Several educators, school leaders and education professionals have been recognised in the Australia Day 2026 Honours List, celebrating long-standing service, leadership and contributions to student wellbeing, community engagement and education equity.
At the forefront is Dr Michele Bruniges AO, former Secretary of the NSW Department of Education and Communities and later Secretary of the Australian Government’s Department of Education, Skills and Employment.
Dr Bruniges received an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service to public administration, education policy and teaching practice, including her work addressing educational disadvantage. Her career in education spans roles in primary, secondary and tertiary settings, as well as leadership of key national education bodies.
Public Service Medals highlight leadership and wellbeing impact
Three senior NSW public education leaders were recognised with the Public Service Medal (PSM) for exceptional service:
- Mia Kumar, Principal of Burwood Girls High School since 2002, honoured for more than two decades of visionary leadership that has seen the school achieve consistently strong academic outcomes and cultivate confident, community-minded young women.
- Anne Reddie, Director of Child Wellbeing and Mental Health Services, acknowledged for her transformational leadership in supporting mental health and wellbeing across more than 2,000 NSW schools.
- Margaret Baker, Principal Legal Officer for the NSW Department of Education, recognised for her longstanding contribution to strengthening legal frameworks that support fairness and effective governance across the state’s public education system.
- Rebecca Jane Huddy, Principal of Westport Primary School (SA), for outstanding long-term public service and school leadership.
NSW Department of Education Secretary Murat Dizdar applauded the recipients for their dedication, noting these honours highlight the important role educators play as pillars of their communities.
“Across the state the awards not only recognise the commitment of our teachers to their profession, it also highlights the important role they play as pillars of their communities,” he said.
Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) – Educators and Community Service
Also recognised with the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service in education and related community contributions were:
- Ann Caro, former school principal and NSW Secondary Principals Council executive member, for service to education.
- Linda Mary Olive, Aboriginal Community Liaison Officer at Hastings Secondary College, for service to education and to the Indigenous community.
- Laurence Roger Ashcroft, former teacher, for service to the community of Parkes.
- Bronwyn Joy Howes and Frances Helen Kendall, both former assistant principals, recognised for service in primary education and music education respectively.
- Robert Malcolm Lewis, former New England education executive, and George Moscos, former Asquith High School teacher, for service to their regional communities.
- Alen Stajcic, former Head Coach at Hill Sports High School, for service to football and youth engagement.
- Jillian Fay Cameron, for service to early childhood education.
