Community
25 January, 2026
Locals recognised with Australia Day honours
At least five local residents have been named as recipients of the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in this year’s Australia Day 2026 Honours List.
At least five local residents have been named as recipients of the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in this year’s Australia Day 2026 Honours List.
In the Wingecarribee, OAM recipients include Bundanoon residents Peter Papps for his service to the sport of shooting and Peter Roach for his service to the community through a range of organisations.
OAM recipients in Wollondilly include John Bicknell from Bargo for his service to the community through a range of organisations and David Blakeley from Wilton for his service to community health.
In the Upper Lachlan, Steven Sullivan from Taralga was awarded an OAM for his service to the community through emergency response organisations.
Peter Papps has an impressive history as a competitive shooter, representing Australia in the rapid-fire pistol event at the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne and the World Trap Shooting Championships in 1970.
Over the years he has played a key leadership role in a number of organisations including the Australian Sporting Shooters Association and more recently the Berrima Clay Target Club.
Peter Roach is the former chair of the School Council at Knox Grammar School and is the current chair of the School Council at the Ravenswood School for Girls.
He is well known locally for his work with the Southern Highlands Community Foundation.
Mr Roach has also enjoyed key roles with UCA Redress and Mundango Abroad.
John Bicknell of Bargo has been recognised for his work through the Lakesland Volunteer Bushfire Brigade, the Highland Singers, the Hume Choral Society and the Macarthur Singers.
He has been actively involved in Wollondilly churches for more than 30 years and has acted as a youth mentor at the Picton and Mt Annan high schools.
Mr Bicknell has also been an active member of the agriculture industry and an advocate for orchardists.
David Blakeley has been recognised for his work with the Cancer Patients Foundation.
Mr Blakeley was chairman of the Foundation from 2004 through until 2021 and a board member from the 1990s through until 2004.
Mr Blakeley chaired the ‘Look Good, Feel Better’ program from 2004 through until 2021.
Steven Sullivan, a former Taralga Citizen of the Year, has been recognised for his work with a range of organisations in the Taralga area including the NSW Rural Fire Service, the Taralga Progress Association, Taralga Sports Club, Crookwell Taralga Aged Care and the Taralga RSL Sub-Branch.
Mr Sullivan served with the Australian Regular Army from 1969 through until 1979 and the Army Reserves from 1991 through until 1999.
His previous honours have included the (NSW RFS) Commissioners Commendation for Service (2022), the National Emergency Medal (2021) and the Australian Active Service Medal (1945-75) with Vietnam clasp.
Governor General Sam Mostyn AC has congratulated everyone recognised in the 2026 Honours List.
“The qualities and accomplishments of this year’s honourees reflect Australia’s values for service, community, kindness, curiosity, tenacity and care,” she said.
Recipients will attend an investiture ceremony at Government House in their respective state or territory in coming months to receive the insignia of their award.
Please note: Information provided to the media about Honours List recipients is limited – particularly in relation to Public Service Medal (PSM) recipients and AM recipients in the Military Division. We would love to hear from anyone who received an Honour and who has not been mentioned in our story. Please email sc@thesouthernwire.com.au
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