Australia Day Honours for UNE community

A NSW Rural Fire Service senior trainer and investigation officer, and a former Australian High Commissioner to Singapore, have been celebrated in the 2026 Australia Day Honours.

For her distinguished service as a member of an Australian fire service, Mardi Cook AFSM has been celebrated in the Australia Day Honours. Full citation

Mardi has served the NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) with unwavering commitment and exceptional skill across Harnham, Devils Pinch and Kentucky brigades, excelling in both operational and administrative capacities. A qualified NSW RFS fire investigation officer, Mardi has led several significant investigations and serves as a senior trainer in the New England Zone, specialising in first aid.

And Bruce Gosper AM has been recognised for his significant service to public administration, particularly international policy and trade. Full citation

Among his many other career highlights and accomplishments, Bruce has served as the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade High Commissioner to Singapore.

Members of the UNE community who have received awards in the Australia Day Honours list also include:

Lynette Anderson OAM: For service to community health. Full citation

Leith Boully AM (posthumous): For significant service to conservation and the environment. Full citation

Deborah Brassey OAM: For service to the community of Pacific Palms. Full citation

Marilyn Chilvers PSM: For outstanding public service to NSW in data research and analysis. Full citation

Lieutenant Commander Justin Downey-Price CSM RAN: CSM and Bar for meritorious achievement as the Command Warrant Officer - Fleet Information Warfare Force. Full citation

Emeritus Professor Roderick Drew AM: For significant service to horticulture research, and to agricultural development. Full citation

John Griffith OAM: For service to primary industry. Full citation

Michaela Hart PSM: For outstanding public service to archival practice and access to records. Full citation

Felix Ho OAM: For service to community health. Full citation

Sybil Jack-Ungar OAM: For service to tertiary education. Full citation

The Honourable Peter Lind Johnstone AM: For significant service to the law and to the judiciary, to legal standards, and to indigenous youth. Full citation

David Kafoa PSM: For outstanding public service in civil, road and structures maintenance in Queensland. Full citation

Robert Lewis OAM: For service to the community of the New England region. Full citation

Nicole Lockie ESM: For distinguished service as a member of an Australian emergency service. Full citation

Emeritus Professor Elizabeth Minchin OAM: For service to tertiary education. Full citation

Selliah Nalliah OAM: For service to the Tamil and Hindu communities of Victoria. Full citation

Graham Peart OAM: For service to the wool industry. Full citation

Former UNE student Lieutenant Commander Jay Pettifer CSM RAN: For outstanding achievement in the development of the Naval Force Protection Bureau. Full citation

Mary Reemst AM: For significant service to the banking sector, and to social welfare organisations. Full citation

Colonel Scott Revell CSM: For meritorious achievement as Commanding Officer and Chief Instructor of the Queensland University Regiment. Full citation

Zeynep Sertel OAM: For service to the Islamic community of Victoria. Full citation

Dr Fiona Stewart AM: For significant service to anatomy as a surgical clinician, researcher and educator, as an academic, and to the community. Full citation

Kathryn Tidd PSM: For outstanding public service to disability advocacy in the NSW public sector. Full citation

Armidale Regional Council Australia Day Award winners:

In our home base of Armidale, these outstanding members of the UNE community were recognised:

Gerald Widders – Mayor’s Award:
A respected 77-year-old Anaiwan Elder and lifelong resident of Armidale, Gerald served UNE colleges for 29 years. He receives the Mayor’s Award in recognition of his deep cultural knowledge, long community involvement and extensive local contributions, including volunteering with the SES, working as a wool presser, helping build numerous homes and community buildings across Armidale, and continuing his active role with the Anaiwan Iwatta Elders.

David Steller – Senior/Elder of the Year:
A UNE alumnus with a Graduate Diploma in Urban and Regional Planning, David was recognised for his longstanding, selfless service to the Armidale community, where his quiet but profound contributions across environmental stewardship, social welfare, aged care and community service have strengthened local connections, supported vulnerable individuals and families, enhanced green spaces, and upheld the dignity of older residents.

Carolyn Gadd – Community Service Award:
An alumna of Armidale Teachers’ College, Carolyn is part of the rich educational history of Armidale that later became connected with UNE. She receives her award for years of tireless service to the Armidale community through Lions Club projects, volunteering with Meals on Wheels, the Tourist Information Centre, and as a guide for the Armidale Tourist Bus, as well as her 16 years of active leadership within the Lions Club.

Annabelle Arkit – Young Citizen of the Year:
Annabelle Arkit’s achievements are followed closely by many at UNE, where her proud mum works. Three years ago, Annabelle co-founded a not-for-profit dance team with three other girls. Since then, she has taught and coached the group as it has grown to 21 dancers aged 9 to 16. The inclusive program was created so children facing financial barriers still have the opportunity to dance.

Duval Dam Buster Trail Run – Community Group/Event of the Year:
Accepted by UNE staff member and race founder, director and organiser Lee-Anne McKinnon, this award recognises eight years of delivering a safe, fun, and challenging event. The Duval Dam Buster Trail Run brings the Armidale community together, attracts visitors from across Australia and beyond, boosts local tourism and businesses, encourages participation for all fitness levels, and donates surplus funds to local charities. The event committee comprises many UNE staff who volunteer their time to assist, and those who help with course approvals and the use of Mt Duval and farmland.  The committee acknowledges the Anaiwan people who permit the event to be run on this land.