The Hon. Barnaby Joyce MP
Member for New England
MEDIA RELEASE
26 January 2026
Australia Day Honours
Federal Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, has congratulated and commended the region’s 2026 Australia Day Award recipients.
Ten residents of New England and Upper Hunter have received the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division who include Mr Neville Miller OAM, of Tamworth, for his service to country music, Mrs Lee-Anne Watts OAM, for her service to local government, and to the community of Scone, Mr Greg Roese OAM, of Tamworth for his service to veterans, and to the community, Mr Rob Lewis OAM, of Quirindi for his service to the community of the New England region, Mr Rodney Walker OAM, of Tamworth for his service to the arts as an entertainer, Mr Stephen King OAM, of Walcha for his service to the visual arts as a sculptor, Ms Helen Tickle OAM, of Tamworth for her service to local government and to the community, Mr Mike Porter OAM, of Armidale for his service to cricket, Mr Neville Holz OAM, of Willow Tree for service to horse sports and the community, and the late Mr Eddie Whitham OAM, of Tamworth for his service to the multicultural community of Tamworth.
The Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) has been awarded to Ms Mardi Cook AFSM, of Uralla for distinguished service as a member of an Australian fire service.
“It’s always wonderful to see local residents recognised for their tremendous dedication to civic service,” Mr Joyce said.
“I make special mention of Eddie Whitham who, sadly, is no longer with us and did not get to receive his honour. Eddie’s advocacy for others never went unnoticed, has forever changed people’s lives and I think of him and his family today,” Mr Joyce said.
“These are very distinguished honours, and I congratulate all award recipients and thank them for the contributions they have made, and continue to make, in local communities right around the region.” Mr Joyce said.
Anyone can nominate any Australian for an award in the Order of Australia. If you know of someone deserving recognition, nominate them now at www.gg.gov.au