2026 King's Birthday Honours Scouts NSW recipients

Congratulations to the six incredible individuals who have been recognised in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours list.

The Order of Australia recognises Australians who have demonstrated outstanding service or exceptional achievement.

This year, the six recipients were made up of both current and former Scouts NSW members, with all recipients awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia.

Chief Commissioner Bel Howell commended those whose achievements were recognised on this year’s Honours list.

“As Leaders in Scouts, we have the opportunity to leave a legacy for future generations of Australian children,” she said.

“Today’s awardees have been recognised not only by their peers within the Movement, but also by the broader Australian community. Thank you for choosing to volunteer in Scouts.”

Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM)

Mark Connell – For service to youth through Scouting

Everyone from 1st Oatley Bay Scout Group have reason to be proud of their Leader-in-Charge, who was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia in today's Honours list. Mark, known as "Skip", has been a member of the Group since 1968, and has worn many hats in that time, including as President and delegate for the Scouts NSW Rover Scout section. He has also been a committee member for the South Metropolitan Region Cub Scout "Palaver" in 2002-2008, and received his Wood Badge in 2008. Congratulations Mark!

Read Skip's story

Suzane Hamilton – For service to the community of the Tilligerry Peninsula

An avid volunteer for the 1st Tilligerry Scout Group in the Hunter and Coastal Region, northeast of Newcastle, Suzane volunteered for the Group between 2014 and 2023, and was Treasurer from 2017 to 2022. She received her five years' service award in 2022, and was recognised with a Special Service Award in 2020.

Other OAMs

• Kevin Camm - For service to verterans' welfare (Kevin also served as District Commissioner for Shoalhaven Scouts from 1994-2004)
• The late Peter Kearsey - For service to the community of Inverell (including as former Trustee and Committee Member for Inverell Scout Group)
• David Torevell - For service to surf lifesaving, and to the community (including as Scout Leader for 1st Seaforth Scout Group from 1989-1997 and serving as an Activities Leader at the 17th Australian Jamboree in 1994)
• Kenneth Kinloch - For service to youth, and to the community (while most recently as part of Scouts Victoria, Kenneth was a Branch Activity Leader, Scout Leader and Assistant Scout Leader for Scouts NSW from 1975-1988).

The Governor-General Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC today announced Honours and Awards for 949 Australians, including awards in the Order of Australia (General and Military Divisions), meritorious awards and recongition for distinguished and conspicuous service. She said, "As Governor-General, I have the unique position to see and understand Australia on a panoramic scale, and then in the fine grain life of communities across the nation."

"Our national honours and awards system should always reflect the breadth of our national life and community," she said.

"It should uplift and empower us through unity that is not defined by uniformity, but a celebration of difference, diversity, connection and community. And it all starts with a nomination by someone in our communities.

"We all know someone who performs selfless acts every day, with deep commitment and care for people, for our institutions, our environment, and for our future. Artists, educators, scientists, volunteers, nurses, carers, and so many others who you know and admire.

"In releasing today's list, I want to encourage you to celebrate their work and leadership by thinking about nominating them for an honour."

Our six Scouts NSW recipients were among 17 members of Scouts Australia recognised in today's Honours list.