The Hon. Barnaby Joyce MP

Member for New England

MEDIA RELEASE

7 June 2026

KINGS BIRTHDAY HONOURS RECIPIENTS 2026

Member for New England Barnaby Joyce has extended his congratulations to the region’s 2026 King’s Birthday Honours recipients.

The Order of Australia Medal (OAM) recognises Australians who have demonstrated outstanding service or exceptional achievement for which the New England received six outstanding recipients.

Recipients in the New England to receive the OAM include:

The Late Mr Peter Kearsey

Mrs Yvette Stanton
Lieutenant Colonel Patrick Pickett CSM (Retd)
Mr William Oates
Mr Russell Clifton
Mr Ray Shoobert

Mr Joyce commended the recipients. “It is a great honour for these New England residents to be awarded an OAM, we should all be very proud to have them as part of our community”, he said.

Meritorious awards are awarded to members of particular services. Nominations come from within their organisations and are recommended by the relevant minister for the Governor-General’s approval.

This year saw the New England receive one outstanding recipient, Mr Garry Bashford AFSM RFD, for his distinguished service as a member of the Australian fire service. Mr Bashford joined the Kentucky Rural Fire Brigade in 1973 and ever since his dedication and extraordinary diligence along with his leadership has been well recognised within the community and overseas.

“I would also like to make special acknowledgment of the late Peter Kearsey OAM and his wife Desma who received an OAM in 2022 for their service to the Inverell community, I appreciate and thank them, along with all Honours recipients, for their remarkable service”, Mr Joyce said.

Anyone can nominate any Australian for an award in the Order of Australia. If you know someone worthy, nominate them now at www.gg.gov.au

ENDS