Meet the award-worthy Australian engineers who have been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours.
Numerous Engineers Australia members have been named in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours.
A total of 949 recipients were presented with an honour, as announced by Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of Australia, including many talented engineers.
Engineers Australia National President and Board Chair Tom Goerke FIEAust CPEng EngExec commended the engineers recognised in this year’s list, saying their representation is a testament to their vital role in contributing to Australia’s prosperity.
“This recognition highlights [their] professional excellence and leadership in innovation within the field,” he said. “We are proud to celebrate [their] achievements, which serve as inspiration for excellence in engineering.”
Engineers Australia CEO Romilly Madew AO FTSE HonFIEAust EngExec praised the recipients, saying their efforts showcased the profession’s impact on society.
“Their accomplishments are not just about success within the profession but also a recognition of their outstanding contributions to the nation,” Madew said.
Officer of the Order of Australia
Engineers Australia Honorary Fellow Emeritus Professor Mark Wainwright AM HonFIEAust was awarded an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO), the day’s second-highest honour.
This was in recognition of his service to the tertiary education administration, academic research, Australia-China relations and governance roles.
His longstanding career in chemical engineering and academia has seen him become Vice-Chancellor and President of UNSW for two years. He also served as the Chair of the Australia-China Council from 2006-11.
Wainwright was previously awarded the Centenary Medal in 2000 for service to Australian society, and was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2004 for his service to chemical engineering.
Also announced as an Officer of the Order of Australia was Rear Admiral Steven Tiffen CSM FIEAust CPEng.
Tiffen was named for his distinguished service in the field of ship construction, acquisition and sustainment for the Australian Defence Force.
Member of the Order of Australia
A number of individuals in the Engineers Australia network were made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM).
Matthew Ames, a past member of Engineers Australia, was added to the list for service to community health, engineering, business administration and corporate governance.
Professor Alexander Baitch HonFIEAust CPEng added AM to his credentials for service to power systems engineering and electrotechnical standards.
Joining him on the list was Emeritus Professor Mark Bush HonFIEAust CPEng, acknowledged for service to engineering, tertiary education and the community.
Marika Calfas FIEAust CPEng EngExec was recognised for service to the transport and shipping industry, logistics and infrastructure.
Also on the list was Professor Terence Jeyaretnam FIEAust CPEng EngExec, whose contributions to social justice, environmental conservation and sustainability were recognised.
Service to the electronics industry and defence sector was quoted for why Anthony Kittel FIEAust CPEng was added to the list.
And Emeritus Professor Ljubo Vlacic, a past member of Engineers Australia, was named for service to control systems engineering and tertiary education.
Medal of the Order of Australia
The following members or fellows of Engineers Australia were presented with a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM):
- Frank Meng MIEAust CPEng(Ret) for service to the community and engineering
- Emad Shublaq FIEAust CPEng for service to engineering
- John Watsford FIEAust for service to the rail transport industry
Conspicuous Service Medal
Last but far from least, Lieutenant Commander David Sinclair MIEAust CPEng was among those awarded the Conspicuous Service Medal.
His devotion to duty in the capability assurance and upgrade of the Australian Defence Force’s fleet of MH-60R Seahawk helicopters was the reason given for the award.
View the full list of 2026 King’s Birthday Honours.
If we’ve missed the names of any members recognised in this year’s honours, add a comment below or email [email protected]
Nominate an award-worth engineer
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Nominate an outstanding engineer in your network for the 2026 Engineer of the Year. Registrations close 1 July.
