Scouts recognised in 2026 Australia Day Honours

Congratulations to the eight outstanding individuals who have been recognised for their dedication in this year’s Australia Day Honours list. 

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

This year, the eight recipients were made up of both current and former Scouts NSW members, and external supporters, with two recipients appointed Members of the Order of Australia (AM), while six were awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia. 

These awards are a formal recognition of the impact these volunteers have had within the Scouting Movement over a significant period. 

Their dedication and leadership have inspired young Scouts to embrace adventure, challenge themselves, build resilience and confidence, and learn lifelong skills while having fun. 

Chief Commissioner Lloyd Nurthen congratulated the recipients for their recognition on the Honours list. 

“The announcement of the Australia Day Honours is always a proud moment for Scouts. It highlights the incredible dedication of our volunteers both past and present, who give so much of themselves to our youth," he said.
 
“These awards are a testament to the hours spent mentoring young people to build resilience and 'skills for life'. To see our Leaders recognised for their impact on the future of the Scouting Movement is truly inspiring.
 
“My warmest congratulations go to today’s recipients. I want to thank you for your service, and just as importantly, thank the families standing behind you who make your contribution possible. Thank you to those families; your support is the backbone of their success.” 

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 recognition for distinguished and conspicuous service. She said the list was an increase of more than 200 awards since the Australia Day list last year.

"The honours are testament from across the country to the enduring value Australians place on acts of care, kindness, and repsect. To pursuing excellence, to serving the country, and to contributing to the peace, stability and success of our modern Australia," she said.

"The list's remarkable diversity of interest and expertise represents Australians who embody service, community, kindness, curiosity, tenacity, accomplishment and care.

"The 2026 Honours list shows that great Australians come from all over our magnificent country and from all walks of life. I want to also pay tribute to the friends and families who support those that we honour today."

Our eight Scout NSW recipients were among the 15 members of Scouts Australia recognised in today’s Honours list. 

Australia Day also saw other members of the Scouting community recognised by their local councils for their commitment to their communities. You can read more below.

 Member of the Order of Australia (AM)

The late Robert McCotter – For significant service to conservation and the environment, to local government, and to the community

Robert was a Scout Leader at Killara Scout Group from 1992 to 1995.

Christopher Robison – For significant service to the law, to the legal profession, and to the community

Christopher had an impact on Scout Groups in Wahroonga, formerly serving as the Acting Group Leader for 1st East Wahroonga Scout Group and an Assistant Cub Scout Leader at 3rd Wahroonga Scout Group. He also received the Silver Arrowhead award in 2002.

Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) 

Carol Cope – For service to youth through Scouts

A dedication to the Scouts NSW Training Team is a core component of Carol's dedication to the Scouting Movement. As a current Training Commissioner and Youth Safe Advocate, Carol has been part of the Training Team in numerous roles since the 1990s. She has also previously served as the State Commissioner and Assistant Branch Commissioner for International in the 2010s and is the current Group Leader and Joey Scout Leader for 2nd Castle Hill Scout Group.

Carol was recognised with a Silver Kangaroo (one of the highest accolades in Scouts) from Scouts Australia in 2019.

Paul Hennessy – For service to youth, and to the community

With 10 Groups, six Rover Scout Units and one Scout Fellowship under his belt throughout his tenure, Paul – who is currently a Scouts NSW Honorary Branch Commissioner and Deputy Chair of the North West Scout Fellowship – has done a lot in his 55 years in the Scouting Movement. His achievements include receiving his own youth peak awards to the Silver Kangaroo in the Scouts Australia Adult Recognition Awards in 2020.

Read more about Paul's achievements

Jennifer King – For service to youth through Scouts

The 1st Russell Vale Scout Group Leader-in-Charge has been a member of Scouts since the 1990s. Jennifer, who has also been a Cub Scout Leader since 2011, wears many hats, including Hall Custodian, Booking Officer, Group Administration Officer and Fundraiser. 

Jennifer received the Silver Wattle in 2023, and has been a life member of the 1st Gilwell Park Scout Group since 1990.

Brian Roberts – For service to youth, and to the community

Scouts NSW District Advisor Brian "Kimba" Roberts has more than 60 years of service to Scouting and passes on his wealth of knowledge and experience in bushwalking to many Scouting members in the Greater Western Sydney Region and Hills District. He was previously recognised with a Silver Kangaroo in 2023 and the Alan Overton AM Award in 2022.

Read more about Brian

Other OAMs

• Richard Dougan - For service to the community through a range of organisations (including as a former volunteer for Northbridge Scouts)
• Colleen Fuller - For service to the community through a range of organisations (including as Patron to the 1st Gunnedah Scout Group)
• Carolyn Ryan - For service to outdoor recreation through a range of roles (including course developer and instructor for Scouts NSW).

In addition to the Australia Day Honours, many members of the Scouting community were also recognised in local council ceremonies. 

Tom Miles, Leader, 1st Balgowlah Scout Group  |  Outstanding Service to Community, Northern Beaches Council

Lilly Chatwin, Venturer Scout, 1st Yass Scout Group  |  Young Citizen of the Year, Yass Valley Council

Kellie Gallagher, Leader, State Water Activity Centre (SWASH) | Young Citizen of the Year, Hunters Hill Council

1st Boronia Scout Group | Community Excellence, Hunters Hill Council

Kevern Hobman, Venturer Leader, 3rd Broken Hill Sea Scout Group | Citizenship Award, Broken Hill City Council