University congratulates distinguished 2026 Australia Day Honours recipients
The University of Newcastle is proud to congratulate all recipients who have been recognised in the 2026 Australia Day Honours, particularly those who make up the vibrant and growing University community.
University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Alex Zelinsky AO, congratulated all honourees.
“I am incredibly proud of our students, staff, alumni, donors and the broader University community who have been acknowledged in this year’s Australia Day Honours,” Professor Zelinsky said.
“Our alumni and community members continue to make their impact locally, nationally and globally. To be recognised in the Australia Day Honours is an incredible achievement, which reflects an ongoing commitment to making a real difference in their fields and communities.”
“On behalf of the University, my sincere congratulations to all recipients. Your achievements inspire us all and exemplify the values of our University.”
Among the recipients, Professor Matt Dun, biomedical scientist and Professor of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology was honoured to receive a Medal of the Order of Australia for his world leading childhood brain cancer research.
“I am deeply proud to be Australian and profoundly humbled to be recognised on Australia Day. This honour reflects a truly community-wide effort. It is driven by the motivation that arose from my wife and family’s personal loss of our eldest daughter, Josephine, to diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG/DMG),” Professor Dun, member of HMRI’s Precision Medicine and Health Research Program, said.
“Her journey became a catalyst for change, through the tireless advocacy of families facing this devastating disease, the commitment and generous support of the RUN DIPG community, and the collective determination of my family, friends, and the Dun Lab research team at HMRI and the University of Newcastle.”
Mark Hughes, former rugby league player and founder of the Mark Hughes Foundation was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for his service to community in finding a cure for brain cancer.
The MHF has been committed to funding vital medical research into brain cancer – the leading cause of death in Australians under 40 and children under 10.
Established in 2022 to build stronger relationships with brain cancer researchers nationally and globally – the Mark Hughes Centre for Brain Cancer at the University of Newcastle is unifying brain cancer researchers and working together for better outcomes.
The full list of University-affiliated recipients include:
Name | Award | Received | Relationship |
|---|---|---|---|
Associate Professor Anthony Lynham | Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) | For distinguished service to trauma medicine as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, to the Parliament of Queensland, and to the community. | Alumni |
Professor Andrew Sindone | Medal of the Order of Australia (AM) | For significant service to cardiology, and to cardiovascular disease research. | Alumni |
Professor Matthew Dun | Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) | For service to haematology and oncology research. | Alumni and staff |
Mr Mark Hughes | Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) | For service to the community through charitable initiatives. | Supporter |
Professor Paul Watters | Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) | For service to tertiary education. | Alumni/Former staff |
Mr John Weeks | Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) | For service to secondary education. | Alumni |
Dr Kevin Cameron | Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) | For service to music, and to education. | Alumni |
Professor Ian Kerridge | Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) | For significant service to ethics research and training, and as a clinician and author. | Alumni/Former staff |
Dr Katherine King | Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) | For service to nursing and midwifery. | Alumni/staff |
Mr Michael Ward | Awarded the Emergency Services Medal (ESM) | For distinguished service as a member of an Australian emergency service. | Alumni |
Captain Benjamin Hurst | Conspicuous Service Medal | For meritorious achievement in the field of Navy Engineering. | Alumni |
The 2026 Australia Day Honours list recognises 949 exceptional and inspiring Australians.
For the full list of Australia Day Honours and biographies about the recipients, please visit the Governor General’s website.
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