Almost 30 UNSW Canberra graduates were acknowledged in the 2025 Australia Day Honours, recognising their contribution to serving their communities and country.

The 28 recipients are part of the more than 700 Australians and more than 60 UNSW community members recognised on the honours list.

Announcing her first Australia Day Honours, Governor-General Sam Mostyn AC congratulated all the recipients and thanked them for their service.

“To read recipient stories is to be reminded that contribution to communities across the country, underpinned by care, kindness, respect and love, is what matter most to all Australians, in every sphere of life,” the Governor-General said.

“Recipients embody the best of us, and we are grateful to all of them.

“This year, we mark the 50th anniversary of Australia’s honours system. We have a wonderful opportunity over the next 50 years of our honours and awards to reflect our generous, successful and modern Australian society.

“To all the remarkable 2025 Australia Day honours recipients, we celebrate you.”

The UNSW Canberra alumni recognised in the 2025 Australia Day Honours are:

Officer of the Order of Australia (AO)

  • Rear Admiral Jonathan Earley CSC RAN

Member of the Order of Australia (AM)

  • Commodore Richard Caton
  • Wing Commander Cameron Douglas
  • Group Captain Marija Jovanovich CSM
  • Rear Admiral David Mann RAN CSC
  • Air Commodore Matthew McCormack        
  • Colonel Thomas McDermott              
  • Air Commodore Michael Reidy

Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM)

  • Commander Luke Andrews RAN
  • Lieutenant Commander Scott Clarke
  • Captain Douglas Griffiths     
  • Mr Geoffrey Jones

Distinguished Service Medal (DSM)

  • Brigadier James Hunter CSC

Commendation for Distinguished Service

  • Lieutenant Colonel Gerald McGowan

Conspicuous Service Cross (CSC)

  • Commander Nikola Ford
  • Lieutenant Colonel Susana Henderson      
  • Brigadier Damian Hill AM
  • Captain Matthew Hoffman  
  • Principal Chaplain Andrew Lewis
  • Brigadier Nerolie McDonald
  • Wing Commander Lachlan Melville
  • Captain Antony Pisani
  • Commander Matthew Ryall
  • Commodore Nigel Smith      
  • Squadron Leader James Wheeler    

Conspicuous Service Medal (CSM)

  • Lieutenant Commander Dean Dvornicich
  • Squadron Leader Ryan Milsop
  • Wing Commander Brad Sheldon

 

The full 2025 Australia Day Honours List is available at the website of the Governor-General.