RMIT community recognised in 2026 Australia Day Honours

RMIT community recognised in 2026 Australia Day Honours

RMIT alumni, former staff and a current PhD student have been recognised in the 2026 Australia Day Honours, reflecting the University’s impact across research, public service, industry, community leadership and the arts.

The Australia Day Honours recognise Australians for outstanding service and achievement across a wide range of fields. 

This year’s Honours List recognised 949 Australians for significant contributions to their communities, outstanding achievements and meritorious service. 

Former RMIT academics, lecturers and teachers recognised 

Mark Armstrong AO 

Appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for distinguished service to media and communications law, the development of public policy and regulation, and as an academic.  

Major Neil Leckie OAM  

Awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to veterans and to the community through a range of roles. 

Maggie Toko AM  

Appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to mental health governance and awareness. 

Current RMIT student recognised 

Dr Paul Kremer AM 

A PhD student in RMIT’s School of Property, Construction and Project Management, Dr Kremer was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to the built environment. 

RMIT alumni recognised 

Phillip Clifford OAM  

Awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the community of Maffra. 

Kathleen Collett AM  

Appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to medicine in the field of radiology as a clinician and administrator. 

Emma Conway AFSM  

Awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal for distinguished service as a member of an Australian fire service. 

The late Norman Faifer AM  

Appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to the building and construction industry, and to the community. 

Eliza Hull OAM  

Awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to people with disability and the arts. 

The late Norman Hutton OAM 

Awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the community through charitable organisations. 

Janette Kendall AM  

Appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to business, to the arts, to the marketing sector, and to the community.  

Cuc Lam PSM OAM  

Awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the community of Maribyrnong.  

Maureen McCarty PSM  

Awarded the Public Service Medal for outstanding public service in critical health workforce data and planning across Australian governments. 

Dr Bruce McGregor AM  

Appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to conservation and environment, in a range of roles.  

Dr Gillian Miles AM  

Appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to the transport and infrastructure sectors. 

Selliah Nalliah OAM  

Awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the Tamil and Hindu communities of Victoria. 

Michael Nolan OAM  

Awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the community through social welfare organisations.  

Kevin O’Callaghan ESM OAM  

Awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the community of Craigieburn. 

Nicholas Pearce OAM  

Awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the community through the not-for-profit sector. 

Charles Reis OAM  

Awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the community in a range of roles and organisations.  

Jody Salmon PSM  

Awarded the Public Service Medal for outstanding public service in the delivery of reform agendas to benefit Australians with a disability.  

Angela Scaffidi AM  

Appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to the community through philanthropic initiatives.  

Brendan Schwab AM  

Appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to professional sport as a lawyer and as an advocate for athletes’ rights 

Air Vice-Marshal Margaret Staib AM  

Appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to business, to the aviation sector, and to the freight and logistics industry. 

RMIT congratulates all recipients and thanks them for their contributions to Australia and communities locally and globally. 

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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