Western Australians recognised in King’s Birthday honours

Ninety-five Western Australians have been honoured for their services and commitment within the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours list.

Nationally, 948 people were acknowledged, with federal governor general Sam Mostyn highlighting the significance of their achievements.

“Our honours system recognises outstanding people who contribute so much to Australia,” she said.

“In our communities, in workplaces and across the country, recipients have made an exceptional contribution to Australia.

“Just like those honoured across the past 50 years, their service and achievement in the community and public service, industry and academia, science, the arts and sport help shape our nation.

“The work of our award recipients, and the contributions of the thousands of Australians who have been nominated and recognised throughout the history of our honours system, is something we can take great pride in celebrating.” 

Officer of the Order of Australia

Former state treasurer turned businessman Ben Wyatt was one of four acknowledged in this category.

Mr Wyatt, who was in politics between 2006 and 2021, held a series of ministerial positions.

Post-politics, Mr Wyatt holds a series of board roles – including as chair of Crown Perth, along with Woodside Energy, Rio Tinto and the West Coast Eagles. 

A passionate advocate for Indigenous issues and culture, Mr Wyatt recently attended the Kimberley Economic Forum, where he said there was scope for native title bodies to fast-track project approvals if council-based decision making protocols were allocated to them instead. 

Other recipients were professors David Blair, Timothy Davis and William Morgan. 

Member of the Order of Australia

Recently appointed Western Australian Local Government Association president – and the City of Stirling’s longest serving mayor – Mark Irwin received a gong for services to the local government, community and surf life saving. 

Mr Irwin began as a councillor in 2015 and has served as mayor since 2017.

WALGA chief executive Nick Sloan said Mr Irwin’s input made a difference to the overall local government landscape.

“Through his extensive public service over more than a decade at the City of Stirling and his current role as WALGA president, Mark Irwin strongly represents the association’s 139 member local government’s and empowers them to deliver better outcomes for their communities.”

A handful of ex state Labor ministers were acknowledged for their services to politics – including David Templeman, Bob Kucera and Mick Murray.

Former Nationals leader and pioneer behind “Royalties for Regions”, Brendon Grylls, was also honoured. 

Recently appointed WA Cricket Foundation chair Tim Ungar was highlighted for his commitment to philanthropy and creative arts, as was Bradley Woods (AHA president) for his efforts in the hospitality space.