Four locals from the Bundaberg Region have been recognised in 2026 Honours Lists for their exceptional contributions to the community.
Bundaberg Regional Council hosted an event to celebrate award recipients Terence Doherty AM, Craig Holden OAM, Luke Harding OAM and Ernest Drew OAM for their dedication to sport, community, emergency services and disability advocacy.
Mayor Helen Blackburn said it was an honour to host the morning tea celebrating the region’s recent honourees.
“It was wonderful to have the opportunity to congratulate our local recipients in person and thank them for all they have done,” Mayor Blackburn said.
“They are all amazing examples of how you can give of your time and talent in ways that serve your community and we are thrilled their service has been acknowledged with these prestigious awards.”
Recipients honoured
Mr Terence Doherty AM
Mr Doherty was appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia in the 2026 Australia Day Honours for significant service to basketball having designed and delivered international referee education programs for the International Basketball Federation.
He said the honour came as a lovely surprise.
“I was the first Queensland official to be certified by Oceania Basketball as a referee coach and as a technical director of an international tournament,” he said.
“On a local level, I am proud of the young Bundaberg people who give refereeing a go.
“Several of these referees continue to referee within Australia’s National Basketball Leagues and at state and Australian
championships.
“I am proud of Bundaberg Basketball’s continuing work to develop referees, to support referees and to provide referees with
pathways for future development.
“It’s nice for me, it’s better for my family as there were times it must have been tough on the family because I was away a lot, and it’s nice for basketball too.”
Mr Craig Holden OAM
In recognition of his services to community and Surf Life Saving, Mr Holden was listed in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours.
Since joining the organisation more than 45 years ago, he has served the community through Surf Life Saving, including running education programs and supplying beach and surf reports for local media.
Mr Holden said the honour was a big surprise but meant a lot to him.
“Obviously it’s not something anyone sets out to achieve I suppose, to be recognised, because it’s just something that you do and it’s just part and parcel of what I’ve always done,” he said.
“When you find out, it’s pretty special.
“Especially when you look back and you read over what’s in your citation because… people have often said you should sit down and record the things that you’ve done.
“It’s still sinking in for me.”
Mr Luke Harding OAM
In the 2026 Australia Day Honours, Mr Harding was awarded for his community service after more than 35 years volunteering through the Royal Fire Services, State Emergency Services and Returned and Services League.
Mr Harding said helping the community brought him a lot of joy.
“[There have been] a lot of long nights, a lot of missed birthdays and family events but also a lot of enjoyment and time spent helping people and volunteering for the community,” he said.
“A lot of time being in emergency services, we turn up on their worst day and they feel better once we’re finished.
“It’s humbling, it’s good to see that I’ve been recognised.
“Thanks to the community that have recognised me, the family love it as well so it’s very special.”
Mr Ernest Drew OAM
Mr Drew was awarded an OAM in the Australia Day list for his advocacy work for Blind Citizens Australia and contributions to those living with blindness or limited vision in the Victorian community of Bendigo where he lived before moving to the Bundaberg Region.
He was unable to attend the morning tea celebration but details from his private investiture can be found on the Government House of Queensland website.
