Awards were given out in recognition of various exceptional achievements in the Defense sector, and the results were revealed in the King’s Birthday honours list.
This year’s list of honours and medals recognizes 72 members of the Australian Defense Force (ADF), including 19 members of the Order of Australia’s military division, 53 for exceptional and conspicuous service, and one winner of the Public Service Medal.
The awards ranking is topped by an “aviator of rare skill and ability,” the Chief of Navy, who is also an Australian woman who holds the most senior position in the Australian Army.
Promotion to the rank of Officer in the Military Division of the Order of Australia has been bestowed to Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, who has served as the head of the Navy since July 2022. This honour recognizes Vice Admiral Hammond’s remarkable leadership in senior command capacities. In addition to his current position, he has previously held the positions of Deputy Chief of Navy and Commander of the Australian Fleet. Additionally, as Australia’s senior submariner, he was instrumental in the development of the nuclear submarine program.
Lieutenant General Natasha Fox, who was just advanced to the rank of Major General at the beginning of June, has also been elevated to the rank of Officer of the Order of Australia for her significant contributions to the capabilities and effectiveness of the Australian Defense Force in her roles as Deputy Chief of Army and Head of People capabilities.
According to her citation, the recently promoted Chief of Personnel in the Australian Defense Force (ADF) “strengthened the strategic workforce planning, personnel policy, support framework and capacity, to generate a trusted, credible land combat capability through her strategic acumen, foresight, and collaborative approach.”
Air Vice-Marshal Stephen Meredith is yet another awards recipient of a fresh appointment as an Officer of the Order of Australia. He is hailed as “an aviator of rare skill and ability who applied exceptional dedication in a number of responsible positions since 2007,” according to the citation for his appointment. His previous positions include those of Head of the Joint Capability Management and Integration, Commander of the Aerospace Operational Support Group, and Deputy Chief of the Air Force.
The Public Service Medal has been awarded to the Deputy Secretary of Defence People, Justine Grieg, in recognition of her long-term contribution to the Department of Defense’s people strategy, as well as her leadership in fostering organizational culture and workplace inclusion.
