Northern Stars Shine Bright in King’s Birthday Honours List

8 June 2025

Twenty outstanding Territorians have earned national recognition in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours List for their service and commitment to the Northern Territory and Australia.

One Territorian has been appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO), 4 Territorians have been appointed Members of the Order of Australia (AM), 9 have received the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM), 1 has been awarded the Conspicuous Service Medal (CSM), and 5 have been honoured with meritorious service awards for distinguished contributions in their fields.

His Honour Professor the Honourable Hugh Heggie AO PSM, Administrator of the Northern Territory, congratulates the recipients on behalf of all Territorians.

“It’s inspiring to see Territorians across the Top End and Central Australia recognised for their dedication and service, embodying the true spirit of the Territory” His Honour said.

“For 50 years, the Australian Honours System has stood as a symbol of excellence, service, and unity. With more than a million recipients across five decades, these honours recognise the everyday heroes who make our country a better place—individuals who lead, inspire, and dedicate their lives to the communities they serve. Today, we celebrate their legacy and the enduring impact of their contributions.”

“These recipients have shown exceptional dedication in their fields of education, disability, nursing, to Indigenous health and advocacy, indigenous communities of the Northern Territory, and to the community. They reflect the spirit of the Territory and inspire us all to make a difference.”

The Administrator will formally present these Territorians with their insignia at a ceremony at Government House in September, honouring their outstanding contributions and service to the community.

Territorians recognised in 2025 include:

Order of Australia

Appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) - General Division

Mr Christopher Tudor AO

Members of the Order of Australia (AM) – General Division

The late Mr Samuel Bush-Blanasi AM
Ms Olga Havnen AM
Associate Professor Emma Kennedy AM
Mrs Cheryl Jean Rae AM

Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) – General Division

Ms Judith Dikstein OAM
The late Mr John Dunstan OAM
Mr Thomas Ganley OAM
Mr Gerald McCarthy OAM
Ms Jennifer Messell OAM
The late Mr David Pearson OAM

Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) – Military Division

Lieutenant Colonel Mark Christopher OAM
Major Michelle Griffith OAM
Petty Officer Meg Magnuson OAM

Meritorious Service Awards

Awarded the Australian Police Medal (APM)

Commander Daniel Bacon APM

Awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM)

Mr James Bromley AFSM
Ms Lee Humphris AFSM

Awarded the Emergency Services Medal (ESM)

Ms Fleur De May O’Connor ESM

Awarded the Australian Corrections Medal (ACM)

Mr David Gordon ACM

Conspicuous Service Decorations

Awarded the Conspicuous Service Medal (CSM)

Sergeant Joanna Morris CSM

To view the full list of recipients and their citations, or to learn how to nominate someone for an Australian Honour, visit gg.gov.au.

ENDS.