Awards Highlight Legal and Community Contributions

The 2026 King's Birthday Honours List has celebrated individuals from the legal sector, including a bobsledder, an orchid grower, and a former Councillor of The Law Society of NSW for their outstanding service to the law and community.

Ronan MacSweeney, President of The Law Society, praised the inclusion of several members in the honours list, marking their significant contributions to the legal profession and community. Among those honoured is Kieran Tapsell, receiving an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for his work, including his role on the Canon Law panel during the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

Winwood Howard, honoured with an OAM, was recognised for his long-standing service since his admission as a solicitor in 1958 and his seven-year tenure on The Law Society Council. Martijn Wilder AM, a former principal at Baker and McKenzie, was elevated to an Officer in the Order of Australia (AO) for his contributions to environmental sustainability.

Notable Legal Figures Awarded

Helen Conway, former Senior Judicial Member of the NSW Equal Opportunity Tribunal, received an AO for her extensive board involvement and as the Founding CEO of the Workforce Gender Equality Agency. Mary-Lynne Taylor was made a Member in the Order of Australia (AM) for her dual contributions to town planning and law.

Sharon Cook was awarded an OAM for her contributions to the banking industry and legal field, while Bronwyn Fagan received an AM for her services to sport and law, having competed in bobsledding and served as a magistrate in mock trial competitions.

Several judicial officers, including NSW Children’s Judge Debra Maher, were also honoured for their legal work and advocacy. Judge Maher received an AM for her dedication to women and children’s services and her role at Legal Aid NSW.

Brian Lulham, a former Magistrate, was recognised for his service on the Young Offenders Review Board, while Local Court Judge Scott Nash received an OAM for his dual service to local government and law. Judge Douglas Dick was awarded an OAM for pioneering Circle Sentencing, an initiative involving Indigenous elders in the sentencing process.

The Hon. Justice Murray Aldridge was honoured for his botanical passion alongside his legal career, with his involvement in the Australian Orchid Council earning him an OAM.