SEVEN Redlands Coast residents and three Bayside community champions have been recognised in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours List.
The honours celebrate decades of service across fields including Indigenous education, healthcare, the arts, veterans’ welfare, sport and community leadership.
The King’s Birthday Honours List recognises 949 Australians this year, with local recipients honoured for making a lasting contribution to their communities.
Among the highest honours awarded locally was Cleveland resident Faith Baisden, who was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to Indigenous language preservation and education.
Professor Noel Hayman was also appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for his significant service to medicine, particularly Indigenous healthcare and medical education.
Thorneside couple Annabelle Alexander and Douglas Alexander each received the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for their service to the arts and the community.
Birkdale’s Charles Sherrin was awarded an OAM for his service to veterans and their families.
Mark Spicer received the Australian Corrections Medal (ACM) in recognition of distinguished service within Australia’s correctional system, while Redland City’s Cindel Richardson was awarded the Emergency Services Medal (ESM) for outstanding service.
The honours list also recognised three recipients from the Bayside region.
Susan Bamford received an OAM for her outstanding service to netball, while Cornelis Steenland was awarded an OAM for his service to youth and sailing.
David Westlake was also awarded an OAM for his dedicated service to the Manly- Wynnum community.
Federal Member for Bonner Kara Cook congratulated the recipients and said the honours reflected the strength and spirit of the local community.
“These recipients represent the very best of us,” she said.
“They have dedicated countless hours to serving others, strengthening community connections and making a positive difference in the lives of those around them.
“Their contributions have helped shape our community and their recognition is richly deserved.”
The King’s Birthday Honours recognise Australians who have demonstrated exceptional achievement or meritorious service across a wide range of fields, including community service, health, education, sport, the arts and public administration.
The local recipients were praised for their commitment, leadership and willingness to give back, with their efforts leaving a lasting impact on their communities.
