King’s Birthday honours list recognises decades of service in Northern Rivers

AUSTRALIA has recognised 830 individuals in the King’s Birthday 2025 Honours List, marking a nearly 30 per cent increase on the Australia Day list.

The awards include recognition in the Order of Australia (General and Military Divisions), meritorious awards, and honours for distinguished and conspicuous service.

Governor-General Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC said the awards celebrated integrity, care, and service to the community.

“I am delighted to congratulate all those recognised in The King’s Birthday 2025 Honours List,” the Governor-General said.

“These honours recognise the selfless service, integrity, achievement, creativity, and care that flourish across our country.”

She said the values of care, kindness and respect could be seen in the Australians honoured this year and in those recognised throughout the fifty-year history of the honours system.

“Every day, and all across the country, Australians are doing extraordinary things with passion, generosity, energy, and resolve.”

To all who are being recognised in The King’s Birthday 2025 Honours List, I want to offer my congratulations and gratitude for all that you have given to Australia – and I look forward to meeting many of you at the investiture of your awards.”

Former Ballina MP Donald Page, of Byron Bay, was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the Parliament of New South Wales and to the community.

Lennox Head’s Wayne Jones received a Public Service Medal (PSM) for his outstanding service to NSW Health, particularly in emergency and disaster management.

Also recognised was Maxwell Eastcott-Layton, who held a past role with Byron Bay Council during a 50-year career in local government. He received a Public Service Medal for his leadership as general manager of Gwydir Shire Council and long-standing contribution to the sector.

The General Division includes 581 recipients: 14 Companions (AC), 31 Officers (AO), 123 Members (AM) and 413 Medals (OAM).

The Military Division includes 36 awards: 3 AO, 10 AM and 23 OAM.

Another 149 meritorious awards and 64 distinguished and conspicuous service awards were also announced.

Recipients will be formally presented with their insignia at ceremonies held in Government Houses across the country over the coming months.