2026 Australia Day Awards: The Jewish Recipients

JWire congratulates all Jewish recipients of this year’s Australia Day Awards.

VIC ten awards – NSW three awards – WA three awards – SA one award QLD one award Male 15 – Female 3

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OFFICER OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA (AO) IN THE GENERAL DIVISION

Dr Michael Robert Carr-Gregg, Melbourne VIC 3004

For distinguished service to child and adolescent psychology, to policy reform as an advocate and advisor,

to youth cyber safety, and to the community.

Michael Carr-Gregg Pty Ltd

• Consultant Psychologist, since 2015.

• Managing Director, since 2014.

• Director, 2001-2014.

• Speaker and Mental Health Advocate, current.

• Co-Creator and Facilitator, Breakfast at Epiphany’s: 8 Secrets of Wellbeing, 2020.

• Co-Creator, Green Light to Talk, Proce Waterhouse Cooper, 2018.

• Co-Creator, Arts Wellbeing Collective, Arts Centre Melbourne, 2017.

• Facilitator, Youth Mental Health First Aid, current.

• Facilitator, Teen Mental Health First Aid, current.

Youth Advocacy and Mental Health

• Patron, Read the Play, since 2018.

• Advisor, Project Thrive Australia, current.

• Public Speaker, Saxton Speakers, current.

• Fellow, Counselling Psychologists College, since 1998.

• Ambassador, Playgroup Victoria, 2010s.

• Advocate, Internet Safety Digital Licence, late 2000s-early 2010s.

• Consultant Psychologist, Albert Road Centre for Health, 1999-2008.

• Ambassador, Youth Beyond Blue, c2007.

• Keynote Speaker, Australian Positive Schools Conference, since 2011.

• Former Community Ambassador, Big Brother Big Sister Australia.

• Former Ambassador, MindMatters.

• Former Advisory Board Member, Project Rockit.

• Former Ambassador, National Drugs Campaign, Parliament of Australia.

Young and Well Cooperative Research Centre

• Director, c2016.

• Board Member, 2010-2015.

Smiling Mind

• Board Member, 2012-2016.

• Former Ambassador.

National Coalition Against Bullying

• Former Chair, Digital Literacy Committee.

• Co-Founder, 2003.

Canteen Australia

• Director, 1999-2001.

• Co-Founder, 1984.

Board Appointments

• Board Member, The Australian Children’s Television Foundation, 2019-2022.

• Board Member, Family Peace Foundation, 2016-2018.

• Board Member, Alannah and Madeline Foundation, 2012-2015.

Australian Psychological Society

• Board Member, 2015-2018.

• Deputy Chair, Public Interest Advisory Group, 2016.

• National Committee Member, ePsychology Interest Group, 2012-2015.

• Treasurer, Melbourne Branch, 2009-2015.

• Political Liaison Officer, Victoria, 2012-2013.

• Member, Membership Recruitment, Retention and Engagement Committee, 2011-2013.

• Committee Member, Melbourne Branch, 2008-2010.

• Member, 1997-2018, and since 2025.

Education

• Consultant Psychologist, Australian Boarding Schools Association, 2010s.

• Consultant Psychologist, Victorian Association of State Secondary Principals, 1995-2005.

• Visiting Fellow, St Ignatius College, 2000.

• Director, Education and Training, Centre for Adolescent Health, The Royal Children’s Hospital, 1994-1999.

The University of Melbourne

• Associate Professor, Department of Paediatrics, 1993-2000.

• Director, Centre for Social Health, 1992-1994.

Government Advisory Roles

• Project Lead, Review into the non-educational use of mobile devices in NSW schools, NSW Government, 2018-2019.

• Official Advisor, Cybersecurity, Parliament of Queensland, 2010-2013.

• Member, Online Safety Consultative Working Group, Department of Communication, mid-2010s.

• Former Advisory Committee Member, Boy’s Education Lighthouse Schools Programme, Department of Education, Science and Training.

• Former Advisor, Queensland Schools Alliance Against Violence, Queensland Government.

• Former Advisory Group Member, Youth Psychology, Minister for Roads, Parliament of Victoria.

Media

• Program Psychologist, Sunrise, Seven Network, since 2005.

• Program Psychologist, 3AW Radio Melbourne Southern Cross, since 2005.

• Child and Adolescent Psychologist, SchoolTV, 2020s.

• Columnist, Huffington Post Australia, 2015-2018.

• Columnist, New Idea, 2005-2018.

• Columnist, Girlfriend Magazine, 2005-2018.

• Columnist, Herald Sun, 2003-2009.

• Program Psychologist, Today Show, Nine Network, 1999-2004.

• Program Psychologist, 11am Program, Seven Network, 1995-1999.

• Program Psychologist, Jon Faine Program, ABC 774, 1997-1998.

• Program Psychologist, John Blackman Show, Radio 3AK, 1996-1997.

• Former Columnist, Lightsout, Australian Boarding Schools Association.

• Member, Melbourne Press Club, since 1999.

New Zealand Roles

• Founder, CanTeen New Zealand (now Canteen Aotearoa), c2000.

• Inaugural Executive Director, New Zealand Drug Foundation, 1990-1992.

• Director, Coalition Against Tobacco Advertising and Promotion, 1989-1990.

Publications

• Author, Grandparents, Allen and Unwin, 2023.

• Co-Author, Starting Secondary School: The Essential Handbook for every Australian family, Penguin, 2020.

• Co-Author, Surviving Year 12: An essential resource for families, Penguin, 2020.

• Co-Author, Smart Snacks: 100+ quick and nutritious recipes for surviving the school years, Penguin, 2019.

• Podcast Guest, The Mental Health Crisis in Australia, Better Thinking with Nesh Nikolic, Strategic Psychology, 2020.

• Author, Cyberbullying: an essential guide for parenting in the digital guide, Penguin, 2014.

• Author, 18 non-fiction mental health, parenting, children, adolescents and use of technology books.

• Paul Harris Fellow, Prevention of Youth Suicide, Rotary International, 1997 and 2021.

• Alumni Award, The University of New South Wales, 1987 and 2007.

• Guest Subject, This Your Life, Nine Network, 2000.

• Commemoration Medal for Service to the Community, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet New Zealand, 1990.

• Outstanding Young Australian of the Year, Jaycees Foundation Limited, 1987.

Michael Carr-Greg told JWire: “I’m humbled and honoured by this recognition, and if it helps keep the focus on young people’s wellbeing, that’s a great thing.

