Several residents across the Adelaide Hills, Fleurieu and Murraylands have been recognised in the Australia Day 2026 Honours List, announced by the Governor-General.
Among the local recipients of the Medal of the Order of Australia is Rex Liebelt from Strathalbyn, recognised for service to the agricultural show sector. Mount Barker’s Robert John Peet received an OAM for service to the performing arts, while Graham Leon Hill from Crafers was acknowledged for service to youth and vocational education. Professor Neil Brenton Piller from Upper Sturt was also awarded an OAM for significant service to lymphology as a clinician and academic.
The late Reg Nolan from Murray Bridge was awarded a posthumous OAM for service to horse racing. Mr Nolan, who passed away in 2023, served on the Murray Bridge Racing Club board for 28 years, leading the club’s move from Maurice Road to Gifford Hill. He was also involved with Country Racing SA, the Mindarie-Halidon Racecourse, the Murray Bridge and Districts Community Club, and contributed to the Mypolonga RSL, football club, golf club, and local hunt club. His leadership was described by his successor as pivotal in guiding the club through challenges, and he was widely recognised as a pioneering figure in the community.
Local emergency services were also recognised, with Martin Osmund Carney from Scott Creek, working with the Country Fire Service, and Stuart James Helmore from Blackwood, with the Metropolitan Fire Service, receiving Australian Fire Service Medals for distinguished service.
Nationally, the major award of Australian of the Year went to Adelaide astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg. Katherine is the first Australian to qualify as an astronaut under the nation’s space program, graduating from Basic Astronaut Training in 2024 with the European Astronaut Centre in Germany. She was selected from over 22,500 applicants and has since advanced multiple space missions and technologies. Katherine is also a passionate advocate for Australia’s space program, inspiring schoolchildren and industry leaders alike.
Announcing the honours, the Governor-General said the 2026 list reflected the values Australians hold dear. “The qualities and accomplishments of this year’s honourees reflect Australia’s values for service, community, kindness, curiosity, tenacity, and care,” the Governor-General said. “Congratulations to everyone recognised in the Australia Day 2026 Honours List. As the list so vividly showcases, so many Australians continue to give the best of themselves across many endeavours, in the interest of others.”
A total of 949 Australians were recognised this year, an increase of more than 200 recipients compared to last year. Award recipients will attend investiture ceremonies at Government House in their respective states and territories in the coming months.
