RMIT alumni, former staff and a current PhD student have been recognised in the 2026 Australia Day Honours, reflecting the University's impact across research, public service, industry, community leadership and the arts.
The Australia Day Honours recognise Australians for outstanding service and achievement across a wide range of fields.
This year's Honours List recognised 949 Australians for significant contributions to their communities, outstanding achievements and meritorious service.
Former RMIT academics, lecturers and teachers recognised
Mark Armstrong AO
Appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for distinguished service to media and communications law, the development of public policy and regulation, and as an academic.
Major Neil Leckie OAM
Awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to veterans and to the community through a range of roles.
Maggie Toko AM
Appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to mental health governance and awareness.
Current RMIT student recognised
Dr Paul Kremer AM
A PhD student in RMIT's School of Property, Construction and Project Management, Dr Kremer was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to the built environment.
RMIT alumni recognised
Phillip Clifford OAM
Awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the community of Maffra.
Kathleen Collett AM
Appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to medicine in the field of radiology as a clinician and administrator.
Emma Conway AFSM
Awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal for distinguished service as a member of an Australian fire service.
The late Norman Faifer AM
Appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to the building and construction industry, and to the community.
Eliza Hull OAM
Awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to people with disability and the arts.
The late Norman Hutton OAM
Awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the community through charitable organisations.
Janette Kendall AM
Appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to business, to the arts, to the marketing sector, and to the community.
Cuc Lam PSM OAM
Awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the community of Maribyrnong.
Maureen McCarty PSM
Awarded the Public Service Medal for outstanding public service in critical health workforce data and planning across Australian governments.
Dr Bruce McGregor AM
Appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to conservation and environment, in a range of roles.
Dr Gillian Miles AM
Appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to the transport and infrastructure sectors.
Selliah Nalliah OAM
Awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the Tamil and Hindu communities of Victoria.
Michael Nolan OAM
Awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the community through social welfare organisations.
Kevin O'Callaghan ESM OAM
Awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the community of Craigieburn.
Nicholas Pearce OAM
Awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the community through the not-for-profit sector.
Charles Reis OAM
Awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the community in a range of roles and organisations.
Jody Salmon PSM
Awarded the Public Service Medal for outstanding public service in the delivery of reform agendas to benefit Australians with a disability.
Angela Scaffidi AM
Appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to the community through philanthropic initiatives.
Brendan Schwab AM
Appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to professional sport as a lawyer and as an advocate for athletes' rights
Air Vice-Marshal Margaret Staib AM
Appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to business, to the aviation sector, and to the freight and logistics industry.
RMIT congratulates all recipients and thanks them for their contributions to Australia and communities locally and globally.
