RSL Queensland members recognised

2026 Australia Day Honours List 

The Australia Day Honours List celebrates Australians from across the country for their distinguished service within their local communities. 

In 2026, 949 Australians have been recognised, including 680 recipients in the General Division of the Order of Australia, 187 recipients of the Meritorious awards, 22 in the Military Division of the Order of Australia and 60 Distinguished and Conspicuous awards. 

Among the 2026 recipients, more than 110 individuals from across Queensland were honoured for their contributions. 

Congratulations to the RSL Queensland members and veterans who have been named in the Australia Day 2026 Honours List.

Thank you for your continued dedication to veterans and their families, and the community.

The following RSL Queensland members, and veterans, were recognised by Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC on 26 January 2026: 

Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division

• The late Mark Berkovich RFD, Crows Nest: For service to the community through a range of organisations.
• Robert Blair, Urangan: For significant service to the Indigenous community of Queensland.
• Charlie Cobb, Sunshine Coast: For service to the community of the Sunshine Coast.
• James Elsden Danskin, Toowoomba: For service to veterans and their families.
• John Lewis Forrest RFD, Indooroopilly: For service to cricket.
• Norman John Fry, Hodgson: For service to veterans, and to the community.
• Luke Christopher Harding, Bundaberg North: For service to the community through a range of organisations. 
• Scott Douglas Harris, Bray Park: For service to veterans and their families.
• Barry Edward Kelly, Warwick: For service to veterans and their families.
• Raymond George Thomas: For service to veterans and their families.
• Milton Gregory West RFD ED: For service to veterans.
• Keith Malcolm Campbell, Kingaroy: For service to local government, and to the community of South Burnett.
• Kerry David Evans, Nambour: For service to the Christian community of Nambour.
• The Honourable Justice John Alexander Logan RFD: For significant service to the judiciary and to the law. 

RSL Queensland also acknowledges the current-serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel who were recipients of awards in the Military Division of the Order of Australia, and distinguished and conspicuous awards. 

To view the full Australia Day 2026 Honours List, please visit the Governor-General’s website. 

Congratulations also to the many RSL Queensland members across the state who were recognised locally in their community’s 2026 Australia Day Awards. 

2026 Australia Day Achievement Medallions 

This year, as part of the 2026 Australia Day Achievement Medallion awarded by RSL Australia, 11 recipients from RSL Queensland were recognised for the exceptional work that they do within the RSL community. 

The Australia Day Achievement Medallion allows Commonwealth agencies to acknowledge individuals for their contribution to the nation and their outstanding performance. 

This year’s recipients have gone above and beyond, providing loyal and dedicated service to their communities.

RSL Queensland recipients: 

• Beenleigh and District Sub Branch, Gold Coast District: for their exceptional service to veterans, their families and the broader community. 
• Kirsty Claassen, South Eastern District: for her diligence in supporting the Board of management in its endeavours is a major contributor to the overall success of the Sub Branch. 
• Freddie Fenton, Gold Coast District: for exceptional dedication and service to the Tamborine Mountain RSL Sub Branch and veteran community. 
• Peter Hayton, Far Northern District: for his hard work in assisting his fellow veterans and families in need. 
• Innisfail Executive Board Committee, Far Northern District: for their exceptional dedication and service to the Sub Branch. 
• Gordon Nielson, Western District: for his exceptional dedication and service to the Sub Branch. 
• Arthur Lee Regnart, Brisbane North District: for outstanding service as a volunteer treasurer for his Sub Branch as well as RSL Brisbane North District. 
• Helena Smith, Sunshine Coast & Regional District: for her outstanding and dedicated service to the veteran community for more than 30 years. 
• Martin Tanzer, North Queensland District: for demonstrating exceptional dedication and commitment to the Bowen RSL Sub Branch. 
• Brian Tidyman, Wide Bay and Burnett District: for exceptional leadership and dedication to veterans and the wider Hervey Bay community for more than 15 years. 
• Toogoolawah Sub Branch Executive, Morton District: for creating a welcoming and supportive environment for veterans and their families. 

To read the summary of recognition for each recipient, please visit the RSL Australia website.