11/06/2026
The Uniting Church in Australia warmly congratulates all members of our Church community who have been recognised in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours List.
From insightful authors and compassionate community carers to enlightening theologians and dedicated educators, 17 individuals with strong ties to the Uniting Church have been honoured for their remarkable contributions across a wide range of fields, as well as their faithful service to both the Church and the broader community.
Recipients of the King’s Birthday Honours are nominated by members of the public and assessed by the independent Council for the Order of Australia before being recommended to the Governor-General, Her Excellency Sam Mostyn AC. The process highlights the important role communities play in recognising those who serve with distinction.
We celebrate and commend each Uniting Church member awarded a medal for their outstanding dedication to the life of our nation.
Ro Allen – Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to the community through social reform and human rights advocacy. Ro worked for UnitingCare Australia from 1996 to 2010, serving as Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Cutting Edge, and Founder, The Diversity Project at Uniting Victoria and Tasmania.
Stuart Connew – Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to music, and to the church. Among a vast arrange of musical appointments, Stuart is a former organist of St Ives Uniting Church and organist and choirmaster at PLC Pymble.
Fran Doig – Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the community through charitable organisations. A member of Wangaratta Uniting Church since 1965, she volunteers for the local Uniting Church Op Shop and Coffee, Craft and Childcare. She was also Wangaratta Citizen of the Year in 2018.
Margaret Freeman – Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the church. As well as a wonderful contributor to her local church, Margaret serves as a Church Services Volunteer at Uniting Mirinjani Weston residential aged care centre.
John W. Flynn – Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service to people who are deaf or hard of hearing, to equality and accessibility, and to Auslan training and education. John attends Adelaide's Burnside City Uniting Church.
Robert Glass – Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the community of Ballarat. A much loved member of Brown Hill Uniting Church since 1981, Robert has also been the church’s Chairman and Council member for the last eight years. He has previously served as Treasurer of the Ballarat North Combined Churches Council.
Winwood Howard – Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the community through a range of organisations. A member of Coffs Harbour Uniting Church, he has devoted more than 60 years to the life and mission of the Methodist and Uniting Churches. A lay preacher since 1958, he has served in leadership roles at congregational, presbytery and Synod levels, including with Wesley Central Mission. His commitment to community service also extended nationally through a decade on the Lifeline Australia Board.
Rev Emeritus Professor Phillip Hughes – Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to the sociology of religion, to academia, to social cohesion, and to the community. A Uniting Church minister 1987, Phillip has made an enormous contribution to the church and theological colleges. He has also authored/co-authored 56 books in sociology of religion.
Dr Rodney Kirkpatrick – Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to community history. In addition to being a respected historian and journalist, Rodney has faithfully served the Uniting Church as an Elder and Secretary at St Paul’s Uniting Church Stafford, as well as Elder and Church Newsletter Editor at Centenary Uniting Church.
Anthony (Tony) Larkin – Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to secondary education, and to school sports. Tony devoted more than four decades to education at Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School, a Uniting Church school, serving as teacher, Vice Principal and Principal. His leadership shaped generations of students and staff.
Anne Jillian (Jill) Oliver – Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the community through a range of roles. An associated member of Uniting BreezeWay, she has also provided longstanding service with Rotary, including leadership roles with Alfredton Rotary Club and Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children.
Robert (Dawson) Petie – Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to industrial relations, to corporate governance, and to the community. He served as a Board Member of UnitingCare Queensland for 13 years, including as Deputy Chair from 2006–2018 and Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee.
Diana Sawyer – Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the communities of Barwon Southwest. Diana devoted decades of service to the Manningham Uniting Church through leadership, youth ministry, pastoral care and community support. Today, she is still actively involved in her local community, particularly the Queenscliffe Historical Museum, where she has volunteered since 2008.
Rev Dr Noel Schultz – Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the Uniting and Lutheran Churches. A respected pastor and author, he has held key leadership roles in the Uniting Church, including Director of Pastoral Care and Community Education at St Michael’s Melbourne and pastor of East Kew Ministry. He also served as President of the Uniting Church Adult Fellowship.
Enid Tink – Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the community of Ravensthorpe. Enid has faithfully served the Ravensthorpe Uniting Church as a member, fundraiser and active participant in the Ladies Guild. Enid’s contribution extends to numerous local organisations. She was Ravensthorpe Citizen of the Year Award in 2002.
Lois (Madge) Vanstone – Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to music, and to the community. A dedicated musician and community volunteer, Madge’s service has enriched the lives. A parishioner of Wandearah Uniting Church, she has shared her musical gifts in aged care and community settings for many years and is a Life Member of the Northern Country Music Association.
Peter Whiting – Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the community of Adelaide. A long-standing Lay Preacher, for 52 years at Adelaide West Uniting Church and currently at the Seaford Uniting Church and Church of Christ Combined Congregation. He volunteers with Meals on Wheels and supports numerous community organisations as a pro-bono auditor.
