Matt Thistlethwaite (Kingsford Smith, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Immigration) Share this | Hansard source

Each year, on Australia Day, we honour those who have given outstanding contributions to the Australian community. The Australia Day honours awards recognise those who have worked tirelessly to make our nation better—often quietly, and never for the recognition itself. As the member for Kingsford Smith, I'm proud to pay tribute to those from our community that were honoured in the 2026 list. They represent the very best of us, across fields as diverse as medicine, construction, sport and academia. I'd like to acknowledge those appointed as members of the Order of Australia for their significant service.

From Randwick, there's Distinguished Professor James Macnamara AM. James is recognised for his significant service to tertiary education, communications research and public relations. His work shapes how we understand media and communications in a complex world.

From Kensington, there's Professor Nicholas Manolios AM. Nicholas has dedicated his life to medicine—specifically, in the vital fields of immunology and rheumatic diseases. His service provides quality of life for countless Australians. From Coogee is Mr John Susman AM. John is honoured for significant service to the hospitality industry and to the seafood sector. Anyone who loves Australia knows that seafood is an important part of our community and a vital industry to our culture and economy, and John's been a champion of it for decades.

We also have a poignant inclusion in this year's list. We honour the late Dr Nicholas Medland AM. Though sadly no longer with us, his legacy remains. He's recognised for significant service to sexual health medicine as a physician and epidemiologist. We send our deepest respects to his partner, Mr Mark Gussy, and his family. This award ensures Dr Medland's contribution to public health will never be forgotten. I also want to congratulate recipients of the Medal of the Order of Australia. Phil Jenkinson from Maroubra has given extraordinary service, teaching young kids to sail at the Yarra Bay Sailing Club for decades and for his work through south Sydney junior rugby league with the Mustangs. From Botany, Tim Murphy OAM is honoured for his service to the construction industry and the wider community.

I'd also like to highlight the meritorious award for Trent Brown. I've know Trent for many, many years. He's from Kingsford, and he received the Australian Fire Service Medal for his distinguished service. I'd like to highlight military service recipients Lieutenant Commander Jay Pettifer, Warrant Officer Lyndon Quirke and Warrant Officer Class One Kimberly Kiely. These awards happen because someone took the time to nominate them, and I encourage others. If you know someone in Kingsford Smith doing outstanding work, please nominate them. To our 2026 nominees: thank you for your service to our community and to our country and congratulations on this well-deserved recognition.

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