Proud to grow up in a country that refuses to allow the well-being and development of young people to be outsourced to Silicon Valley.”

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Dr David Forbes, Melbourne VIC 3162

For distinguished service to mental health research and practice, to the prevention and treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder, and to academia.

Mental Health Research

• Academic Director, Maudsley Health, since 2024.

• Panel Member, Personalized Medicine in Mental Health and Performance, NATO Science & Technology Organization, since 2018.

• Member, Australian Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, current.

• Co-Chair, International Conference on Trauma and Mental Health, Hadassah Australia, 2017 and 2022.

Phoenix Australia, Australian Centre for Post-Traumatic Mental Health (formerly National Centre for War-Related PTSD)

• Professorial Fellow, since 2024.

• Professor/Director, 2011-2024.

• Investigator, Silexan in the Treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (STOP) Trial, since 2023.

• Member, Roundtable Group, SOLAR Program, since 2015.

• Co-Developer, Blue Hub Program, The Police Association Victoria, 2020.

• Deputy Director and Clinical Specialist, 1999-2011.

The University of Melbourne

• Honorary Professor, since 2024.

• Former Deputy Head, Department of Psychiatry.

• Former Professor, Department of Psychiatry, 2011-2024.

• Member, Advisory Board, Centre of Mental Health, School of Population and Global Health, 2014-2024.

International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies

• Chair, International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, Clinical Guidelines Committee, since 2021.

• Vice Chair International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, Clinical Guidelines Committee, 2015-2021.

• Program Deputy Chair, Annual Conference, Baltimore, United States of America, 2008.

• Member, current.

Veteran’s Welfare

• Co-Chair, 5 Eyes – Military and Veterans Mental Health Research and Innovations Collaborative, since 2018.

• Member, Veterans’ Health and Welfare Whole-of-Population Program, Advisory Group, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, since 2018.

• Board Member, Active Advisory Committee, Returned and Services League, since 2018.

• Board Member, National Centre for Veterans’ Healthcare Advisory Council, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, 2019-2020.

• Member, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Strategic Oversight Committee, Gallipoli Medical Research Foundation, 2013-2015.

• Senior Clinical Psychologist, Veterans Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Unit, Austin & Repatriation Medical Centre, 1995-1999.

Department of Veterans’ Affairs

• Member, Veteran Mental Health Clinical Reference Group, since 2013.

• Member, Technical Advisory Committee, since 2011.

• Member, Open Arms National Advisory Committee, 2010-2022.

• Member, Rehabilitation Advisory Committee, 2011-2020.

• Research Investigator, Applied Research Program, Department of Veterans Affairs, 2007-2017

• Member, Mental Health Advisory Group, Australian Defence Force, since 2013.

• Member, Scientific Advisory Committee, since 2011.

• Member, Mental Health Wellbeing Advisory Group, since 2011.

Australian Government

• Member, Independent Medical Advisory Panel, Department of Home Affairs, since 2019.

• Member, Working Group, Victorian Bushfire Cross-Professional Education and Training, Department of Health and Ageing, since 2009.

• Co-Establisher, Victorian State-Wide Trauma Service, Victorian Department of Health, 2023.

• Independent Health Advisor and Panel Member, Department of Immigration and Border Protection 2014-2015.

• Member, Expert Advisory Group, National Mental Health Disaster Taskforce, 2007-2008.

The Prince’s Trust Australia

• Member, Enterprise for Veterans Advisory Council, since 2015.

• Member, Enterprise for Veterans Codesign, since 2014.

Australian Psychological Society

• Committee Member, Disaster Preparedness and Response Reference Group, 2012-2019.

• Fellow, since 2013.

• Fellow, Clinical College, since 1997.

• Member, since 1990.

National Health and Medical Research Council

• Investigator, Developing a Just-in-Time-Adaptive-Intervention for Problem Anger, 2021-2025.

• Investigator, Improving Outcomes from Exposure Therapy for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder with Acute Exercise, 2019-2024.

• Investigator, ‘The Rapid Exposure Supporting Trauma Recovery (RESTORE) Trial’, 2016-2022.

• Investigator, Optimising Mental Health and Quality of Life for Australia’s Military Personnel and Veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, 2015-2021.

• Member, Working Group, Revised Australian Clinical Guidelines on the Treatment of People with Acute Stress Disorder and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, 2019-2020.

• Co-Chair, Steering Group, Revised Australian Clinical Guidelines on the Treatment of People with Acute Stress Disorder and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, 2011-2013.

• Chair, Working Group, Inaugural Australian Clinical Guidelines on the Treatment of Adults with Acute Stress Disorder and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, 2005-2007.

Other

• Member, Taskforce on National Resilience, Global Access Partners, since 2020.

• Board Member, Emergency Services Foundation, 2019-2020.

• Member, Advisory Board Meeting, Fortem, 2019-2020.

Research Projects

• Investigator, Early Detection and Intervention to Optimise the Mental Health of Frontline Workers iCare Foundation, 2020.

• Investigator, Documentary Promoting Resilience in Men and Boys at Key Transition Points in Their Lives, Movember Foundation, 2014-2017.

• Investigator, Bushfires, Social Connectedness and Mental Health, 2011-2016.

• Investigator, Telephone-Administered Early Psychological Intervention for Depression and Anxiety Following Serious Injury, Beyondblue, 2009.

• Investigator, Beyond Bushfires: Community Resilience and Recovery, Australian Research Council,2009.

• Member, Editorial Board, Psychological Injury and Law, since 2014.

• Member, Editorial Board, Case Reports in Psychiatry, since 2013.

• Member, Editorial Board, Psychological Trauma – Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy, since 2013.

• Member, Editorial Board, Disaster Health, since 2012.

• Member, Editorial Board, Journal of Anxiety Disorders, since 2011.

• Member, Editorial Board, Journal of Traumatic Stress, 2008-2012.

Publications

• Co-Editor, ‘Anger at Work: Prevention, Intervention and Treatment in High-Risk Organisations, 2021.

• Co-Author, Chapter ‘Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Men’, Comprehensive Men’s Mental Health2021.

• Co-Editor, Effective Treatments for PTSD: Third Edition: Practice Guidelines, 2020.

• Co-Author, Planning for Community-Based Disaster Resilience Worldwide: Learning from Case Studies in Six Continents, 2017.

