Three Hawkesbury residents have been recognised in the 2026 King's Birthday Honours, receiving the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for their outstanding contributions to the community, emergency services, veterans and sport.
The awards, announced by Government House as part of the King's Birthday Honours List, recognise Australians whose service has enriched their communities, professions and the nation. While some recipients are nationally known figures, many are local volunteers whose contributions have quietly improved the lives of others over many years.
This year, the Hawkesbury can proudly claim three recipients.
Phillip George Greentree OAM, of Freemans Reach, was recognised "for service to cricket, and to the community of the Hawkesbury."
Also from Freemans Reach, Janice Elizabeth Earle OAM received recognition "for service to the community through emergency response organisations."
Meanwhile, Colin Wilson OAM, of Windsor, was honoured "for service to veterans, and to the community."
The Emergency Services Medal (ESM) is a separate national honour awarded to members of Australia's emergency services organisations.
Recipients are recognised for distinguished service that goes beyond the normal expectations of their role.
The award may be presented to personnel from organisations such as the State Emergency Service, emergency management agencies, rescue organisations and other emergency service providers.
This year Kevin Jones ESM was recognised for his distinguished contribution to emergency services.
The Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) specifically recognises distinguished service by members of Australian fire services.
Recipients may include volunteer firefighters, retained firefighters and career fire service personnel whose service and leadership have made an exceptional contribution to their communities and organisations.
The AFSM is considered one of the highest honours available within Australia's fire services.
This year Peter Bennett AFSM was recognised for his distinguished service to firefighting and the community.
For a region renowned for its volunteer spirit, the honours serve as a reminder that much of what makes the Hawkesbury function does not come from government agencies or large institutions. It comes from local people giving their time, knowledge and energy to causes they believe in.
Whether helping maintain sporting clubs, supporting emergency services during disasters or standing beside veterans and their families, these contributions often span decades and touch thousands of lives.
Understanding Australia's Honours System
Many Australians hear about King's Birthday Honours each year but are less familiar with how the honours system works.
The Order of Australia is Australia's highest system for recognising achievement and service. Established in 1975, it replaced the former British Imperial Honours system for most Australian awards.
Within the Order of Australia there are four levels:
Companion of the Order of Australia (AC)
This is the highest civilian honour in Australia.
It recognises eminent achievement and merit of the highest degree in service to Australia or humanity.
Recipients often include former governors-general, leading scientists, national figures, senior judges and Australians whose contributions have had a profound impact on the nation.
Officer of the Order of Australia (AO)
The AO recognises distinguished service of a high degree to Australia or humanity at a national or international level.
Recipients frequently include prominent business leaders, academics, medical researchers, artists and community leaders.
Member of the Order of Australia (AM)
The AM recognises significant service in a particular field or to a community.
Recipients often include people who have made major contributions to professional, charitable or community organisations over many years.
Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM)
The OAM recognises service worthy of particular recognition at a local, regional or specialist level.
It is often awarded to the volunteers, organisers, coaches, emergency service personnel, veterans' advocates and community leaders who form the backbone of Australian society.
All three Hawkesbury recipients this year were awarded the OAM, reflecting their substantial contributions to community life.
More Than Just a Medal
While the OAM sits at the entry level of the Order of Australia hierarchy, it should not be mistaken as a minor award.
Recipients are nominated by members of the public and assessed through a rigorous process conducted by the independent Council for the Order of Australia.
Many recipients have dedicated decades of service before being recognised.
In communities such as the Hawkesbury, that service is often woven into everyday life.
Residents may know the names being honoured but may not fully appreciate the countless hours that sit behind the official citations.
The Hawkesbury has long relied on volunteers. During floods, bushfires and droughts, community members regularly step forward to help neighbours and support emergency services. Sporting clubs are sustained by volunteers who coach, fundraise and maintain facilities. Veterans' organisations depend on dedicated individuals who ensure the sacrifices of past generations are remembered and respected.
These honours acknowledge that work.
The recognition is also significant because it highlights the diversity of contributions that strengthen regional communities.
Cricket has a rich and proud history in the Hawkesbury, serving as more than just a sport. Local clubs have long been places where friendships are formed, young people develop confidence and communities come together.
Emergency response organisations play a critical role in a region that regularly faces natural disasters. Hawkesbury residents understand the demands placed on volunteers during bushfires and floods, where service often involves long hours, difficult conditions and significant personal sacrifice.
Veterans' support is equally important. Beyond commemorative services, veterans' organisations provide practical assistance, advocacy, companionship and welfare support to former service personnel and their families.
The King's Birthday Honours provide an opportunity for the community to pause and acknowledge those efforts.
In an era when public attention is often focused on controversy and division, the honours remind us that many people continue to dedicate themselves to causes greater than themselves.
For the Hawkesbury, the recognition of Phillip Greentree, Janice Earle and Colin Wilson is also recognition of the many volunteers who work alongside them and the community spirit that continues to define the district.
The Hawkesbury Gazette congratulates all recipients on their well-deserved honours and thanks them for their service to the Hawkesbury and the wider Australian community.
