Rural healthcare features in 2025 King's Birthday Honors

RDN was once again delighted to see doctors, nurses and community health workers awarded in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours list, particularly those working in rural, remote and Indigenous health in NSW.

The Governor-General, Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC, announced the 2025 recipients of the King’s Birthday Honours which recognises and celebrates 830 Australians, including awards in the Order of Australia (General and Military Divisions), meritorious awards and recognition for conspicuous service.

In particular, RDN acknowledges and congratulates Dr David Walkom who received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the communities of Manning Valley and Great Lakes, and Wayne Jones who received a Public Service Medal (PSM) for outstanding public service to NSW Health particularly to emergency and disaster management.

Recognised for his contributions to health and culture, Dr Walkom has been a Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists since 1986 and practised at the Manning Base Hospital in Taree for more than 30 years during his career.

Member for Lyne, Alison Penfold, congratulated Dr Walkom amongst other recipients from the Lyne electorate and said “…the dedication and humility shown by these recipients reflect the very best of who we are. They’ve given so much without ever seeking the spotlight and today, we celebrate them.”

RDN staff witnessed Wayne Jones’ exceptional leadership skills first-hand during the Northern NSW floods of 2022 and during the pandemic, and offer our congratulations on the recognition he has received for outstanding public service to NSW Health particularly to emergency and disaster management.

A nurse by trade, the former Chief Executive at Northern NSW LHD boasts a distinguished career with NSW Health spanning more than 40 years. Appointed Chief Executive of NNSWLHD in 2016, he managed a workforce of more than 5,000 people and is well regarded by both community, staff and peers.

When announcing this year’s recipients, the Governor-General said, “These honours recognise the selfless service, integrity, achievement, creativity, and care that flourish across our country.”

Congratulations to all recipients acknowledged on The King’s Birthday 2025 Honours List.

• View the full list here.
• View all NSW Health recipients here.
• View The National Rural Health Alliance’s (NRHA) acknowledgement of recipients here.