ARMIDALE District Cricket Association president Mike Porter and Walcha artist Stephen King have received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM), with Uralla Rural Fire Service volunteer Mardi Cook honoured with an Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM).

Former University of New England Agricultural Business Research Institute lecturer, director and manager John Griffith also received an OAM.

Member for Northern Tablelands Brendan Moylan congratulated the region’s residents named on the Australia Day honours list for 2026.

“Whether it is through volunteering at the local fire brigade, working off-the-field in sports associations or creating unique art pieces, all of these people have demonstrated outstanding dedication in their fields,” Mr Moylan said.

“I thank them for their service to the community and congratulate them for being recognised on the 50th anniversary of the Australian honours system.

“Mardi Cook has been with the NSW Rural Fire Service for nearly 30 years, performed in numerous roles and led teams with unwavering commitment.

“When you think of Armidale cricket, you think of Mike Porter. He has been the president of the local association since 1989 and his loyalty to the sport is admirable.

“Stephen King’s dedication to visual arts is incredible. He was instrumental in the creation of Walcha’s Open Air Gallery which showcases the town’s character and brings tourists in.”

Mike Porter is a long-serving cricket administrator and community figure in Armidale and has held the Armidale District Cricket Association presidency for more than 30 years.

Under his leadership, projects such as upgraded training facilities and lighting at local grounds have been established, and he actively supports grassroots and junior cricket development in the region.

Today’s OAM will sit proudly alongside the Contribution to Country Cricket award he received from Cricket NSW for his longstanding commitment to the sport.

Walcha artist Stephen King has received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the 2026 Australia Day honours list.

Artist Stephen King’s work is closely tied to the landscapes of the New England region. Mr King lives and works in Walcha, and draws inspiration from the district.

As a regional artist, he has contributed to Walcha’s long-standing creative tradition and his work has been shown in local and regional exhibitions.

The Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) was awarded to Mardi Cook AFSM, of Uralla for distinguished service as a member of an Australian fire service.

Ms Cook has served with unwavering commitment and exceptional skill across the region, excelling in both operational and administrative capacities.

Currently a group officer, she has also been secretary, deputy captain, senior deputy captain and deputy group officer.

Ten New England and Upper Hunter residents have received the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division.

These include Neville Miller OAM, of Tamworth, for his service to country music, Lee-Anne Watts OAM, for her service to local government, and to the community of Scone, Greg Roese OAM, of Tamworth for his service to veterans, and to the community, Rob Lewis OAM, of Quirindi for his service to the community of the New England region and Rodney Walker OAM, of Tamworth for his service to the arts as an entertainer.

Also awarded are Helen Tickle OAM, of Tamworth for her service to local government and to the community, Neville Holz OAM, of Willow Tree for service to horse sports and the community, and the late Eddie Whitham OAM, of Tamworth for his service to the multicultural community of Tamworth.

Federal Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, congratulated the region’s 2026 Australia Day Award recipients.

“It’s always wonderful to see local residents recognised for their tremendous dedication to civic service,” Mr Joyce said.

“I make special mention of Eddie Whitham who, sadly, is no longer with us and did not get to receive his honour.

“Eddie’s advocacy for others never went unnoticed, has forever changed people’s lives and I think of him and his family today,” he said.

“These are very distinguished honours, and I congratulate all award recipients and thank them for the contributions they have made, and continue to make, in local communities right around the region.”