The Lord Mayor's Recognition Reception celebrated an exceptional cohort of Wollongong locals who were all awarded Order of Australia honours in 2026.
Key points:
- On Thursday 10 September, Lord Mayor Cr Brown honoured Wollongong's 2026 Medal of Order of Australia (OAM) recipients.
- There were 11 residents who were awarded with the OAM for service worthy of particular recognition.
- Their contributions to community are diverse such as scouts, veterans support, surf lifesaving, environment, education and more.
- The recepition coincided with R U OK Day, which highlights the work of Joanne Riley OAM and her service to suicide prevention advocacy.
Announced by the Governor-General, the Australia Day and King's Birthday Honours Lists celebrate hundreds of Australians for their significant contributions to society.
This year, 11 residents from the Wollongong Local Government Area received the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service worthy of particular recognition.
Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown invited the awardees to an intimate reception to celebrate their achievements with peers and loved ones.
"It was an honour to meet the incredible 2026 local OAM recipients and congratulate them personally for their dedicated service to community," she said.
"Their contributions and achievements extend to every part of our city and beyond, from environment restoration to mental health advocacy, surf lifesaving to education, as well as supporting our youth and veterans."
Joanne Riley OAM was awarded for her service to suicide prevention advocacy, and with the reception coinciding with R U OK Day (10 September), this was an opportunity to remind people about the free online training services available to community.
Ms Riley OAM (pictured below) said: "This recognition is a reminder that meaningful change happens when ordinary people come together to care for one another. When people feel seen, heard and valued, we create the conditions for distress to ease and hope to grow."
Recipients also included Keiran Tapsell OAM who has dedicated a lifetime to preserving our natural environment, Jennifer King OAM a key figure in kick-starting our local Scouts and Denis Walsh OAM providing service through social welfare organisations.
"The passion and humility of each recipient is inspiring, and their legacy will be felt for many years to come," Cr Brown said.
