MEDIA RELEASE 26 January 2026
Federal Member for Fisher, Andrew Wallace MP, has marked Australia Day by celebrating unity, citizenship and the outstanding service of local residents recognised in the Australia Day 2026 Honours List.
Mr Wallace said Australia Day remains one of the most important days on the calendar, providing an opportunity to reflect on shared values, recognise contribution, and celebrate the people who strengthen communities across the country.
“Australia Day is one of my favourite days of the year,” Mr Wallace said. “It is a day to come together as a nation, to reflect on who we are, and to celebrate the values that unite us.”
Mr Wallace said one of the great privileges of representing Fisher is welcoming new Australians at citizenship ceremonies held across the electorate.
“Standing alongside people who have chosen to call Australia home is incredibly special. It is a powerful reminder of what it means to be Australian and the responsibility we all share to contribute to our community,” he said.
Mr Wallace said the Fisher electorate was exceptionally well represented in the Australia Day 2026 Honours List, with a number of local residents recognised for their service and achievements.
“I warmly congratulate the Fisher recipients whose dedication and service have been recognised at a national level. These honours reflect the very best of our community,” Mr Wallace added.
Fisher recipients recognised in the Australia Day 2026 Honours List include:
- Mr David Gole AM (Balmoral Ridge) – for significant service to architecture and heritage conservation.
- Mr John Western AM (Mooloolaba) – for significant service to surf lifesaving.
- Mrs Patricia Barry OAM (Caloundra) – for service to lifesaving and the Sunshine Coast community.
- Mr James O’Shannessy OAM (Beerwah) – for service to the community through a range of roles.
- Mr Travis Schultz OAM (Mooloolaba) – for service to the law and the community.
- Mr Kevin Stroud OAM (Currimundi) – for service to the Caloundra community.
- Mrs Margaret Taylor OAM (Maleny) – who I caught up with today, for her service to community music.
Mr Wallace also acknowledged Group Captain Phillip Godfrey CSC (Buddina), who received the Conspicuous Service Cross for outstanding achievement in senior officer management within the Royal Australian Air Force.
“These honours are a reminder that quiet dedication, leadership and service still matter, and that Australia rightly takes the time to say thank you,” Mr Wallace said.
“On Australia Day, we celebrate unity, contribution and the shared story we are all part of. I congratulate every local recipient and thank them for the lasting impact they have made on Fisher and our nation.”
[ENDS]
Media Contact: Brendan West – 0402 556 646 – Brendan.west@aph.gov.au
