The City of Ryde would like to formally congratulate the local recipients of Australia Day 2026 Honours, which were announced on 26 January.
The Australia Day 2026 Honours List recognises and celebrates 949 Australians, including awards in the Order of Australia (General and Military Divisions), meritorious awards and recognition for distinguished and conspicuous service. This represents an increase of over 200 more awards than on Australia Day last year.
Our local recipients include:
Robyn Gallagher, from North Ryde, was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service to nursing academia, to cardiovascular health and disease prevention research, to rehabilitation, and to tertiary education. Professor Gallagher's clinical and academic career focusses on understanding and supporting patients who have cardiovascular disease to engage in secondary prevention behaviours to reduce their risk of future cardiovascular events.
Nunziata Basile, from Gladesville, was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the general division for service to seniors.
Putney resident and former Gladesville RSL President, the late James Butt, was awarded a posthumous Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the general division for services to veterans and their families after almost five decades of dedicated service in the Gladesville-Ryde district.
Gladesville's Ben Gregory was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in recognition of his outstanding service to rugby union and his lifelong contribution to junior rugby across NSW. Ben's connection to the game spans more than four decades and reflects a deep commitment to community volunteerism and the development of young people through rugby.
Public Service Medals went to Margaret Baker, of Marsfield for outstanding public service to legal services in NSW public education and to Julie Ravallion, of Eastwood, for outstanding public service to environmental planning and natural resource management.
City of Ryde Mayor Trenton Brown said these significant acknowledgements on the national stage were a wonderful recognition for all our local recipients.
"In all cases these Honours are richly deserved, an acknowledgement of selfless, hard-working lives dedicated to serving and helping others," he said.
"I'd like to warmly congratulate them all on behalf of a grateful City of Ryde community."
