Accountants, AccountantChange, and the Vietnamese Business in Canberra network, while also volunteering his expertise with programs like Mill House, InnovationACT, and the Griffin Accelerator. Mr Hoang has supported community resilience through pro bono work with Disaster Relief Australia and founded the Canberra Vietnamese Golf Association to promote connection and wellbeing. His leadership has been recognised with several national business awards for excellence and community impact.
Mr Terence Maloon, ACT
For service to the museums and galleries sector.
Mr Terence Maloon has been honoured for his exceptional service to the museums and galleries sector. He served as Director of the Drill Hall Gallery and University Art Collection at the Australian National University for a decade, following a distinguished curatorial career at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. A former art critic and academic, his expertise in European art history and dedication to arts education have shaped exhibitions and public engagement for over four decades. In recognition of his cultural contributions, he was named a Chevalier des Arts et Lettres by the French Government in 2004.
Mrs Clare Veronica McGrath, ACT
For service to community safety.
Mrs Clare Veronica McGrath has been recognised for her long-standing service to community safety through her leadership and volunteer work with Neighbourhood Watch. A foundation member of Neighbourhood Watch ACT since the mid-1980s, she has held key roles including Area Coordinator, Secretary, and Vice President (North). She also served as a Board Director of Neighbourhood Watch Australasia for over a decade. Her dedication was acknowledged with the Volunteer Member of the Year Award in 2015, reflecting her deep commitment to safer communities.
Mr Iain Campbell (Fred) Smith, O'Connor ACT
For service to music and foreign affairs.
Mr Iain Campbell (Fred) Smith has been honoured for his outstanding service to music and foreign affairs. A celebrated folk singer-songwriter and diplomat, he has used his music to tell powerful stories of conflict, peacekeeping, and Australian identity—most notably through albums like Dust of Uruzgan and Sparrows of Kabul. Alongside his artistic achievements, he has served in multiple international peace and reconstruction missions with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, including in Afghanistan, Bougainville, and the Solomon Islands. His work has earned numerous awards for both his music and his writing, reflecting a rare blend of creative expression and global service.
Mr Nigel Bruce Webster, Fisher ACT
For service to child safety, and to veterans.
Mr Nigel Bruce Webster has been recognised for his dedicated service to child safety and to Australia’s veteran community. As Chair of Kidsafe ACT since 1989 and a national board member with Kidsafe Australia, he has played a leading role in promoting injury prevention and safety for children. He has also made significant contributions to military history and commemoration, serving with the Boer War Memorial Association, the Military Historical Society of Australia, and the ACT Reserve Force Day Council. A former member of the Australian Army, his lifelong commitment spans both community wellbeing and national heritage.
Ms Kirsten Anne Williams, ACT
For service to the arts through music.
Ms Kirsten Anne Williams has been honoured for her outstanding service to the arts through music. As Concertmaster of the Canberra Symphony Orchestra since 2019, she leads several key programs including Kingsland Strings and the Youth Chamber Orchestra. Her career includes nearly two decades as Associate Concertmaster with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, alongside leadership roles with the Australian Chamber Orchestra and Australian Youth Orchestra. Passionate about community outreach, she has volunteered as a violinist in paediatric intensive care and champions regional and youth music education through initiatives like the Goulburn Strings Project.
