Photo: Nikki Govan. Credit: South Australian Business Chamber
The 2025 King’s Birthday Honours have recognized numerous South Australians for their exceptional contributions across various fields. Here are the notable recipients from South Australia:
Companion of the Order of Australia (AC)
Emeritus Professor Roger William Byard AO PSM
A world leader in forensic pathology, Professor Byard has significantly advanced medical understanding through decades of research, education, and international collaboration. As Emeritus Professor of Pathology at the University of Adelaide, he has authored more than 1,000 peer-reviewed papers and 11 textbooks, shaping forensic science globally. His advisory roles have extended to international war crimes investigations and expert consultancy in multiple countries. He is a founding member of the National Scientific Advisory Group for Rednose and has held senior positions in institutions across Australia, Europe, Asia, and North America.
Dr John Maxwell Coetzee
A globally recognised author and academic, Dr Coetzee has made an enduring contribution to literary arts, literary criticism, and education. Based at the University of Adelaide, he has published widely acclaimed novels and essays that have influenced literary discourse worldwide. He is the namesake of the J.M. Coetzee Centre for Creative Practice and continues to contribute to discussions on ethics, literature, and animal rights. His accolades include honorary doctorates from multiple international institutions and literary prizes spanning four decades.
Member of the Order of Australia (AM)
Catherine Ann Baldwin
An arts and culture leader, Catherine Baldwin has shaped performing arts institutions across Australia and Canada. She is the Founding Chair of Ngutu College and has held senior leadership roles at organisations including Bangarra Dance Theatre, Adelaide Youth Orchestras, and Ausdance NSW. Her work spans theatre, photography, education, and Indigenous arts, with a parallel commitment to philanthropic governance through roles such as Chair of the Transfield Foundation.
Andrew Lincoln Chapman
Andrew Chapman has dedicated his career to supporting young Australians and advancing the marina industry. Through his work with youth and contributions to marine policy and development, he has played a pivotal role in strengthening both community engagement and commercial operations in the sector.
Robert Peter George
A respected figure in diagnostic radiography, Robert George has advanced imaging services in South Australia. His contributions span clinical excellence, education, and improvements in diagnostic techniques, helping shape standards of medical imaging practice.
Nikki Kirsten Govan
An influential leader in hospitality and tourism, Nikki Govan has driven economic growth in South Australia through board roles and strategic leadership. She has helped shape industry direction and local development by guiding businesses and advocating for best practices across the sector.
John Frederick Held
John Held has made a lasting impact on architecture through leadership and advocacy for design innovation. His contributions include governance within professional organisations and advancing architectural practices with a focus on sustainability and public benefit.
John Wilton Lush
A long-serving advocate for regional development, John Lush has contributed to the South Australian grain industry, local government, and broader community initiatives. His leadership has supported innovation in farming and sustained community engagement at the local level.
Dr Glenn McCulloch
Dr McCulloch is recognised for his significant contributions to neurosurgery, education, and medical research. He has trained future surgeons and led clinical advancements in neurosurgical procedures, reinforcing South Australia’s status as a centre for medical excellence.
Christopher John Pfeiffer
Christopher Pfeiffer has served the Lutheran Church and the broader community through his work in printing, tourism, and faith-based outreach. He has been a pillar in South Australia’s Barossa region, blending business leadership with deep community service.
Dr Peter Robert Rischbieth
A dedicated rural doctor, Dr Rischbieth has spent decades providing essential health services to remote communities. His leadership in rural medical advocacy has helped improve healthcare access and shaped regional health policy in South Australia.
Kathleen Helen Seeley
Kathleen Seeley has contributed significantly to business and philanthropy, supporting charitable organisations while guiding enterprises through sustained growth. Her work reflects a blend of commercial leadership and deep community commitment.
Stuart Paul Whiley
Stuart Whiley has played a key role in Australia’s defence sector, particularly in naval technology and submarine programs. His engineering leadership and strategic oversight have strengthened the nation’s defence capabilities and South Australia’s defence industry.
Dr George Zillante
Dr Zillante has influenced generations of architects and surveyors through his work in tertiary education and construction governance. His leadership in accreditation and professional training has left a strong legacy in Australia’s built environment sector.
Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM)
Frank Agostino
A respected figure in South Australia’s motor trade, Frank Agostino has played a pivotal role in advancing the automotive industry. As Dealer Principal at Agostino Mitsubishi and Agostino Toyota, he has driven business growth while supporting road safety initiatives and youth programs. His long-standing support of community groups and charities has made a significant impact on local wellbeing and engagement.
