Locals recognised Australia Day 2026
Congratulations to our extraordinary local Australians recognised in the Australia Day 2026 Honours List
From community volunteers and emergency service workers to leaders in health, education, science, business, sport and the arts, these honours acknowledge people who go above and beyond to serve others and strengthen our nation.
Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the General Division
* Professor Stephen Li AM for significant service to multicultural community health, public pathology and the community.
Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division
* Mrs Patrizia Cassaniti OAM for service to workplace safety.
* Mrs Carol Cope OAM for service to youth through Scouts.
* Mr Omer Incekara OAM for service to the Turkish community of Australia and to multiculturalism.
* Mr Brian Roberts OAM for service to youth, and to the community.
Meritorious Awards – Public Service Medal
* Dr Mary McCaskill PSM for public service to NSW Health through leadership in patient care and safety.
Military Awards - Conspicuous Service Medal
* Sergeant Gavin Jefferis CSM for meritorious achievement in maintenance co-ordination for the Royal Australian Air Force
Each of these recipients has made an extraordinary contribution helping to strengthen our community and enrich the lives of others. For further details visit Australia Day 2026 Honours List.
Congratulations also to the 2026 Hills Shire Australia Day Award winners for their dedication and outstanding service to our community:
- Citizen of the Year: Professor Olivia Mirza
- Sporting Citizen of the Year: Sophie Polkinghorne
- Young Citizen of the Year: Jethro Sultano
- Environmental Citizen of the Year: Anne Thompson
- Community Group of the Year: Soroptimist International of The Hills District
To read more please click here.
On behalf of the Hills community, congratulations to all on this well-deserved recognition.