• Co-Author, Chapter ‘PTSD in the Military’, Comprehensive Guide to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Volume 1 and 2, 2016.

• Author, The Science of Why: Decoding Human Motivation and Transforming Marketing Strategy, 2015.

• Co-Author, Chapter ‘The Utility of Moral Injury’, Moral Injury: Unseen Wounds in an Age of Barbarism, 2015.

• Author, Chapter ‘The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2’, The Encyclopedia of Psychological Trauma, 2008.

• Co-Author, Mental Health Advice Book for Practitioners Helping Veterans with Common Mental Health Problems, Scholarly Edition, Department of Veteran’s Affairs, 2007.

• Author, Chapter ‘In Da Zone: Meditation, Masculinity, and a Meaningful Life’, Holistic Learning and Spirituality in Education: Breaking New Ground, 2005.

• Co-Author, Chapter ‘Military Populations’, Advances in the Treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, 2004.

• Co-Author, Chapters ‘The Long-Term Effects of Traumatic Stress’ and ‘The Treatment of Chronic Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder’, Military Stress and Performance – The Australian Defence Force Experience, 2003.

• Published over 270 peer-reviewed journal articles.

Awards and Recognition include:

• Research Project ‘The Rapid Exposure Supporting Trauma Recovery (RESTORE) Trial’ named ’10 of the Best’ Publication, National Health and Medical Research Council, 2025.

 

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MEMBER OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA (AM) IN THE GENERAL DIVISION

The Late Norman Abraham Faifer, VIC

 

For significant service to the building and construction industry, and to the community.

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George Benjamin Newhouse, NSW

For significant service to the law, to the legal profession, and to the community.

National Justice Project

• Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, since 2015.

• Co-Establisher, Social Justice Clinic, Macquarie University, since 2016.

• Co-Establisher, Social Justice Clinic, Monash University, since 2020.

• Principal Solicitor, since 2016.

Tech4Justice

• Co-Establisher, Tech4Justice Clinic, Macquarie University, since 2020.

• Co-Creator, ‘Hear Me Out’ AI Platform Initiative, current.

First Nations

• Director, The Stolen Generations Testimonies Foundation, since 2007.

• Member, Advisory Board, Deadly Connections, 2021-2023.

• Chapter Editor, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Civil Justice Issues, The Laws of Australia, Thomson Reuters since 2011.

• Co-Founder and Director, Australian Indigenous Chamber of Commerce, 2008-2012.

• Participant, Indigenous Affairs, Australia 2020 Summit, 2008.

• Adjunct Professor, Jumbunna Institute for Indigenous Education and Research, University of Technology Sydney.

Macquarie University

• Adjunct Professor of Law, since 2016.

• Co-Establisher and Presenter, Social Justice Clinic, current.

Jumbunna Institute for Indigenous Education and Research, University of Technology Sydney

• Adjunct Professor, since 2021.

• Designer and Contributor, ‘Call It Out’ A First Nations Racism Register, 2022.

Law

• Principal Solicitor, Centennial Lawyers, current.

• Special Counsel, Shine Lawyers Ltd, 2011-2016.

• Corporate Counsel, Surry Partners Lawyers, 2008-2011.

• Member and Mediator, NSW Workers Compensation Commission, 2001-2007.

• Member and Accredited Mediator, Consumer Trader and Tenancy Tribunal, 1999-2007.

• In House Legal Counsel, Marsim Corporation, 2000-2006.

• Partner, KNPW Lawyers (incorporating George Newhouse & Associates), 1993-1999.

• Lawyer, Swaab & Associates, 1990-1993.

Waverley Council

• Mayor, 2006-2007.

• Deputy Mayor, 2004-2006.

• Councillor, Hunter Ward, 1995-2008.

Community

• Committee Member, Climate Justice Programme, since 2017.

• Founding Member, The McKell Institute, since 2011.

• Advisor, Adrian Lam Foundation, 2009-2011.

Professional – Other

• Member, Advisory Board, The Alex Buzo Company, 2007-2010.

• Board Member, New South Wales Architects Registration Board, 2004-2007.

• Capital Markets Lawyer and Solicitor, Clifford Chance, 1989-1990.

• Manager, Treasury Planning and Development, J.P. Morgan, 1987-1988.

Awards and Recognition include:

• Most Innovative Website, Australian Web Awards, 2025.

• Innovation in Legal IT, Lawtech Award, 2024.

• Impact 25 Award, Pro Bono Australia, 2021.

• Named one of the Most Influential Lawyers in Human Rights, Advocacy, and Criminal Law,

Australasian Lawyers, 2021.

• Civil Justice Award, Australian Lawyers Alliance, 2019.

• Ron Castan Humanitarian Award, Stand Up: A Jewish Commitment to a Better World, 2017

George Newhouse said: “I felt deeply grateful and humbled when I learned I was receiving an Australia Day Honour. My first thoughts were of the families I have worked with, and of my colleagues, volunteers, supporters and donors. None of this work is done alone. The recognition belongs to the National Justice Project community and to the clients who place their trust in us, and I hope it helps draw attention to work that relies heavily on philanthropic support.

What matters most to me is standing with people harmed by systems meant to protect them, from families who lost loved ones in custody or health care to refugee parents and First Nations communities facing discrimination. Through the National Justice Project, we have secured life-changing outcomes and driven law and policy reform across Australia. I hope people understand this honour reflects collective effort and work that is far from finished, and I see it as a way to honour the example set by my father, Arnold Newhouse, and my grandfather, Abe Newhouse, who showed me what service looks like in practice.”

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Dr Leon Pitchon, SA

For significant service to medicine as a plastic surgeon, and to the arts through philanthropy.

Royal Adelaide Hospital, Department of Plastic Surgery

• Honorary Plastic Surgeon, 1986-1993.

• Co-Founder and Head, Burns Unit, 1973-1986.

• Senior Visiting Plastic and Burns Surgeon, 1960s-1986.

• Former Plastic Surgeon.

Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Adelaide (formerly Adelaide Children’s Hospital), Department of

Plastic Surgery

• Emeritus Plastic Surgeon, 1993.

• Senior Visiting Medical Specialist, 1981-1983, and 1989-1992.

• Visiting Medical Specialist, 1986-1989.

• Senior Specialist, 1977-1980.

• Honorary Clinical Assistant, 1968.

Medicine and Plastic Surgery – Other

• Life Member, Australian Medical Association, South Australia, 2011.

• Foundation Member, The Australian Hand Surgery Society, 1972.