Alan Douglas Bartram
Alan Bartram has been a passionate advocate for the opal mining industry for decades. A key figure in Coober Pedy’s development, he has also worked to improve infrastructure and community cohesion in remote South Australian towns through regional leadership and advocacy.
Maxwell Rolland Blacketer
A dedicated community member of Millicent, Maxwell Blacketer has contributed extensively to civic life through service with local council, Lions Club, and aged care. His volunteer work has supported sporting facilities, events, and infrastructure that have benefited the broader region.
Judith Yvonne Bynoe
Judith Bynoe has worked tirelessly to support residents in Adelaide’s western suburbs through her involvement with neighbourhood centres, senior programs, and community development projects. Her leadership has created lasting connections and services for disadvantaged groups.
Wonho Chong
Martial arts master Wonho Chong has shared his expertise in taekwondo and hapkido while also building bridges across South Australia’s Korean community. His teachings have empowered generations of students and fostered cross-cultural understanding.
Roy Coulthard
An influential leader in Indigenous affairs, Roy Coulthard has worked across native title, cultural preservation, and health advocacy. His efforts have improved conditions and self-determination outcomes for First Nations people in South Australia.
The late Carmel Theresa Doyle
A champion of Irish dance in Australia, Carmel Doyle nurtured generations of dancers through her Adelaide-based school. Her commitment to cultural expression enriched both local arts and the national Irish dance community.
Joylene Elizabeth Edwards
A trailblazer for women in sport, Joylene Edwards has dedicated her life to Australian rules football, mentoring players, managing teams, and leading key football associations to greater inclusivity and success.
Julie-Ann Finney
Following the tragic death of her son, Julie-Ann Finney became a national voice for veterans’ mental health. Her advocacy led to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide and changed the public discourse on veteran welfare.
Thomas Gerard Ganley
Thomas Ganley has supported aviation in South Australia as an air traffic controller, pilot, and aviation safety consultant. His work has improved operational protocols and provided vital leadership in flight education and safety.
Carolyn Edith Grantskalns
Carolyn Grantskalns has shaped education policy and school governance in South Australia, particularly through her role as CEO of the Association of Independent Schools SA. She has championed school autonomy, teaching quality, and system-wide improvement.
Dr Satish Gupta
Dr Gupta has provided decades of service as a general practitioner, caring for generations of families in Port Augusta. He has also contributed to cultural and multicultural community initiatives, helping newcomers to feel supported and understood.
Leslie Desmond Hampel
A pillar of the Nuriootpa community, Leslie Hampel has supported youth and seniors alike through volunteer work with service clubs, sports, and health organisations. His leadership has strengthened regional resilience and engagement.
David Cameron Heard
David Heard has been integral to emergency services in Port Lincoln, contributing to fire, rescue, and community preparedness initiatives. His work has saved lives and provided leadership across regional volunteer organisations.
Richard Murray Johnson
Richard Johnson has been involved in wide-ranging community initiatives across Adelaide, from fundraising efforts to education and youth mentoring. His decades of service reflect a strong belief in civic responsibility.
Emily Korir
Emily Korir has championed disability advocacy and inclusive services in South Australia. A stroke survivor, she founded a rehabilitation centre and has worked with multicultural communities to improve health equity and access.
Dr Carolyn Lee Lawlor-Smith
As a general practitioner and public health advocate, Dr Lawlor-Smith has improved women’s health, family medicine, and services for vulnerable populations. Her work integrates clinical care with community outreach and policy influence.
Barry Lewis
Barry Lewis has supported the development of Australian rules football in South Australia for decades through coaching, club administration, and grassroots programs that have nurtured players of all ages.
Nicholas Stewart Linke
A lawyer and arts leader, Nicholas Linke has contributed to national and state-level arts governance, including the Australia Council and Vitalstatistix. He has combined his legal expertise with cultural leadership to strengthen creative industries.
Christopher Stephen McDermott
A former AFL player and founder of the Little Heroes Foundation, Chris McDermott has turned sporting fame into a platform for paediatric support services, raising millions to improve hospital care for sick children.
John Stratford Mertin (posthumous)
John Mertin was a long-standing volunteer across Lions, Rotary, and other community service organisations. His leadership and generosity left a lasting imprint on civic life in South Australia.
Nadine Olafsen
Nadine Olafsen has enhanced community health through her work in cancer awareness, fundraising, and support services. She has been especially active in helping women navigate their cancer journeys with dignity and hope.
