The 2025 King’s Birthday Honours List celebrates the exceptional achievements of Australians across various sectors. Among the 123 individuals appointed as Members of the Order of Australia (AM) in the General Division, several recipients from the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) have been recognized for their significant contributions.
These honourees have demonstrated outstanding service in fields such as education, health, the arts, community service, and public administration. Their dedication and impact have enriched the ACT community and beyond, reflecting the diverse talents and commitments of its residents.
Ms Helen Claire Dalley Fisher, Downer ACT
For significant service to women through gender equity and equality advocacy, and to the law.
Ms Helen Claire Dalley Fisher has been recognised for her significant service to women through advocacy for gender equity and equality, and her contributions to the legal sector. She played a leading role in the Equality Rights Alliance for over a decade, including as Convenor, driving national policy change on issues affecting women. A passionate human rights lawyer, she has held senior roles in disability discrimination legal services and served on multiple advisory and governance committees, including with Canberra Community Law and the National Women’s Safety Alliance. Her work has influenced national policy and raised awareness of key issues, such as housing insecurity for older women.
Ms Christine Ann Faulks, Forrest ACT
For significant service to education, to business, and to the community.
Ms Christine Ann Faulks has been honoured for her significant service to education, business, and the Canberra community. She served as Deputy Chancellor of the University of Canberra and held leadership roles across a range of organisations, including the Canberra Symphony Orchestra, ACT Brumbies, and Service One. Her career spans government advisory positions, business chamber leadership, and long-standing volunteer work with Calvary Hospital Auxiliary. Through her diverse contributions, Ms Faulks has shaped civic, cultural, and educational life in the ACT for over four decades.
Emeritus Professor Anthony Hearle Johns, Ainslie ACT
For significant service to tertiary education, particularly to language and culture.
Emeritus Professor Anthony Hearle Johns has been honoured for his significant service to tertiary education, particularly in the fields of language and culture. A pioneering scholar in Indonesian and Islamic studies, he was the founding Professor of Indonesian Studies and Culture at the Australian National University and held multiple leadership roles there over several decades. His academic influence extended globally through visiting appointments at institutions in Oxford, Tokyo, Toronto, and Jerusalem. Widely published and highly respected, his contributions have been recognised with international awards, including a cultural honour from the Indonesian Government and the establishment of a named fund at ANU in his and his wife’s honour.
Professor Raymond William Lovett, ACT
For significant service to Indigenous health and research as an epidemiologist.
Professor Raymond William Lovett has been recognised for his significant service to Indigenous health and research as a leading epidemiologist. He is the Director of the Mayi Kuwayu Study and co-founder of the Yardhura Walani Centre at ANU, where his work focuses on the cultural determinants of health and Indigenous data sovereignty. Professor Lovett has led national and global efforts in public health policy, tobacco control, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health reform, serving on numerous advisory panels and research collectives. His contributions have been widely recognised, including a Fulbright Indigenous Fellowship and multiple awards for research leadership and reconciliation.
Dr Rolf Guenther Oberprieler, ACT
For significant service to entomology, particularly as an insect systematist.
Dr Rolf Guenther Oberprieler has been honoured for his significant service to entomology, with a particular focus on insect systematics. A globally respected expert on weevils, he served as an entomologist and Zimmerman Fellow at the Australian National Insect Collection from 1997 to 2021 and has authored major works including the Australian Weevils monograph series. His prolific research output includes nearly 300 scientific publications and leadership roles in international editorial panels. Dr Oberprieler’s work has shaped global understanding of beetle biodiversity and taxonomy, earning him prestigious recognition such as the J.O. Westwood Medal from the Royal Entomological Society.
Mr Neville Robert Tomkins OAM, Aranda ACT
For significant service to youth through leadership roles in the Scouting movement, and to the community.
Mr Neville Robert Tomkins OAM has been elevated to a Member of the Oder, recognised for his significant service to youth through leadership in the Scouting movement and to the broader community. With a Scouting career spanning decades, he has held senior roles nationally and internationally, including Chief Commissioner of Scouts NSW, President of Scouts ACT, and key positions with the Asia Pacific Region and World Organization of the Scout Movement. He has championed youth safety, mental health, governance reform, and international collaboration, while also contributing to community organisations such as the St Vincent de Paul Society and Australian Red Cross. A dedicated public servant and volunteer, his lifelong commitment to leadership, service, and youth development has earned him widespread recognition and honours.
Mr Michael Llewellyn Young, McKellar ACT
For significant service to the project management industry, and to hockey.
Mr Michael Llewellyn Young has been honoured for his significant service to the project management industry and to the sport of hockey. A respected academic, practitioner, and volunteer, he has played a leading role in shaping national and international project management standards through organisations such as the Australian Institute of Project Management and the International Project Management Association. Alongside his professional contributions, Mr Young has dedicated over a decade to developing hockey in the ACT as an umpire, coach, mentor, and committee member at local and national levels. His service also spans community resilience, military cadet training, and education, reflecting a lifelong commitment to leadership, learning, and volunteerism.
