Lauren Parker heads Hunter Australia Day Honours list
The Newcastle Weekly’s January “cover girl” Lauren Parker continues to reap the spoils… on and off the sporting arena.
After a stellar 2024, which saw the 36-year-old win three medals – including two gold – at the Paris Paralympics, the Novocastrian can now add OAM (Medal of the Order of Australia) to her resume following the release of the 2025 Australia Day Honours recipients.
Governor-General Sam Mostyn announced accolades and awards for 732 Australians on Saturday 25 January, including the Order of Australia (General and Military Divisions), meritorious commendations and recognition for distinguished and conspicuous service.
Ms Parker was acknowledged for her “golden” performances in para triathlon and para cycling.
She’s just one of the many Hunter residents acknowledged in the 2025 Australia Day Honours for their extraordinary work within their respective communities.
Hunter 2025 Australia Day Honours recipients:
AM (Member of the Order of Australia)
• Samantha Connor (AM) – Thornton: For significant service to people with disability
• Ian Marler (AM) – Maryland: For significant service to surveying and to the community
• Geoffrey Sharrock (AM) – Fordwich: For significant service to the mining industry and to the community
OAM (Medal of the Order of Australia)
• Associate Professor Jill Duncan (OAM) – Newcastle: For service to tertiary education and to people with disability
• Thomas Gustard (OAM) – Eleebana: For service to rugby league as a referee
• Gerard McMillan (OAM) – Singleton: For service to the community and to business
• Lauren Parker (OAM) – Newcastle: For service to sport as a gold medallist at the Paris Paralympic Games
• Carol Peterson (OAM) – East Maitland: For service to youth, particularly through Girl Guides
• Alan Wardrope (OAM) – Tuggerawong: For service to the film and motion picture industry
ESM (Emergency Services Medal)
• Christine Speer (ESM) – Hillsborough: Meritorious
Military
Wing Commander Cameron Douglas (AM) – Adamstown: For exceptional service delivering advanced integrated air and missile defence capability for the Australian Defence Force and the United States Air Force
Squadron Leader James Wheeler (Conspicuous Service Cross) – Merewether: For outstanding achievement in enhancing F-35 survivability and F-35 Mission Data collaboration for the Royal Australian Air Force and F-35 Program nations
Ms Mostyn congratulated Australia Day Honour beneficiaries.
“Thank you for your work of care and service to our nation,” she said.
“To read recipient stories is to be reminded that contribution to communities across the country, underpinned by care, kindness, respect and love, is what matters most to all Australians, in every sphere of life.
“They embody the best of us… and we are grateful to all of them.”
Six people were made companions of the Order of Australia (AO), the highest honour: epidemiologist and former Victorian deputy CHO Professor Allen Cheng, Aboriginal activist and international human rights lawyer Professor Megan Davis, High Court Justice James Edelman, former Australian Human Rights Commission president Emeritus Professor Gillian Triggs, art philanthropist Eve (Lyn) Williams and land rights activist the late Galarrwuy Yunupingu.
Find more community stories in our Autumn edition of Hunter & Coastal Lifestyle Magazine or subscribe here.
Story Olivia Goeldner
