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.”
An additional two alumni were recognised in the 2026 Honours List:
Mrs Dawn Hay OAM
A Bachelor of Health Science (Nursing) graduate (1990) and former staff member, Dawn Hay received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her service to the community through a range of roles, including the Central Queensland Multicultural Association, Queensland Health, CQUniversity and Community Health.
Mr Daren Mallouk AFSM
Bachelor of Emergency Service (2016) graduate Daren Mallouk was awarded an Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) for nearly 25 years of distinguished service. Mr Mallouk has demonstrated exceptional operational and frontline service through his extensive contributions to fire investigation and emergency management and has been a driving force in strengthening community safety and fire prevention. He began his career with Queensland Fire and Rescue as a firefighter in 2001 and is currently the manager of the State Fire Investigation Unit.