• Foundation Member, Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Adelaide Symphony Orchestra

• Founder, Leon and Gil Pitchon Fund.

• Benefactor, current.

• Member, Subscriber and Supporter, over 50 years.

The University of Adelaide

• Member, Friends of Urrbrae House, since 2022.

• Benefactor, South Australian ImmunoGENomics Cancer Institute, current.

Philanthropy

• Patron, Adelaide Festival Centre, current.

• Benefactor, Art Gallery of South Australia, current.

• Benefactor, Australian Chamber Orchestra, current.

• Benefactor, Adelaide Central School of Art, current.

Fellowships

• Fellow, Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, since 1980.

• Fellow, Royal College of Surgeons in England, since 1965.

• Fellow, Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh, current.

Awards and Recognition include:

• Appreciation of Service, Royal Adelaide Hospital, 1968-1993.

Leon Pitchon told J-Wire: “I was really so honoured to receive this recognition. It was a privilege to work in  my surgical profession and I was grateful for the opportunities I was given throughout my career.

Giving back to my community through philanthropy was my way of honouring my wife Gill, who volunteered at many arts organisations throughout her life.”

Leon Pitchon realised that Adelaide lacked a Burns Unit. After training in the UK for two years, he is responsible for establishing the city’s first unit in 1972. He told us: “I remember one case in particular, a young girl about six or seven. She sat by a fireside, dangling over it and went up in flames. She was 80%  , which means almost death. But I managed to save her. She visitedme 20 years later, expecting a child and wanted to know if her uterus could manage the pregnancy. It must have done as I didn’t see her again.”

 

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Graham Spencer-Laitt, WA

For significant service to the community of Western Australia through philanthropic governance and benefaction.

Australia-Israel Chamber of Commerce, Western Australia Branch

• President, since 1995.

• Board Member, since 1989.

SolarisCare Foundation

• Director, 2001-2020.

• Co-Founder, 2001.

Snowdome Foundation (Western Australia Chapter)

• Inaugural Chair.

• Former Marketing Facilitator.

Community

• Former Project Coordinator, Middle Oyster Harbour Project, Oyster Harbour Catchment Group and Friends of the Porongurup Range.

Jewish Organisations

• Benefactor, The Jewish National Fund.

• Benefactor, March of the Living Australia (Holocaust Remembrance).

• Benefactor, Habonim Dror (Youth Organisation).

• Benefactor, Jewish Care Western Australia (Aged Care).

• Benefactor, State Zionist Council of Western Australia.

• Benefactor, The Jewish International Film Festival.

Philanthropy

• Benefactor, Law School, The University of Western Australia.

• Benefactor, Heart Research Foundation.

• Benefactor, Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation.

• Benefactor, Lifesaving Western Australia.

Milne AgriGroup

• Chief Executive Officer, current.

• Managing Director, current.

• Director, Mount Barker Free Range Chicken.

• Director, Liveringa Station brands.

• Director, Plantagenet Free Range Pork.

• Assisted with foundation, RSPCA Approved Farming Scheme.

• Founder and Co-Owner, since 2001.

• Owner, Milne Feeds, since 1987.

Peters and Brownes Group

• Managing Director, 1987-2001.

• Majority Shareholder, since 1987.

Muir Williams Nicholson / Freehills Solicitors

• Partner, 1977-1987.

• Articled Clerk, 1975-1977.

Graham Laitt told JWire: “What has mattered most to me has been helping to build sustainable organisations that do worthwhile work. It is hard to measure impact, but in the case of the Australian-Israel Chamber of Commerce in Western Australia, it has been a successful business organisation fostering trade between Australia and Israel for many years. In the case of SolarisCare, it has helped many thousands of people living with cancer and has marshalled the support of a large number of volunteers over time.

I see this honour as recognition of the team efforts at both organisations. I am very much taking one for the teams I have worked with and share this recognition with them. While I am a member of the Jewish community, I am not actually Jewish, my wife and our children are.”

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MEDAL OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA (OAM) IN THE GENERAL DIVISION

 

Robert Bontschek, Melbourne VIC 3004

For service to the Jewish community of Melbourne, and to the media.

J-AIR Community Radio 88FM

• Founder, 2014.

• Vice President, 2014-2022.

• Station Manager, since 2014.

Other

• Managing Director, Cyber Web Services, since 2010.

• Managing Director, East Coast Audio, 1980-2007.

Robert Bontschek started J-Air in his study in his Melbourne home. He said: “We are now on the corner of St Kilda Road and Alma Road, with two  ON AIR Studios and a production studio. We are now doing television, which is Sean Meltzer’s department. He was awarded an OAM for his services to the Jewish community, which he’s been involved with for a very long time, for his work with the Holocaust Museum and other entities around Melbourne.  We’ve been broadcasting from the beginning 24/7, and we broadcast in four languages, English, Hebrew, Yiddish and Russian.

Being awarded this honour means that the Jewish community has recognised the importance of having its own voice in Australia and around the world on the internet. There are only two Jewish radio stations in the southern hemisphere, here and in South Africa. It’s critically important now, since October 7.  If there’s any emergency, the CSG will call us, and we broadcast it as well.”

 

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Dr Andrew Michael Brostek, WA

For service to dentistry.

Dentistry

• Associate Dentist, Noranda Dental Clinic, since 1981.

• President, Australian Association of Laser Dentistry, 2011-2019.

• Reviewer, ‘Preventive and Restorative Procedure Guidelines’, Dental Health Services of Western Australia, 2015.

• Former Expert Opinion Reviewer, Dental Laser Cases, The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.

Education

• Adjunct Clinical Senior Lecturer, Oral Health Centre of Western Australia, The University of Western Australia, since 1999.

• Adjunct Clinical Senior Lecturer, Restorative Dentistry, Dental School, Charles Sturt University, 2019-2020.

• Mentor and Instructor, Voluntary Dental Graduate Year Program, Australian Federal Government, 2013-2016.

Tzu Chi Foundation Australia, International Medical Association, Perth Branch

• Advisor, since 2013.

• Participant, Dental Volunteering Events, 2015, 2016 and 2017.

Australian Dental Association

• Representative, National Working Group on Minimal Intervention Dentistry, 2013-2015.

• Presenter, ‘The Dental Team MI Model’, ‘Minimal Intervention Dentistry Business Model’ and ‘Use and Misuse of Dental Whitening’, Continuing Professional Development program, Victorian Branch, 2018.

