'A Desire to Give Back': The Quiet Achievers on Illawarra's OAM Honours List

'A desire to give back': The quiet achievers on Illawarra's OAM honours list

Meet the Illawarra residents honoured in the 2026 Australia Day list for their exceptional community service.

13 Illawarra residents recognised in 2026 Australia Day Honours List

Gary Laker was one of 13 Illawarra residents recognised in the Australia Day Honours List. Photo: Supplied. Thirteen Illawarra residents whose decades of service have shaped community life, sport, education and emergency response have been recognised in the Australia Day 2026 Honours List. From the 949 Australians recognised, 11 Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) recipients, one Australian Corrections Medal (ACM) recipient and one Australian …

Dr Kunwarjit Singh Sangla AM: Australia Day Honours 2026

Reading Time: 3 minutes  “This honour is both deeply personal and a tribute to the incredible communities I’ve had the privilege to serve,” says Dr Kunwarjit Singh Sangla of Townsville, who has been awarded the Member of the Order of Australia award (AM) on Australia Day this year. Dr Sangla is currently serving as the Medical Director for Medical specialities at Townsville University Hospital. Specialising in endocrinology, general and obstetri…