Chief Minister congratulates 2026 King’s Birthday Honours recipients

8 June 2026

Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro has congratulated the Territorians and individuals who have made a significant contribution to the Northern Territory and have been recognised in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours List.

This year’s honours recognise seventeen remarkable individuals whose service, leadership and dedication have helped shape communities, industries and lives across the Territory.

From service to youth and Indigenous communities, to leadership in the building and construction industry, hospitality, public service, emergency services, corrections, policing and defence, the recipients represent the very best of the Territory spirit.

The Chief Minister said the honours reflected the extraordinary contribution Territorians make every day to improve the lives of others.

“Today’s recipients have made a lasting difference to our communities through their service, leadership and commitment to others,” she said.

“They come from different backgrounds and professions, but they share a common characteristic - a willingness to step forward, contribute and make the Territory a better place.

“Whether through community service, supporting young people, improving outcomes for Aboriginal Territorians, serving on the frontline, strengthening industries or defending our nation, each recipient has left a positive mark on the Territory.

“This year was extra special for our family, with my late Mother-in-Law Dr Annette Burke OAM recognised posthumously for her service to the people of Palmerston, local government, education and community."

The 2026 King’s Birthday Honours recipients include:

Officer of the Order of Australia (AO)

• Ms Patricia Turner AO – for distinguished service to the Indigenous community through policy development, governance and leadership roles, and improving health outcomes.

Member of the Order of Australia (AM)

• Mr Stephen Margetic AM – for significant service to the building and construction industry, and to philanthropy.
   
• Mr Neil Westbury AM PSM – for significant service to the Indigenous community of the Northern Territory and Victoria.

Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM)

• The late Dr Annette Burke OAM – for service to the community through a range of organisations.
   
• Mr Justin Coleman OAM – for service to the hospitality industry, and to the community.
   
• Mr Richard Giles OAM - for service to the community of the Northern Territory.
   
• Mr Richard Griffiths OAM - for service to the community of the Northern Territory. 
   
• Mr David Milne OAM – for service to youth.
   
• Mr Allan Mitchell OAM – for service to local government, and to the community.

Public Service Medal (PSM)

• Dr Wayne Beswick PSM – for outstanding public service in driving systemic change to government practices and improving outcomes for First Nations people.

Australian Police Medal (APM)

• Superintendent Mark Grieve APM – for distinguished service as a member of an Australian police force.

Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM)

• Ms Dianne Tynan AFSM – for distinguished service as a member of an Australian fire service.

Australian Corrections Medal (ACM)

• Ms Michelle Pennington ACM – for distinguished service as a member of an Australian correctional service.

Conspicuous Service Cross (CSC)

• Captain Bernadette Alexander CSC RAN – for outstanding achievement in Navy capability, shipbuilding and sustainment.

Conspicuous Service Medal (CSM)

• Warrant Officer Class One Sonya Francis CSM – for meritorious devotion to duty in logistics management and welfare support at the 1st Combat Engineer Regiment.
   
• Captain Aaron Wurfel CSM – for meritorious achievement as the Staff Officer Grade Two National Entry, Combined Joint Theatre Support Component, Joint Operations Command.
   
• Sergeant Lawson Alick CSM – for meritorious devotion to duty as a Military Recruiter, enabling the transformation of Defence Force Recruiting’s operating framework.

“These honours recognise outstanding achievement, but they also celebrate something uniquely Territorian - people who quietly get on with the job of serving others and strengthening their communities," added Mrs Finocchiaro. 

“On behalf of all Territorians, I congratulate every recipient and thank them for their extraordinary contribution to the Northern Territory and Australia.”

Media contact: Nathan Vass - 0405 799 790