The Order of Australia Association

02/11/2026

The Order of Australia SA Branch hosts Honours Recipients Fellowship Luncheon Meetings for members of the Order of Australia and other honours recipients, partners and friends, at the Naval, Military and Air Force Club of South Australia in Adelaide.
Our guest speaker on Thursday 27 August 2026 was former St John Ambulance South Australia Commissioner Ray Greig OAM (standing, second from left). His topic was, “How my professional career and volunteer learnings benefited the community of SA, including an overview of John Ambulance in Australia from beginning to today”. Ray was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia, “For service to the community through St John Ambulance Australia” (AD 2010).

18/10/2026

The The Order of Australia Association ACT Branch was delighted to welcome Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of Australia, to our stall at the annual Government House Open Day at Yarralumla.

Charities of which Her Excellency is Patron were invited to host information stalls, and ours attracted strong interest throughout the day, particularly from visitors keen to learn how to nominate someone for an award in the Order of Australia, and about our Student Citizenship Awards.

We are honoured that the Governor-General will present this year’s ACT Branch Student Citizenship Awards at Government House in December.

📸 (L–R): Bruce Trewartha OAM, Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, and Andrew Phelan AM, Chair of the ACT Branch.

08/10/2026

2027 NATIONAL CONFERENCE “Recognising Achievement, Inspiring Tomorrow”

The Chair of the SA Branch of the Order of Australia Association Mr Noel Hender OAM BEM, and Conference Convenor Mr Tony Metcalf OAM, are pleased to announce that Adelaide Airport has confirmed their support for the 2027 Order of Australia National Conference to be held in Adelaide in May next year.

We are most grateful for Adelaide Airport’s commitment as a Gold Sponsor, which will add to South Australia’s ability to present a quality conference for delegates expected from across Australia.

Adelaide Airport achieved a record of more than 9.1 million passengers in 2025/26. At its peak, during the summer holiday season, they recorded more than 70 international flights a week.

To meet growing demand, Adelaide Airport is undertaking a $600 million infrastructure program, called Project Flight, to upgrade their aeronautical facilities. Works underway or completed including an expansion of the main check-in hall, expansion of gates and lounges at both ends of the terminal, a full refurbishment of all gate lounges, security upgrades for both passenger screening and checked bag screening and creating more tarmac space in and around the terminal’s precinct for aircraft parking.

Again, we are delighted to thank and welcome Adelaide Airport aboard.

Enquiries about sponsorship opportunities for the conference can be directed to: [email protected]

22/09/2026

ORDER OF AUSTRALIA ASSOCIATION
Tribute to the SA Branch Patron

The SA Branch has been pleased to have as its Patron Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC, Governor of South Australia, who will complete her Vice-Regal tenure on 6 October.

Branch Chair Noel Hender OAM BEM expressed his thanks for Her Excellency’s patronage: “Her Excellency has been a steadfast advocate for the Order, welcoming members to Government House for numerous investitures and special occasions. Her leadership was especially valued during the celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the Order of Australia, where she helped highlight the enduring importance of the Order in recognising service and achievement across the nation”. Her Excellency is pictured at the SA Branch 2025 King’s Birthday Luncheon, where she cut a special birthday cake marking the 50-year anniversary of the institution of the Australian Honours System.

Her Excellency’s appointment as a Companion of the Order of Australia in June 2021 recognised her “eminent service to public administration through the advancement of Australia’s diplomatic, trade and cultural interests, particularly with the People’s Republic of China and the Indo-Pacific region, to innovative foreign policy development and high level program delivery, and as the 36th Governor appointed in South Australia.

08/09/2026

Save the Date: 2027 NATIONAL CONFERENCE: Recognising Achievement, Inspiring Tomorrow

The SA Branch will be hosting the 2027 Order of Australia Association National Conference in Adelaide in May next year.

This Conference will incorporate an Annual General Meeting and Members’ Forum, a conference day with high-profile guest speakers, and the Association Annual Dinner at which the Order of Australia Association Foundation Scholarships will be announced. The venue is the InterContinental Adelaide – the majority of events will be held in the Ballroom on the lower Ground Floor.