Paul Bernhard Otto
A key figure in multiple charitable causes, Paul Otto has devoted time and resources to improving community wellbeing through health, education, and humanitarian efforts.
Lynette Dawn Pole and Ian Gilbert Pole
Together, Lynette and Ian Pole have contributed to emergency response readiness and community safety in regional South Australia. Their partnership in training and volunteer leadership has benefited countless people in crisis situations.
William James Rawlins
A dedicated volunteer, William Rawlins has served across multiple organisations focused on youth development, aged care, and community advancement.
Christopher Malcolm Reed
An environmental conservationist, Christopher Reed has worked on land regeneration, biodiversity projects, and public education to preserve South Australia’s natural heritage.
John Charlton Rowley
A committed Liberal Party member, John Rowley has also contributed widely to his local community through civic projects and support of grassroots organisations.
Sister Mary Frances Ryan
A Mary MacKillop nun, and member of the order of the Sisters of St Joseph, Sister Mary Ryan was instrumental in creating the Mary MacKillop Precinct and Museum at Kensington. Mary MacKillop’s order were and are teaching nuns. They all followed her example of caring for the marginalised, as did Saint Mary MacKillop of the Cross, Australia’s first saint.
Peter Francis Sawley
A former teacher and principal, Peter Sawley has contributed to education policy and community learning programs, influencing both students and peers.
Glenda Sherwin-Lane
An active community leader, Glenda Sherwin-Lane has contributed to the preservation of South Australian history, public library advocacy, and access to learning for diverse groups.
Howard Walter Speed
Howard Speed has supported photography through education, exhibitions, and mentorship, helping develop photographic appreciation and technical skills across the state.
Graham David Spinkston (posthumous)
Graham Spinkston volunteered across education, civic organisations, and church groups for many years, fostering community spirit and opportunity.
Captain David Andrew West
Captain West has dedicated his career to advancing mental health care in nursing, particularly within South Australia’s correctional services and defence support sectors.
Dr Bernard James Whimpress
A respected historian and writer, Bernard Whimpress has enriched Australian literature through works on sport, particularly cricket, and cultural history.
Robert Bruce Williamson
Robert Williamson has significantly contributed to engineering and technology through his leadership roles with Engineers Australia, where he has served as Chair of the National Committee on Engineering Associates and Technologists and held key national board positions. He is also a strong advocate for neurodiverse talent in STEM, serving as Chair of the Autism Academy for Software Quality Assurance at Curtin University. In addition to his work in engineering education and industry, he has held senior executive roles in mining and technology, earning multiple national ICT industry awards for innovation and leadership.
Edward John Wilmot
Ted Wilmot has contributed to youth development through Scouts and other civic programs, championing leadership and life skills education.
The Reverend Father Allan James Winter
Father Winter has served the Catholic Church and local communities through his pastoral work, spiritual leadership, and support of social causes.
Henry Samuel Young
A dedicated advocate for veterans and tennis, Henry Young has supported recreational access and wellbeing initiatives for older Australians.
Public Service Medal (PSM)
Dr Paul Terence Dignam
Recognised for outstanding public service in psychiatry, Dr Dignam has led initiatives in mental health reform and service integration within SA Health.
Dr Lawrence Robert Palmer
Dr Palmer has played a vital role in advancing palliative medicine, ensuring compassionate and accessible end-of-life care across the state.
Associate Professor Catherine Margaret Swetenham
A leader in palliative care, A/Prof Swetenham has helped implement innovative models that improve patient dignity and family support.
Australian Police Medal (APM)
Detective Senior Sergeant Rebecca Lee Hughes
Assistant Commissioner Ian Edward Parrott
Superintendent Craig Stephen Wall
All recognised for exemplary leadership and service within South Australia Police, contributing to safety, reform, and operational excellence.
Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM)
Mr Gideon James Douglas
Mr Gregory Robert James
Mr Gordon James Sandford
Mr John Robert Wright
Honoured for exceptional dedication and leadership across firefighting and emergency response services in South Australia.
Ambulance Service Medal (ASM)
Ms Tracey Bellamy
Mr Leigh James Nicolson
Both recipients have provided outstanding service in pre-hospital emergency care and paramedic training.
Emergency Services Medal (ESM)
Mr Scott Michael Anderson
Mr Roberto Carlo Grande
For leadership in emergency services coordination, community protection, and volunteer support.
Australian Corrections Medal (ACM)
Mr David Allan Bridges
For distinguished service in corrections, including operational leadership and prisoner rehabilitation programs.
For the full Australian list of honours visit https://www.gg.gov.au/kings-birthday-2025-honours-list
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