Renowned First Nations advocate and leader Pat Turner has been appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service to the Indigenous community.
The Arrernte and Gurdanji woman retired in March after working tirelessly to advance the rights of First Nations people through policy development, governance and leaderships roles, and improving health outcomes.
The 74-year-old spent a decade at the helm of the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NAACHO), leading community efforts to Close the Gap in health outcomes.
Ms Turner was also the lead convenor of the Coaltion of Peaks, co-chair of the Joint Council on Closing the Gap, was the longest serving CEO of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Commission, and was the inaugural head of NITV.
Turning grief into advocacy
Senior Noongar Yamatji woman Mechelle Turvey has received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the Indigenous communities of Western Australia.
It comes after years of transforming the unimaginable loss of her son Cassius Turvey into community leadership.
"I accept this award for those hardworking people out there that are working towards Aboriginal people and communities," Ms Turvey said.
In October 2022, the 15-year-old was assaulted while walking home from school and tragically died from his injuries 10 days later.
His death sparked grief and outrage across Australia, with vigils and rallies held around the country in solidarity with his family.
Rather than retreat from public life, Mechelle Turvey has became an advocate for victims of crime and their families.
Since 2023, she has helped train Western Australia Police Force recruits, through her ‘TAKE 5’ program, drawing on her own experiences to help officers better understand how victims and families experience trauma.
"It is about getting out there with Aboriginal people, getting the police as well at the same table, to clear up misunderstandings and just to enhance that trust and get over those boundaries," Ms Turvey said.
Academics to athletes among honourees
Dozens of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are among the 949 Australians recognised on the 2026 King's Birthday Honours list.
Recipients are nominated by the public and recommended to the Governor-General by the independent Council for the Order of Australia.
Professor Tracey Bunda is a thought leader with decades of experience in the education system at all levels.
The Ngugi/Wakka Wakka woman has been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to tertiary education and research, and to the Indigenous community.
“I think a more informed non-Indigenous nation can then stand beside us and stand with us,” Professor Bunda said.
Jenni Caruso, an Eastern Arrente woman, and her siblings were stolen from their family in Alice Springs and placed in the Croker Island Mission, 290 kilometres east of Garramilla, Darwin.
The historian and former university lecturer, is passionate about truth telling and has been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to the Indigenous communities of South Australia.
“Realising that storytelling and bringing to light of those experiences — not just for myself but for all stolen generations — has made its mark, is quite validating,” she said.
Glenn Johnston, the deputy CEO of Australia’s leading database of verified Blak businesses Supply Nation, has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for developing Aboriginal enterprise.
“Seeing the growth and the pride that people get from some of the outcomes, to me is incredibly rewarding,” the Dharug man said.
Dr Michael Adams, known as Uncle Mick, has dedicated his life to improving men’s health.
The Yadhiagana and Wuthuti and man hopes being appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) will help take his work to a national level.
“I'm trying to set up a national body for men's health but every door we knock on it opens then it closes," Dr Adams said.
"Hopefully recognition for the work will give more leeway to help our blokes and our people."
Also honoured is AFL legend Chris Lewis who has received an OAM for service to Australian rules football and to the Indigenous community.
He played 215 games for the West Coast Eagles, including two historic premierships in 1992 and 1994 and was inducted into the Eagles Hall of Fame in 2011.