• Presenter, Symposium on the Elderly and Ageing ‘Surfing the Silver Wave: Making models of Care financially viable for Practices’, National Congress, Melbourne, 2017.

• Co-presenter, ‘Make it Stick, Make it Work, Make it Invisible’ and ‘Advanced Operative Dentistry: Modern Adhesive Restorative material techniques’, Continuing Professional Development program, Western Australian Branch, 2016.

• Presenter, ‘Modern Dentistry: A time for change?’, National Congress, Brisbane, 2015.

• Presenter, ‘Minimal Intervention Dentistry – A practice Approach’, Continuing Professional Development meeting, Victorian Branch, 2013.

• Presenter, ‘The Minimum Intervention Practice’, The FDI Global Caries Initiative, National Congress, Brisbane, 2011.

• Co-presenter, ‘Minimal Intervention Dentistry’, Queensland Oral Health Convention, 2010.

• Member, since 1978.

Publications

• Co-author, Enhanced Minimal Invasive Tooth Whitening, Oral Health Journal, 2018.

• Co-author, The Perfect Storm: Disruptive evolution in the fundamental structure of dentistry in Australia, The Royal College of Surgeons of England, 2015.

• Contributor, Preservation and Restoration of Tooth Structure, Third Edition, 2015.

• Co-author, Minimal Intervention Dentistry in General Practice, Oral Health Dental Management, 2014.

• Co-author, Intervention Dentistry Principles and Objectives, Australian Dental Journal, 2013.

• Co-author, Minimally Invasive Dentistry – A Review and Update, Shanghai Journal of Stomatology, 2006.

• Co-author, Early Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Treatment of Occlusal Caries – A Clinical Approach, Oral Health and Preventive Dentistry Journal, 2004.

• Reviewer, British Dental Journal, current.

• Reviewer, Lasers in Medical Science, current.

• Reviewer, Australian Journal of Primary Health, current.

• Reviewer, Community Dental Health, current.

Fellowships

• International College of Dentistry, 2007.

• Pierre Fauchard Academy, 2009.

• Western Australian School Dental Service.

Awards and Recognition include:

• High Commendation Award for Excellence in Teaching, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Australia, 2014.

Andrew Brostok told JWire: “I’m actually overwhelmed by this, because I’m a general dentist who’s sort of dabbled in teaching as well, and a few other things. And so it’s nice to get such an amazing award.

I’m a member of a group of people who have developed a new type of dentistry from Queensland Uni, Melbourne Uni, and WA, to try and get rid of the old type of dentistry and teach a new, healthier method. We introduced the new kind of dentistry, taught it to the students, and then I individually took it to dentists and students, and I’m lecturing overseas as well. Australia’s been quite a leader in advancing modern dentistry. There is the Jewish aspect of always trying to help and trying to, you know, make the world a better place.”

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Steven Andrew Curtis, VIC

For service to the Jewish community of Melbourne.

Saltpillar Theatre

• Co-Founder and Foundation Chair, 1986.
• Board Member, since 1986.
• Various roles including actor, ticket seller, fundraiser and producer, since 1986.
• Website Designer.

Kehilat Nitzan Synagogue

• Former Treasurer, 3 years.
• Former Board Member.
• Volunteer, 2008-2011.

Community – Other

• Volunteer, Posh Opp Shoppe, Jewish Children’s Aid Society, since 2015.
• Volunteer Driver, Christians Helping in Primary Schools, since 2012.
• Volunteer Bus Driver, Jewish Care Victoria/Emmy Monash Aged Care, 2009-2017.
• Mentor, L2P Driver Mentor Program, 2021-2022.

Steven Curtis commented: “I am deeply honoured to receive an OAM this Australia Day 2026. While I have never sought public recognition, I have accepted this award to demonstrate to my children and grandchildren that we must immerse ourselves in the world beyond our own lives to truly make a difference.

I am particularly proud of my journey with Melbourne’s Saltpillar Theatre, which I have been involved in creating and maintaining since 1988. It is immensely rewarding to see the company, nearly 40 years on, being, in part, repurposed as a vital safe haven for young Jewish creatives and providing a secure space for artistic expression away from the current hostile environments in universities and workplaces. My administrative and systems work with the Jewish Children’s Aid Society has also been a source of great personal fulfilment.

Service to one’s community is a collective effort, and I hope this recognition encourages the next generation to commit themselves to the causes that matter most.”

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Alex Leslie Dafner, Windsor VIC 3181

For service to the Jewish community of Melbourne.

Kadimah Jewish Cultural Centre and National Library

• President, 1990-2015.

• Secretary, 2015-2022.

• Board Director, 1970-2022.

• Educator, Advanced Yiddish Studies.

• Honorary Life Member, 2015.

Melbourne Holocaust Museum

• Yiddish Editor, Voices – The Magazine of the Melbourne Holocaust Museum, since 2005.

• Vice President, 2009.

• Board Member, 1990-2015.

• Certificate of Appreciation, 2013.

Theatre and Radio

• Presenter, Kadimah Yiddish Show, J-Air, since c2014.

• Executive Producer of Yiddish programs, SBS Radio, since c1995.

• Presenter and Producer, including Yiddish Weekly Report, SBS Radio, since 1980.

• Advisor and Developer, Ek Velt, International Yiddish Theatre Festival, Montreal, 2011.

• Co-Author, Mazl Tov Cobbers, 1995.

• Founding Member, Melbourne Yiddish Youth Theatre, 1970-1992.

• Youth Theatre Representative, Kadimah Committee, 1970-1974.

SKIF Jewish Youth Movement

• Coordinator, 1972-1974.

• Youth Leader, 1969-1972.

• Member, 1960-1968.

Education

• VCE Yiddish Teacher, Mount Scopus College, 2004-2015.

• VCE Yiddish Teacher, The King David School, 2004-2015.

• Curriculum and Syllabus Writer, VCE Yiddish, 2003.

• Former Head of Jewish Studies, Sholem Aleichem College.

Sholem Aleichem Sunday School

• Former Principal.

• Yiddish Teacher, 1972-1974.

Awards and Recognition include:

• Special service to the community of 30 years, Glen Eira City Council, 2018.

• Honorary Member, Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance, 2015.

• Certificate of Appreciation, SBS Radio, 2013.

• Community Recognition Award, Jewish Community Council of Victoria, 2009.

• Certificate of Appreciation, Glen Eira City Council, 2008.

