Australia Day Honours 2026

The Uniting Church in Australia warmly congratulates members of our Church community who have been recognised in the 2026 Australia Day Honours List.

From compassionate doctors and dedicated Church Council members to tireless volunteers, those with strong connections to the Uniting Church have been honoured for their outstanding contributions across a wide range of fields, and for their faithful service to both the Church and the wider community.

We give thanks for each recipient and celebrate their well-deserved recognition, acknowledging their enduring commitment to serving others and enriching the life of our nation.

Associate Professor Dr John Arthur Allan from UnitingCare Queensland – Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to medicine as an obstetrician and gynaecologist, and to women and maternal health. Dr Allan has been the Chief Academic Medical Officer at UnitingCare Clinical School since 2016, and held medical positions for over 55 years.

Emeritus Professor Colin Burton Chapman from Macedon Ranges Partnership – Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to pharmacy and pharmaceutical science research, education and practice in Victoria and beyond. He has also Chair of his local Uniting Church’s Council since 2016.

Mr John McDonald McLaren from Darwin UC – Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to the community through a range of organisations, including the Uniting Church. John is the current Chair of the Northern Synod and Member of the Standing Committee and Finance and Property Committee. He has been worshipping at Darwin Uniting since the 1960s.

Dr Andrew Pilcher Wines from Killara UC – Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to orthopaedic surgery and to the community. He is current President of Medical Benevolent Association (NSW/ACT) and Vice President and Board Member with the Australian Orthopaedic Association.

Mr Douglas Harry Ahola from Florence Street UC – Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the community of Port Pirie, South Australia. Douglas has served his community in numerous roles since the 1960s, including that of Elder and camp volunteer with his church. He has also been heavily involved in his local bowling and golf clubs where he has previously as President.

Mr Paul Jonathon Birch from St Andrew's Gardiner UC – Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the community of Upwey, Victoria through a range of roles, including the winder of the historic tower clock since 1975. He has also contributed to his local community in environmental and horticultural roles.

Mrs Judith Brooke from Bathurst UC – Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the community of Bathurst, NSW. Judith has been her church’s principal organist since 1965. She has also volunteered with her local Red Cross, Meals on Wheels and Ladies Probus club.

Dr David John Heilbronn from Payneham Road UC – Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the community through a range of organisations in South Australia, including former Treasurer and Council Member for his church. He has also been an active member of his local Rotary Club since 1989.

Mr Robert Henry Lorschy from Balmain UC – Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to community through a range of organisations in NSW. Robert is a former Chair, Treasurer and Property Manager on his Church’s Council and is a current Refugee and Asylum Seekers Volunteer. He has also served previously with the Disaster Recovery Chaplaincy Network, UCA.

Mrs Diane Marlyce Mackrell from Strathbogie UC – Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the community of the Strathbogie region in Victoria. Diane is the organ player at her church, and has been an avid community musician and sportsperson. She has twice been recognised as Strathbogie’s Citizen of the Year (2005 and 2020).

Emeritus Professor Chesney Romesh Nagarajah from Whitehorse UC – Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to tertiary education in Victoria. He has served at Swinburne University of Technology since 1987.

Mr Lionel Hastings Parrott from Montrose UC – Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the community through a range of roles in Victoria. He is a former Chair and Secretary of his Church’s Council, has Chaired the Maroondah Presbytery for four years and been heavily involved in the education sector.

The late Mr Cornelis Sliedrecht from Albert Street UC – Honorary Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the visual arts in Queensland. Cornelis was an avid artist and art teacher. He also fundraised for art projects, including Yotkom Uganda, and the Marburg and District Art Society.

Mr Geoffrey Noble Thompson from Shepparton UC – Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the communities of Shepparton and Tallygaroopna in Victoria. He is a former Chairman and Treasurer of his local Uniting Church as well as previously serving in Board roles with Tallygaroopna Public School and local branch of the National Party.

Mr Douglas Ralph Warmington from Moonta and District UC – Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the church and to the community in South Australia and beyond. Douglas has been a lay preacher for 55 years, and is the current Chair for his local church.

The late Mr Edward Bethlehem Whitham from Southside UC – Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the multicultural community of Tamworth in NSW. Edward served as Chair of his church’s Migrant Support Ministry for 25 years and Chair of Multicultural Tamworth for more than a decade. A former Tamworth Citizen of the Year.