We look forward to seeing you in Adelaide in 2027!

For more information on the 2027 National Conference, refer here:

https://theorderofaustralia.asn.au/

01/09/2026

SERIES LAUNCH

Voices of Leadership, Extraordinary Impact launches this week.

Hosted by Hon Vicki O’Halloran AO CVO FAICD this eight-part Menzies Leadership Foundation series brings together Australians recognised through the Order of Australia to explore leadership grounded in service, resilience, courage and contribution.

The Order of Australia Association is proud to partner on the series.

Episode One features Dr Peter Rogers AM , exploring service as the foundation of leadership
and trust.

🎧Listen on
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5bxQ7WjTIwqnxMTH4fkbbw

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/leadership-as-service-with-guest-dr-peter-rogers-am/id1487272153?i=1000787044631

https://menziesleadershipforum.podbean.com

We speak with outstanding leaders from Australia and around the world to inspire you on your own leadership journey.

31/08/2026

One of the highlights of the Victorian Branch of the Order of Australia Association calendar is the annual Paul Wheelton AM CGSJ Inspiring Australians Oration — an event that brings together generations to celebrate leadership, resilience and community service.

Paul Wheelton AM, a dedicated philanthropist, businessman and long-time OAA member and supporter, championed the creation of the Oration in 2017 as a way to shine a light on Australians who inspire others through their contribution to our community.

Today, the Oration brings together distinguished speakers, OAA members, guests and students — and provides an opportunity to showcase another important part of the OAA’s work: the OAA Foundation scholarship program.

The impact of these scholarships is brought to life by recipients such as Chelsea Allen (2023) and Dr Felicia Eng (2004), who have both shared how this support helped shape their education, careers and contribution to the community.

Their stories are a powerful reminder of what can happen when we invest in talented young people and give them the opportunity to thrive.

This year’s Oration was held at The Angliss Conference Centre, with an inspiring line-up of speakers and guests.

📸 L–R: Chelsea Allen, Paul Wheelton AM, Kathryn J F**g AC, FAICD AC and Fred Harrington OAM

Find out more about the OAA Foundation scholarship program:

https://oaafoundation.org.au

25/08/2026

Queensland Citizenship Awards 2026.

Members of the Order of Australia Association Queensland are warmly encouraged to attend this special ceremony at Parliament House, Brisbane, on Friday 18 September 2026.

Witness outstanding Queensland secondary students recognized for exemplary service to their schools and communities, with awards presented by Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM, Governor of Queensland.

It promises to be a memorable afternoon celebrating inspirational young Australians who exemplify the true spirit of citizenship.

Bookings are available through Humanitix:

https://events.humanitix.com/oaaq-members-secondary-schools-citizenship-awards-2026

19/08/2026

2027 NATIONAL CONFERENCE

Recognising Achievement, Inspiring Tomorrow

The Chair of the South Australia Branch of the Order of Australia Association Mr Noel Hender OAM BEM, and Conference Convenor Mr Tony Metcalf OAM (pictured), are pleased to announce that the SA Branch will be hosting the 2027 Order of Australia Association National Conference.

This Conference will incorporate an Annual General Meeting and Members’ Forum, a conference day with high-profile guest speakers, and the Association Annual Dinner at which the Order of Australia Association Foundation Scholarships will be announced.

The venue is the InterContinental Adelaide. We look forward to seeing you in Adelaide in 2027!

For more information on the 2027 National Conference, refer here:

https://theorderofaustralia.asn.au/

16/08/2026

Queensland’s Order of Australia Association family has an opportunity to come together, acknowledge achievement and warmly welcome our 2026 King’s Birthday Award recipients.

Let’s make this more than a dinner - make it a proud gathering of colleagues, friends and fellow Australians who value service, recognition and community!

Tuesday 15 September will be a night to connect, celebrate and share our Association's spirit of endeavour.

Book now:

https://events.humanitix.com/celebratory-dinner-to-welcome-2026-king-s-birthday-award-recipients