• 25 Years of Service, Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Council of Australia, 2005.

Alex Dafner told J-Wire that the award means recognition of Yiddish language and culture, as part of the rich tapestry of languages and cultures of multicultural Australia. He said:   There is an increase of interest in learning Yiddish over the past few years, as the children and grandchildren of the migrant Yiddish native speakers recall the linguistic richness and humour of the Yiddish their parents and grandparents Bubes and Zeydes spoke.

 

David Joseph Denver, WA

For service to the Jewish community of Western Australia.

Jewish Community Council of Western Australia Inc.

• President, 2013-2017.

• Vice-President, 2013, and 2018-2022.

Maccabi WA Soccer Club

• President, 2001-2003.

• Junior Manager, 1996-1997.

• Committee Member, 1995-1997.

• Yearbook Editor, 1995.

• Coach, junior teams, 1991-1997.

• Clubman of the Year, 2003.

Maccabi WA Inc.

• President, 2005-2007.

• Vice-President, 2004.

• Committee Member, 2008-2009.

• Administrator of the Year, 2001.

Jewish – Other

• President, Jewish Community Appeal of Western Australia, 2010-2013.

• Volunteer, Chevra Kadisha (Jewish Burial Society), 20 years.

• Member, Maccabi WA/Carmel School Facilities Development Committee, 2008-2009.

David Denver said: “What has mattered most to me is the opportunity to contribute to the strength and wellbeing of the Jewish community in Perth. For a relatively small community, we have an extraordinary range of organisations and activities, and I have been fortunate to be involved with many of them over a long period. Being able to play even a small part in supporting such a vibrant and active community has been deeply rewarding.

If I have made any difference, I hope it has been through building understanding beyond our community, strengthening relationships with other faith and cultural groups, and helping improve security for Jewish institutions. My work with Maccabi has also been especially important to me, supporting Jewish young people as they grow into confident and capable adults. I hope people understand that volunteering is essential to a strong, united community, and that any honour reflects the collective efforts of many people working together.”

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Jeremy Steven Dunkel, NSW

For service to the Jewish community of Sydney.

Youth2Israel

• Chair, current.

• Co-Founder, 2015.

Australian Jewish Funders

• Deputy Chair, current.

• Board Director, since 2011.

Jewish Communal Appeal

• Volunteer, since 2005.

• Major Donor, since 2005.

• Member, Steering Committee, The Giving Forum initiative, 2015.

• Former Member, Strategic Planning Report ‘TouchPoints’ Review.

The Moriah Foundation

• Non-Executive Director, 2011-2022.

• Honorary Treasurer, 2018.

Jewish Community

• Board Member, The Dor Foundation, since 2025.

• Director, Education Heritage Foundation, since 1997.

• Committee Member, Australia-Israel/Jewish Affairs Council, since 2003.

• Director, Australasian Union of Jewish Students, 2008-2010.

• Secretary, Youth Liaison Officer and Deputy, New South Wales Jewish Board of Deputies, 1994-1998.

• Secretary, Jewish Young Adult Forum, 1991-1994.

Philanthropy

• Major Donor, Little Dreamers, since 2017.

• Major Donor, Jewish House, since 2016.

Professional

• Director, Taurus Capital, since 1997.

• Non-Executive Director, Pengana Capital Group, since 2003.

• Associate Vice President, Chemical Bank, 1993-1996.

• Tax Advisor, Price Waterhouse, 1991-1993.

Jeremy Dunkel told JWire: “I felt very grateful, not just for the recognition, but for the chance to reflect on the many people and organisations I have worked alongside over the years. Any contribution I have made has been part of a shared effort, and this honour really belongs to the wider community that has trusted me and worked with me.

What matters most to me is bringing people and organisations together in genuine collaboration. I am proud of initiatives like Youth 2 Israel and my involvement with the Australian Jewish Funders, both built through partnership and a belief that our community is strongest when we work collectively. My focus has always been on building capacity, supporting education, developing future leaders and strengthening institutions, both within the Jewish community and beyond it. I hope people understand that this work is done quietly over time, grounded in listening, trust and shared responsibility, and that serving the community for more than three decades has been a real privilege.”

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George Andrew Ermer, Malvern VIC 3144

For service to the community through a range of organisations.

Kids Under Cover

• Life Ambassador, 2009.

• Founding Board Member, 1989-2008.

B’nai B’rith Courage to Care Victoria

• Former Volunteer.

• Former Member.

Variety Club of Victoria

• Vice-Chair, 1992-1998.

• Founder, Australian Football League Grand Final Lunch Charity Event.

• Former Organiser, Annual Children’s Christmas Party.

• Member, 1986-1998.

Community – Other

• Australia Day Ambassador, Victoria, since 2010.

• Volunteer, Christmas Day Lunch, Prahan Mission, Uniting Church, since 2019.

• Co-Founder, Fitzroy Football Club Coterie Group, Fitzroy-Brisbane Lions Historical Society.

• Fundraiser, Male Bag Foundation Postie Bike Ride, 2018-2019.

• Board Member, Variety Australia, 1992-1998.

• Zone Leader, Neighbourhood Watch Victoria, 1983-1990.

• Vice-Chair, Broken Hill Junior Chamber of Commerce, 1962-1964.

• Volunteer Interpreter, Hungarian, Melbourne Summer Olympics,1956.

• Life Member, Royal Automobile Club of Victoria.

Professional

• Founder and Managing Director, Seattle Meats, 1976-2007.

Australian Defence Force

• Former Member, Royal Australian Air Force.

Awards and Recognition include:

• Various Service Medals, including the Anniversary of National Service 1951-1972 Medal.

George Ermer told J-Wire: “The award means a lot to me. But unfortunately, my wife Eva passed away almost two years ago, and the whole thing was a mutual effort over the years. And she’s not here to enjoy it with me.

I just finished national service and speaking Hungarian German, and I did interpreting during the 1956 Olypics in Melbourne for the couple of weeks. The Hungarian uprising was at that time, and a lot of the athletes stayed behind. I stayed with them, interpreting, and some of them went to the States, some of them stayed here. ”

 

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Maurice Joseph (Joe) Kensell, Abbotsford NSW 2046

For service to the Jewish community, and to history preservation.

The Great Synagogue

• Former Volunteer Archivist.

• Former Board Member.

• Former Tour Guide.

• Speaker, Jews in the First Fleet, The Owen Cavanough Family History Society, 2013.

