CQUniversity affiliates honoured in 2026 King’s Birthday Honours
CQUniversity affiliates have been recognised in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours, celebrating outstanding service and exceptional community contributions at local, national and international levels.
The Governor-General announced the 2026 honours and awards, recognising 949 Australians, including four CQUniversity staff and alumni.
CQUniversity Adjunct Research Fellow Dr Bob Newby was among those honoured, receiving a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his service to conservation and the environment.
Dr Newby said he was surprised to receive the honour.
“I was completely surprised by the nomination, let alone the award,” he said.
After more than five decades teaching biodiversity, environmental physiology and evolution, Dr Newby said his passion continues to be driven by concern for the natural world and a desire to inspire action.
“We are seeing species decline and natural areas reduced at an alarming rate, yet each generation tends to accept what they see as ‘normal’,” he said.
“That baseline is shifting, and many people don’t realise how much has already been lost – or how much more we stand to lose without action.
“What drives me is helping people understand what is happening and showing what we can do as individuals.”
Dr Newby said he remained optimistic, particularly about younger generations and emerging approaches to conservation.
“There is a new generation who are far more switched on about the environment, and we’re starting to see positive change through things like regenerative farming and better protection of wildlife.
“Places like CQUniversity play an important role in fostering evidence-based discussion, research and practical solutions.”
CQUniversity Diploma of Management (1996) graduate Dr Jonathon Howard AM was also recognised as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM), in part for his service to conservation and sustainability.
Dr Howard said he was driven by the hope that future generations can continue to enjoy Australia’s rich biodiversity.
“I believe that I have been gifted a life that my children and their children should also enjoy,” he said.
For students and the next generation, Dr Howard emphasised the importance of collective community action.
“I think civics and citizenship is what separates a ‘community’ from just ‘a group of individuals’,” he said.
“I encourage everyone to get involved, create communities and networks that help make the world a better place to live.”
For CQUniversity alumnus Daren Mallouk AFSM, receiving the Australian Fire Service Medal was both surprising and humbling. He was recognised for his distinguished service and contributions to fire investigation and emergency management over nearly 25 years.
“Like many people in emergency services, I have never done the job seeking recognition. You simply focus on serving the community, supporting your colleagues, and doing the best you can every day,” he said.
While awarded individually, Mr Mallouk said the recognition reflects the collective effort of those he has worked alongside.
“Firefighting and fire investigation are team environments, and any success I have achieved has only been possible because of the people around me,” he said.
A graduate of CQUniversity’s Bachelor of Emergency Services, Mr Mallouk credited his studies with shaping his professional approach and sparking a lifelong commitment to learning.
“It was my first experience with university study and, while initially somewhat daunting, it ultimately opened the door to opportunities and ways of thinking that have continued to influence me throughout my career,” he said.
For long-standing CQUniversity affiliate Dawn Hay OAM was also honoured for her extensive service to community, particularly in multiculturalism and health.
Driven by a commitment to inclusion and community wellbeing, Ms Hay has dedicated decades to supporting culturally and linguistically diverse communities, while improving access to healthcare, education and employment opportunities across Central Queensland.
“I am driven by my underlying values and aspiration to enhance our Australian communities to live, work and play in harmony,” she said.
A registered nurse and midwife, Ms Hay continues to act as an advocate for individuals navigating the health system, alongside her involvement in advisory groups and community initiatives.
Her connection to CQUniversity spans more than two decades, having worked at the University from 1990 until her retirement in 2011, and she continues to maintain close ties through community engagement and advocacy.
Ms Hay said her time at CQUniversity influenced her professional and community work.
“It enabled me to work with people from all walks of life and reinforced the importance of empathy, respect, honesty and diplomacy in all interactions,” she said.
Together, this year’s honourees reflect the diverse ways CQUniversity staff, alumni and affiliates are contributing to stronger communities, advancing knowledge and making a lasting impact across Australia and beyond.
