The Australia Day 2026 Honours List recognises and celebrates 949 Australians, including awards in the Order of Australia (General and Military Divisions), meritorious awards and recognition for distinguished and conspicuous service.
Museum and Gallery sector personnel were among those honoured across the state this year.
Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division
- Mr Gavin David Fry, Lorn NSW
For service to the arts. Fry has worked in many roles across the sector, including as Director, Newcastle Museum (1999-2011); Director, Fairfield Museum and Heritage Centre (1997-1998); Chair, Museums Advisory Council, NSW Ministry for the Arts (1992-1994) and Inaugural Deputy Director at the Australian National Maritime Museum (1987-1992)
- Ms Penelope Cathcart Holden, Killara NSW
For service to community history. Holden is the current Director of Eryldene House and Garden Foundation and a Board Member for 20 years.
- Mr Stephen Thomas King, Walcha NSW
For service to the visual arts as a sculptor. King is the Founder of Walcha’s Open Air Gallery and has been its curator since 1996.
Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in the General Division
- Mrs Penelope Alice Seidler AM, NSW
For distinguished service to the visual arts as an administrator, patron and benefactor, to heritage preservation, to conservation, and to architecture. Seidler has been an important figure across numerous cultural roles, including Patron and Benefactor at Maitland Regional Art Gallery; Supporter and Donor to the Art Gallery of NSW and the Museum of Contemporary Art; Director of the Biennale of Sydney (2010-2019); and current Board Member of Museums of History NSW.
