The Australia Day honours list for 2026 has awarded recognition to several media people.
Mr Mark Charles ARMSTRONG (NSW) – Officer of the Order of Australia (AO)
For distinguished service to media and communications law, to the development of public policy and regulation, and as an academic. He was Chairman of the ABC in the 1990s.
Ms Gail Iris HAMBLY (NSW) – Member of the Order of Australia (AM)
For significant service to the media and communications sector, to the arts, and to the legal profession. She is the former group general counsel at Fairfax Media Limited.
Mr Robert BONTSCHEK (VIC) – Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM)
For service to the Jewish community of Melbourne, and to the media. He founded J-AIR Community Radio 88FM.
Mr Kenneth Charles BROWN (QLD) – Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM)
For service to media, and to the community. The founder of Coastwatch, ‘Brownie’ and his water weather, safety and entertainment tips were heard on 4KQ.
The late Mr David Andrew HEARD (VIC) – Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM)
For service to community radio. David presented Acid Country on PBS in Melbourne for more than 40 years. He was also a founding volunteer, serving on the board and programming committee.
Ms Eliza Rachel HULL (VIC) – Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM)
For service to people with disability, and the arts. The award winning musician, writer and producer and disability advocate is the lead of Powerd Media for the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA).
Dr James Arthur MORRISON (WA) – Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM)
For service to the Indigenous community of Western Australia. Jim is a presenter of Moorditj Mag on RTRFM. The program is about indigenous culture, music and arts.
Mr Brett Allen MURRAY (QLD) – Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM)
For service to the media, and to motorsports. The CEO of the BAM Media Group
Mr Russell Henry WALKINGTON (QLD) – Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM)
For service to broadcast media.
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