• Volunteer, current.

• Congregant, current.

Australian Jewish Historical Society

• Archival Researcher, current.

• Former Author.

• Former Archivist, Oral Histories.

• Member, current.

Community – Jewish

• Former Trustee, Rookwood Jewish Cemetery Trust.

• Former Archivist, Oral Histories, Sydney Jewish Museum.

• Former Donator, Moore’s Patent Ship Log, Australian National Maritime Museum.

• Former Donator, Father’s 1913 Driver Licence, Polish Museum.

Maurice Kensell said: “I believe the archiving work I’ve done is important because it preserves our community’s history and makes these vital records easily accessible to Jewish communities and researchers throughout Australia, helping us all stay connected to our shared heritage.

It’s a great honour, but I’m just a Jewish boy who went away to sea at sixteen, saw the world, and developed a keen interest in history and community. Honestly, I think my family appreciates this more than I do—what matters most is helping others and continuing the work.”

 

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Debra Korman, Hawthorn East VIC 3123

For service to the community through a range of organisations.

Kehilat Nitzan Synagogue

• Coordinator, Kehilat Nitzan Tikkun Olam Food Van, since 2006.

Father Bob’s Foundation

• Volunteer, Hope Mobile Food Van, since c2006.

Community – Other

• Former Volunteer, Gabriel Project Mumbai, c2013.

• Former Committee Member, Mitzvah Day Australia Inc, c2011.

• Member, Congregational Leadership Board, Kehilat Nitzan Synagogue, c2005.

Awards and Recognition include:

• Ron Castan Humanitarian Award, Stand Up, 2019.

• Menorah Award, B’nai Brith Victoria, 2017.

• Volunteer Award, Jewish Community Council of Victoria, 2009.

Debra Korman said: “When I learned I was receiving an Australia Day Honour, my first reaction was pure excitement. I could not wait to share the news with the 60 volunteers who have worked on the food van every Tuesday night for the past 21 years. This honour belongs to them as much as it does to me, it reflects what we have built together over a long period of steady, committed work.

When I look back, the part of my work that matters most is adopting a 20-year-old Iranian asylum seeker who arrived by boat 14 years ago and making him part of our family. With the support of the Kehilat Nitzan community and the broader Jewish community, he was able to build a meaningful life here. He later converted to Judaism through Kehilat Nitzan, became an Australian citizen last year, and was reunited with his mother a few months ago after almost 17 years apart.

What I hope people understand is that every act of kindness has a ripple effect. Even a smile or taking a minute to listen and really see someone, can make a huge difference to their day and their sense of self. I see this every week at the food van. People come for the food, but they also come for the human connection. They might arrive feeling low, but many leave lifted, simply because someone has taken the time to ask about their week and show genuine interest and care.”

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Daniel Bernard Lustig, Caulfield North VIC 3161

For service to the community through a range of roles.

Community

• Member and Treasurer, The Bernard J. Lustig Scholarship Fund, B’nai B’rith Victoria, since c2015.

• Member, Finance Sub-Committee, Emmy Monash Aged Care, since c2010.

• Honorary Treasurer, The Leo Baeck Centre, c1990.

• Honorary Treasurer, Maccabi Victoria, c2000.

Sport

• Member, Maccabi Sports Foundation.

• Life Member, Maccabi Ajax Cricket Club.

Accountancy

• Partner, Lowe Lippmann, since 1991.

• Accountant, Lowe Lippmann, since 1983.

• Member, CAP Australia.

• Fellow and Member, Chartered Accountants of Australia and New Zealand.

Danny Lustig told JWire: “In 1976 my late grandfather, Hans Spitz was awarded an OBE for his volunteer work for a number of non for profits including the MS Society and Bnai Brith.  It is a huge honour to follow in his footsteps.

I have been brought up in a family environment of communal involvement.  My parents continued the examples provided by my grandparents with their active participation in numerous organisations, including Rotary, Vision Australia and B’nai B’rith.  My mother was recognised with the honour of carrying the Olympic torch in 2000.

My in-laws are also similarly community-minded.

Garry, my father-in-law, one of only a handful of survivors of Theresienstadt, regularly travels back to Germany to educate the youth.  He was awarded an OAM in 2023 for his determination to make the world a better place.  He has also been an active member of Rotary, B’nai B’rith, St Kilda Synagogue and a volunteer guide at the Shrine of Remembrance.

My wife Vicki volunteers many hours a week for Courage to Care and Stars & the Moon.  It performs musical theatre, matching on stage an able-bodied person with a disabled person.

My kids and their partners are also similarly involved with Stars and the Moon and various charities.

My involvement with Maccabi, Emmy Monash, a Synagogue, and other non-profit organisations has been a fantastic experience.  My contribution to 3 Foundations that provide financial assistance to secondary and tertiary students has also been a rewarding, as I am a firm believer in the old saying of giving someone hungry a fishing rod rather than fish.  By helping provide students with the very best education, hopefully they will be in a position to help themselves in the future.

The partners at Lowe Lippmann Chartered Accountants should also be acknowledged for their substantial contributions in various ways over many decades to numerous charities and not-for-profit organisations”

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Judith Jenny Schiff, VIC

For service to the Jewish community of Victoria.

B’nai B’rith

• Member, Melbourne Lodge, current.

• Benefactor and Fundraiser.

• Co-Founder, Raoul Wallenberg Unit, 1985.

• Former Advocate, Raoul Wallenberg Honorary Australian Citizenship.

• Organiser, Raoul Wallenberg Australia Post Stamp; Raoul Wallenberg Stamp Sheet, 2010-2015.

B’nai B’rith Courage to Care Victoria

• Benefactor, current.

• Volunteer.

Jewish Community

• Member, The Leo Baeck Centre for Progressive Judaism, current.

• Former President, B’nai B’rith Youth Organisation, Sydney.

• Teacher, Emanuel Synagogue (formerly The Congregation of the Temple Emanuel), Sydney, 1957-1959.

• Teacher, Temple Beth Israel’s, Eastern Suburbs Congregation, Melbourne, 1950-1956.

Professional

• Judi Schiff Photography, Australia, since 1990.

• Executive Director, Print Council of Australia, 1975-1985.

Judi Schiff said: “I was amazed at first, then delighted and very grateful. What mattered most to me was knowing that this honour would help more people learn about the Swedish Protestant Raoul Wallenberg and the thousands of Jewish lives he saved in Budapest at the end of the Second World War.

