Scouts recognised in 2025 Australia Day Honours

Congratulations to the five outstanding individuals who have been recognised for their dedication in this year’s Australia Day Honours list.

The Order of Australia recognises Australians who have demonstrated outstanding service or exceptional achievement.

This year, the five recipients were made up of both current and former Scouts NSW members, with one Member of the Order of Australia (AM) and four Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).

These awards are a formal recognition of the impact these volunteers have had within the Scouting Movement over a significant period.

Their dedication and leadership have inspired young Scouts to embrace adventure, challenge themselves, build resilience and confidence, and learn lifelong skills while having fun.

Chief Commissioner Lloyd Nurthen commended the recipients for their recognition on the Honours list.

“Congratulations to all the Australia Day honours recipients! Your dedication and contributions to our community are truly inspiring and deserving of this prestigious recognition. Well done!"

The Governor-General Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC today announced Honours and Awards for 732 Australians, including awards in the Order of Australia (General and Military Divisions), meritorious awards and recognition for distinguished and conspicuous service. 

“Congratulations to all of the 2025 Australia Day honours recipients. Thank you for your work of care and service to our nation.

“To read recipient stories is to be reminded that contribution to communities across the country, underpinned by care, kindness, respect and love, is what matter most to all Australians, in every sphere of life. Recipients embody the best of us, and we are grateful to all of them.

“This year, we mark the 50th anniversary of Australia’s honours system. We have a wonderful opportunity over the next 50 years of our honours and awards to reflect our generous, successful and modern Australian society.

“To all Australians, nominating and honouring our fellow Australians is a meaningful way of saying, as a nation, thank you. 

“To all the remarkable 2025 Australia Day honours recipients today we celebrate you.” 

Our five Scout NSW recipients were among the 12 members of Scouts Australia recognised in today’s Honours list.

Australia Day also saw other members of the Scouting community recognised by their local councils for their commitment to their communities. You can read more below.

Member of the Order of Australia (AM)

Ian George Marler

For significant service to surveying, and to the community.
Ian was formerly a chairman and committee member of Highfield Scout Group.

Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM)

Dr Graeme Burslem Gwilliam
For service to engineering, and to the community.
Graeme was formerly an Assistant Area Commissioner, Camp Warden and Scout Leader with various Groups and Campsites across Scouts NSW.

Dennis Geoffrey Lowder
For service to veterans, and to the community of Wee Waa.
Dennis was formerly a Cub Scout Leader at Wee Waa Scout Group. 

Paul Anthony Moules
For service to the community of the Liverpool Plains. 
Paul was formerly a Scout Leader in the Liverpool Plains region. 

Beryl Edith Haley
For service to the community of Gulgong. 
Beryl was formerly a member of Scouts and Girl Guides in the Gulgong area. 

Community Awards

Living Legends

Paul Hennessy - 3rd Bathurst (All Saints Cathedral) Scout Group - Bathurst Regional Council

Paul (pictured far left) was one of four Living Legends for Bathurst Regional Council. Mayor Robert Taylor said, "Our 2025 Living Legends each have had a terrific impact on our community over many years and this award provides a chance to put their significant efforts into a well-deserved spotlight." Paul has been an integral part of the Scouting community for more than 50 years. The 3rd Bathurst (All Saints Cathedral) Scout Group and Rover Scout Unit have thrived under his leadership. Over the years, he has run many barbecues and fundraisers at various community events for the Scouting community. He was awarded the Silver Kangaroo in 2020. He volunteers at the Anzac Day dawn serivce and march, as well as organising the Scouts selling Anzac Day badges and Legacy badges. Paul's impact in the community has extended beyond his work in Scouts, as he has also been a Director of the Bathurst RSL Club for about 10 years and started the "Dinner with Friends" group after the COVID-19 pandemic to support community members who were lonely and needed support.

 Young Citizen of the Year

Isaac Gardiner - 1st Braidwood Scout Group - Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council

Braidwood's Young Citizen of the Year was awarded to Isaac Gardiner for being community minded and committed to helping others through Scouts. He joined 1st Braidwood Scout Group as a Cub Scout in 2019, moving up to Scouts in 2020. He has been a constant and active member in all activities, particularly helping younger members at camps. Isaac is also a member of the Junior section of the Braidwood RFS.

Evan Ball - 1st Bungendore Scout Group - Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council

Evan Ball was awarded Young Citizen of the Year for Bungendore for his dedication to 1st Bungendore Scouts. Evan is a kind and respectful young person who has grown enormously with Scouts over the last few years. He is a hard worker who takes care of his peers. Evan is the first to put up his hand to volunteer with any community event at Scouts, school, or other community organisations and is always looking to support those around him.