King's Birthday Honours 2025
The UCA congratulates those members of our Church who have been recognised for their outstanding service to the community
June 25, 2025
The Uniting Church in Australia warmly congratulates all members of our Church community who have been recognised in the 2025 King's Birthday Honours List.
From dedicated farmers and compassionate doctors to insightful theologians and tireless volunteers, 19 individuals with strong ties to the Uniting Church have been honoured for their remarkable contributions across a wide range of fields, as well as their faithful service to both the Church and the broader community.
We celebrate and commend each of them for their well-deserved recognition and outstanding dedication to the life of our nation.
Max Blacketer from Millicent UC – Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the community of Millicent. Max has served his community in numerous roles since the 1950s, including that of Secretary and Chairman with Millicent Uniting Church and Sunday School Teacher at Beachport Methodist Church.
Judy Bynoe from Croydon Park UC – Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the community of the western suburbs of Adelaide. Judy has had strong involvement with the Woodville Concert Choir and SA United Church Netball Association. She has also served on the council of Croydon Park Uniting Church.
Robert Craig – former organist with numerous Uniting Churches – Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the communities of Queensland. Robert has been Business Manager for numerous Christian schools, a tireless volunteer in the Lions Club and dedicated musician with his Church.
Anna Creighton from Cobram UC – Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the community of Cobram. Anna has been a Red Cross and Meals on Wheels volunteer for over 20 years, and is a former President and Treasurer of the Ladies Guild at her beloved Cobram Uniting Church.
Maureen Doonan from Ballarat Central UC – Medal of the Order of Australia for her service to the community of Ballarat. Maureen has been heavily involved in helping refugees through numerous networks. She still finds time to teach Sunday School!
Rev Dr Robert Johnson – former Uniting Church Minister and General Secretary Vic/Tas Synod – Medal of the Order of Australia for services to education and the Uniting Church. A faithful servant in Church ministry for over 45 years as well as in tertiary education.
John Lush from Mallala UC – Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to the grains industry, to local government and to the community. A past President of six organisations, including the South Australian Farmers' Federation and Grains Council of Australia
Paul Moussa – Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the community through social welfare roles. Dedicated Coordinator of Parramatta Mission's MealsPlus service for the last 10 years.
John Middleton from Killara UC – Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the community, particularly through music.
Margaret Middleton from Killara UC – Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the community as a volunteer.
Nadine Olafsen from Resthaven Bellevue Heights Retirement Living – Medal of the Order of Australia for service to community health.
Dr Lawrie Palmer from Brougham Place UC – Public Service Medal for outstanding public service in palliative medicine.
Dr Aunty Jean Phillips – founding member of the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (UAICC) – Medal of the Order of Australia for service to Indigenous Christian ministries.
David Pigott from St David’s UC Haberfield – Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the community through charitable organisations.
Rev Dr Randall Prior – former Uniting Church in Australia Theological College Principal and Minister – Medal of the Order of Australia for service to theology and education.
Elva Raggatt from Stawell Uniting Church – Medal of the Order of Australia for services to the Stawell community. Elva has been a volunteer at her Church, and involved in Meals on Wheels since 1982.
June Roots from Luddenham UC – Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the community of Penrith.
June Skelton – former pianist at Arana Hills UC – Medal of the Order of Australia for service to music education.
Peter Sutton – Medal of the Order of Australia for community service, including his current role as volunteer with Uniting Vic/Tas.
Subscribe to our newsletter
If you want to get the latest news from the Uniting Church in Australia then subscribe to our weekly newsletter delivered to your inbox.
More news from the Assembly
UnitingCare Australia advocacy makes an impact
UnitingCare Australia advocacy makes an impactSubscribe to our newsletterIf you want to get the latest news from the Uniting Church in Australia then subscribe to our weekly newsletter delivered to your inbox.UnitingCare Australia, a key agency of the Uniting Church in Australia, has welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement today of an additional $11.7 million investment in emergency relief and financial…
Faithful keeper of memory
Faithful keeper of memory Christine Gordon celebrates 25 years preserving the Uniting Church’s story, faithfully safeguarding its history and memory for future generationsThis Friday marks a remarkable milestone for Christine Gordon, who celebrates 25 years as Archivist for the Uniting Church in Australia Assembly, a role she has embraced with passion and unwavering commitment. “I…
Encountering the Living God as we journey toward Easter
Encountering the Living God as we journey toward Easter Assembly General Secretary Andrew Johnson reflects on encountering the Living God – and invites the Church to seek and trust that presence anew this Easter by Andrew Johnson, Assembly General Secretary On Monday evening in Holy Week, I sat in a Eucharistic service followed by the…
President’s Easter Message 2026
Peace BeWith You Easter messages from the President and Moderators of the Uniting Church in Australia In a world that can feel loud, anxious, and divided, Easter arrives with a quiet but powerful word: peace. This Easter, Rev Charissa Suli, President of the Uniting Church in Australia, offers a message drawn from the heart…
This is my Uniting Church: South Perth UC
This is my Uniting Church South Perth Uniting Church ‘This is my Uniting Church’ is a series that delves into the stories and faces of our local congregations and communities of faith: the beating heart of the Uniting Church! In this edition, we shine the spotlight on a Uniting Church located in Western Australia. It’s…
ABC interview: Speaking out on Gendered Violence
Speaking out on Gendered Violence Uniting Church President Rev Charissa Suli recently spoke with ABC Radio on churches’ role in confronting gendered violence and promoting safety, dignity and compassion Subscribe to our newsletter If you want to get the latest news from the Uniting Church in Australia then subscribe to our weekly newsletter…
President reflects on Gendered Violence Conference
Gendered Violence Conference: Restoring what has been bent The President offers this pastoral reflection following The Wesley Centre Theology and Culture Conference on the topic of Gendered Violence By Rev Charissa Suli, President of the Uniting Church in Australia Last month, I attended the Gendered Violence Conference hosted by Rev Associate Professor Robyn Whitaker,…
UCA Leaders gather for key week of discernment
Key week of discernment in shaping the Church’s future Last week, Leaders across the Uniting Church gathered for a pivotal time of meetings, shaping shared vision, national priorities and future direction Leaders from across the Uniting Church in Australia gathered in Sydney last week for a significant series of meetings, marking an important time…