The Order of Australia Association

19/06/2026

Annual General Meeting of Northern Territory branch was held in March and chaired by Marie-Louise Pearson OAM, who welcomed the 55 attendees. The meeting was addressed by Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro MLA, who welcomed new Order of Australia awardees, acknowledging in particular the presence of Mr. Don Lockley OAM who, at 95, has been recognised for decades of commitment, leadership and quiet service across a wide range of community, health, sporting and civic organisations.

The new committee election was conducted by the returning Officer Hon Jane Aagaard AM, who was thanked by Rex Wild AO KC. He in turn was applauded into his new office as Chair.

Chair - Rex Wild AO KC
Deputy Chair - Allan McGill AM
Secretary - Marie-Louise Pearson OAM
Treasurer - Amin Islam OAM
Membership Sec - Linda Fazldeen AM
Newsletter - Nora Lewis AM
Committee - Bob Elix AM & Michelle Griffith OAM
Socials - Jaya Srinivas OAM and Helen Summers OAM

14/06/2026

South Australia Branch Chair Noel Hender OAM BEM hosted an informal dinner in Adelaide for SA Branch Committee Members to meet and warmly welcome the new leadership team of the Order of Australia Association. President-elect the Honourable Hieu Van Le AC attended with Mrs Lan Le OAM, both very well known to us from his time as the 35th Governor of South Australia (2014-21) when he was South Australia Branch Patron. And we welcomed the new National Chair Mr William Lye OAM KC, who visited Adelaide to meet with the new President and to discuss planning and strategy for the year ahead.

08/06/2026

Warmest congratulations to all who have been recognized in the King's Birthday 2026 Honours List. The Order of Australia awards are a well-deserved testament to outstanding citizens dedication and leadership in many fields of endeavour.

The Order of Australia Association chair William Lye OAM KC, the Board and members share this congratulatory message to recognise all recipients of these prestigious awards as a fitting acknowledgment of your selfless service.

07/06/2026

Almost 950 Australians are honoured, including five stand-out recipients who are now Companions of the Order.

03/06/2026

The South Australia Branch of the Order of Australia Association hosts regular luncheon meetings for members of the Order of Australia and other honours recipients, partners and friends to share in the fostering of fellowship in an informal setting at the Naval, Military and Air Force Club in Adelaide. Our guest speaker on Thursday 30 April 2026 was Karen Hayes AM FAICD speaking on the topic “Finding my Life’s Purpose”. Karen was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia, “For significant service to the community as an advocate for gender equity, and to women in sport” (AD19). Karen is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, with over 30 years of national and international governance experience. She describes herself as ‘a dedicated advocate for inclusive leadership within community-oriented boards and organisations’.

25/05/2026

The May/June 2026 edition of THE ORDER, the Order of Australia’s flagship quarterly magazine, is a bumper issue, covering state and territory branches’ AGMs, Anzac Day commemorations, the National Conference in Brisbane and the 2026 Annual Dinner at which OAA Foundation scholarships were awarded. But this issue also had personal stories, as the Association’s AGM brought a changing of the guard on the departure of Association Chair Major General Barry Nunn AO RFD ED (Retd).

Association President The Honourable Vicki O’Halloran AO CVO, paid tribute to Barry: “It is not every day you come across someone who can serve with distinction, lead with integrity and still manage to keep a sense of humour intact. But then again Major General Barry Nunn has never really been an ‘every day’ kind of person.

For nine years as National Chair of the Order of Australia Association, Barry has been a steady hand on the tiller – guiding, shaping, and strengthening the Association with quiet authority. Under his leadership, the Association hasn’t just functioned, it has flourished. And somehow, he made it all look effortless… which we now realise was highly misleading.

Barry brought to the role not only a lifetime of service, but a deep respect for the values the Order represents: Recognition, Community and Contribution. It is fitting that his own service was recognised when he was invested as an Officer of the Order of Australia in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in June 1998 – an honour that reflects the standards he has held ever since.

Barry understood that behind every medal is a story and behind every story is a person worth celebrating. He ensured those stories were honoured and that the Association remained a place of pride and connection.

And of course, Barry brought not just leadership, but humour. Meetings were always more productive – and far more enjoyable – when Barry was in the chair. He knew when to keep things moving, when to listen, and when a well-timed remark could lighten the moment.

Nine years is a long time to give to any role. Barry has given it generously, thoughtfully, and with unwavering commitment. His legacy is not only in what he has achieved but in the tone he has set: respect, congeniality and genuine care.

June Kane AM
Editor
The Order

You can read the full text of the tribute, along with news from branches across Australia, in the e-version of the magazine posted on the Association website: https://theorderofaustralia.asn.au/

16/05/2026

14/05/2026

In 2019, Order of Australia Association Life Member and fellow parent, Ren Pedersen OAM, formally introduced Prof. Matt Dun to his international DIPG scientist peers:

https://youtu.be/MllMwuDSRng?si=d2CCMeB52agWHFHP

Since then, Prof. Dun’s extraordinary contribution to DIPG research has continued to grow, driven by an unwavering commitment to honouring daughter Josie’s legacy and helping other families facing this devastating disease.

Supported by wife Dr. Phoebe Dun and a strong, compassionate community, Prof. Dun and his Hunter Medical Research Institute team have achieved remarkable research milestones — recognised last weekend with the awarding of an Order of Australia.

We salute you, Matt. 🏅

06/05/2026

We’re proud to celebrate new members who gathered at Victoria's 150 year Government House for recent investitures, recognising extraordinary Australians whose service strengthens our communities!

Congratulations to Bruce Atkinson, Andrea Coote and Gerald O’Donnell on receiving their well-deserved honours, surrounded by family and supporters.

These moments remind us of the quiet dedication, leadership and compassion that shape our nation.

We also acknowledge the lasting legacy of Kevin Andrews, whose posthumous recognition continues to inspire.

Stories like these reflect the heart of volunteerism and community spirit across Australia.

It is a privilege to witness and share in these achievements.

On behalf of Dot Haynes Oam and her Order of Australia Association team, we extend sincere congratulations to all recipients - your impact truly makes a difference!

👏👏👏