The work I value most has been the collaboration with others to keep Wallenberg’s story alive, particularly through the Raoul Wallenberg Unit of B’nai B’rith and the annual Raoul Wallenberg Day. Helping secure his recognition as Australia’s first and only honorary citizen, and the issue of an Australia Post stamp in his honour, were important milestones in raising public awareness. I hope this recognition encourages people to learn more about Wallenberg’s courage and to be moved to act when others’ lives are at risk.”

 

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John Slutzkin, St Kilda East VIC 3183

For service to the Jewish community of Melbourne, and to hockey.

St Kilda Hebrew Congregation

• Gabbai (warden), since 1990.

• Volunteer, since 1955.

• Member, Religious Committee, since 1998.

• Organiser, Annual Fundraising Trivia Night, since 2012.

• President, 1998-2000.

• Vice-President, 1996-1998.

• Treasurer, 1994-1996.

• Board Member, 1986-2009.

• Member, Fundraising Committee, 2015, and 2021.

• Member, Finance Committee, 1992-2020.

• Honorary Office Manager, 2001-2007, and 2010-2012.

• Chair, Religious Committee, 1988-1998.

• Member, Choir, 1955-1994.

• President, Dominoes Youth Group, 1962.

Maccabi Hockey Club (formerly AJAX Maccabi Hockey Club)

• Former President.

• Former Treasurer.

• Club Captain, 1979-1983.

• House Manager, 1982.

• Publicity Officer, 1978-1980.

• Social Secretary, 1975-1977.

• Committee Member, 1968-1983.

• Coach and Underage Secretary, 1969-1971.

• Volunteer Instructor, Fitness Club, 1966-1967.

• Player, 562 Games, since 1967.

• Life Member, since 1982.

Hockey Australia

• Volunteer Field Hockey Umpire, Veteran Teams, Australian Hockey Championships, 1988-2008.

• Volunteer Field Hockey Umpire, International Hockey Tournaments, 1988-2008.

• Assistant Treasurer and Treasurer, Australian Veterans Hockey Councill, 2000-2006.

• Volunteer Field Hockey Umpire, World Maccabiah Sport Games, Israel, 2005.

Community

• Volunteer, Gandel Besen Primary School, Mount Scopus Memorial College, since 2014.

• Volunteer, CCare, 2020-2021.

• Executive Member, Council of Orthodox Synagogues of Victoria, 1998-2003.

King David School Parents Association

• Former President.

• Former Vice-President.

• Former Treasurer.

• Member, 1985-1988.

Royal Children’s Hospital

• Honorary Life Governor, 1969.

• Fundraiser Coordinator, Good Friday Appeal, 1964-1982.

Youth Service

• Fundraiser, Yooralla Charity, 1960s.

• Co-Founder and Cheerleader, Cheer Squad, St Kilda Football Club, 1963-1966.

• Morning Manager and Volunteer, Canteen, Melbourne Grammar School, 1961-1965.

• Volunteer and Supervisor, Red Cross Doorknock Appeal, 1962-1964.

Awards and Recognition include:

• Awarded 2 Kurt Defris Memorial Hakoah Trophies, Maccabi Hockey Cl

John Slutzkin told J-Wire: “It is a humbling experience to be awarded an Order of Australia because when setting out on a journey to hopefully help the community this is the last thing one expects. The best reward is actually seeing the community benefit from your efforts.

Our family has a long history of volunteering within the Jewish and broader community that started in the 19^th century when ancestors on both my parent’s sides arrived in Australia.
It just seemed natural for me to join the volunteer ranks when I was at school that has continued in the 60+ years since then.

It is estimated that more than half the Australian population volunteer in some way, without which many organizations could simply not function.
It makes no difference whether it is shaking a tin on a street corner, how I started, or getting more deeply involved in an organization, whatever you contribute is valuable.

There is a saying “behind every great man is a great woman”, that for me is “next to a person who has achieved success is a great wife who has enabled that success”, because whatever I have achieved is a direct result of Beth’s total support and dedication to my efforts, and for that I am forever grateful.”

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Kayla Szumer, QLD

For service to the community through social welfare organisations.

Courage to Care

• Director, Board of Management, New South Wales, 2007-2022.

• Creator and Coordinator, Queensland Schools Program, since 2015.

• Supervisor and Developer, Queensland Police Program, since 2013.

• Exhibition and Program Organiser, since 2007.

• Exhibition Organiser, Sunshine Coast, 2006.

• Queensland Multicultural Award for Community Services, 2007.

BUDDIES Learn English Program (now Buddies Living in Australia Program – LAP)

• Creator and Coordinator, BUDDIES Learn English Holiday, since 2012.

• Member, since 2003.

Social Work – Other

• Developer, Refugee Education Program, Graduate Women Queensland Sunshine Coast, 2005-2024.

• Organiser, Community Fundraising Concerts, Mt Vincent, 1990-2003.

• Founder and Leader, Shalolm Group for Jewish Senior Citizens, North Shore Temple Emanuel of Sydney, 1978-1982.

Kayla Szumer told s: “Approaching 89, this award has prompted reflection on my decades of community service and gratitude to my dedicated nominators who undertook the demanding task of preparing the submission. I was surprised, delighted and deeply honoured by its success—particularly as Queensland’s sole Jewish recipient and one of only three Jewish women awarded nationally. I immediately thought of several equally deserving Jewish women I know.

None of these initiatives could have succeeded without remarkable volunteers—family, friends and community members with diverse skills working tirelessly toward common goals. Though this is my award, I share it with everyone who joined these rewarding journeys.

I’ve learned immensely from those who helped me and those we’ve helped: through the Shalom Seniors Group at North Shore Temple Emanuel; Hunter Valley classical music concerts benefiting the Rural Fire Brigade; supporting refugees via the Buddies Refugee Support Group on the Sunshine Coast; establishing the six-day Learn English Holiday Program; hosting refugees in our homes; running Graduate Women’s program for academically talented female refugee students; and initiating Queensland Courage to Care in 2006, now reaching 46 schools statewide.

My greatest reward has been recipients’ appreciation and gratitude.

My deepest gratitude goes to my late husband Adam Szumer, a Holocaust survivor who consistently offered wise counsel, supported my community work, and participated in most programs himself. He would have been absolutely delighted.

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If we have made omissions or errors, please email us the details at [email protected]

Report prepared by Rob Klein and Henry Benjamin