Outstanding members of the Macquarie University community have been recognised in this year's Australia Day Honours for their remarkable contributions to education, First Nations empowerment and public life.
Among the honourees is the late Dr K Rogers, who was appointed to the Order of Australia (OAM) for his distinguished service to the Northern Territory's Indigenous community and to education.
A deeply respected elder and educator, Dr K Rogers was a co-founder of the Wuyagiba Study Hub, a pioneering initiative designed to support Indigenous learners through culturally safe, community-centred pathways into higher education.
The hub, launched in 2018 and located in south-east Arnhem Land, is run inpartnership with Macquarie University. The innovative two-way learning model developed at Wuyagiba has become the blueprint for the Australian Government's Regional University Study Hubs program.
Macquarie University conferred an Honorary Doctorate on Dr K Rogers in 2023, acknowledging his enduring influence as a mentor, visionary and advocate for Indigenous learners across generations.
Reflecting on Dr K Rogers' impact, Sam Ricketts, Macquarie University's Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous), said: "Dr K Rogers was a transformative educator whose life's work expanded access to learning and strengthened pathways for Indigenous students across generations.
"His vision, generosity and leadership continue to shape how Macquarie University partners with communities to create culturally grounded education."
The Australia Day Honours, announced annually on January 26 by the Governor-General, recognise Australians whose service has enriched the nation.
Other Macquarie University staff, alumni and community members recognised in the 2026 Honours include:
- Australian human rights lawyer George Newhouse AM (Member of the Order of Australia), Adjunct Professor of Law at Macquarie University, recognised for significant service to the law, human rights and social justice. The CEO and co-founder of the National Justice Project, Professor Newhouse co-established the University's Social Justice Clinic (2016) and Tech4Justice Clinic (2020) and remains an integral contributor to the Macquarie Law School.
- The Honourable Kristina Keneally AO (Officer of the Order of Australia), recognised for distinguished service to the people and the Parliament of Australia, to the Parliament of New South Wales, particularly as Premier, and to the community. The 42nd Premier of NSW, Ms Keneally was an Adjunct Professor and Director of the Women in the MBA Program at Macquarie Graduate School of Management from 2015 to 2017.
- Emeritus Professor Christopher Bellenger AM, recognised for significant service to veterinary science, to tertiary education and to the Anglican Church of Australia. He served as Master of Robert Menzies College at Macquarie University from 2005 to 2011.
- Dr Paul Watters OAM, an Honorary Professor in Security Studies and Criminology since 2020, and founder of the University's Cybercrime Research Laboratory, recognised for service to cybersecurity research and education.
- Sergeant Kirsti Anne Claymore CSC (Conspicuous Service Cross), recognised for outstanding devotion to duty in the application of Defence Values and superior judgement to support service personnel and their families in adversity.
- Bruce Gosper AM, recognised for significant service to public administration, particularly international policy and trade.
- Anne Hollonds AO, recognised for distinguished service to family, children and community safety, wellbeing and human rights, and to policy, research and practice.
- Mary McCaskill PSM (Public Service Medal), recognised for outstanding public service to NSW Health through leadership in patient care and safety.
- Dr Christopher Armitage OAM, recognised for service to the judiciary, and to the church.
- Geoffrey Selig OAM, recognised for service to the community through charitable organisations.
Vice-Chancellor Professor S Bruce Dowton said: "On behalf of Macquarie University, I congratulate all members of our community recognised in the 2026 Australia Day Honours.
"These honours reflect the depth and diversity of service, leadership and impact across our alumni, staff and partners, and we are proud to see their contributions to education, research, social justice and public life recognised at a national level."
