Rowing Australia congratulates Life Member Ray Ebert AM and Dr Sarah Hill AM on their appointment as Members of the Order of Australia (AM) in the 2026 Australia Day Honours.
The appointment recognising two outstanding contributors whose leadership, service and passion have strengthened both rowing and the wider Australian community.
Ray received the honour “for significant service to rowing, and to the church”. His impact on the sport spans more than five decades and reflects a remarkable contribution.
“Ray is one of the true custodians of Australian rowing. His dedication, his care for athletes, and the sheer breadth of his service has shaped our sport in profound and lasting ways,” Rowing Australia CEO Sarah Cook OLY said.
“He has influenced generations, on and off the water, and this recognition is richly deserved. Ray’s contribution reflects the very best of what our rowing community stands for.”
Ray joined Pine Rivers Rowing Club at 14 and went on to serve in nearly every capacity; athlete, coach, club leader, state and national administrator, long-serving Queensland Olympic Council board member, respected boat race official, team manager, commentator and master of ceremonies at some of rowing’s most important events.
He is one of the very few individuals to hold Life Memberships with Pine Rivers Rowing Club, Rowing Queensland and Rowing Australia.
Ray managed Australian rowing teams at multiple Olympic Games and World Rowing Championships, guided generations of athletes, and became the voice of major regattas through his commentary at state, national and international events.
Beyond rowing, he has earned national recognition as a leader in the Lutheran Church and within education, appearing on The Educator Magazine’s Top 75 Australian Educational Leaders Hot List for his work at Living Faith Lutheran Primary School.
Former Rowing NSW Director Dr Sarah Louise Hill AM received her appointment “for significant service to public administration, to urban planning, and to public policy”.
A distinguished strategic leader, Dr Hill has held senior roles including Deputy Secretary, Strategic Directions and Integration, at the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment, and previously served as CEO of the Greater Sydney Commission.
Her influence extends internationally, having worked in the United Kingdom as a Principal Planner and as a founding member of the London Olympic and Paralympic Joint Planning Authority, overseeing master planning and approvals for the London 2012 Olympic Games.
An award-winning urban planner, Dr Hill has been recognised with honours such as the 2015 NSW Planner of the Year and the 2016-17 Australian Planner of the Year.
She is a Fellow and former NSW President of the Planning Institute of Australia, an Adjunct Professor at UTS, Chair of the Faculty of Design, and Architecture and Building Industry Advisory Board.
Her academic achievements include a Bachelor of Science, Master of Urban and Regional Planning and PhD from the University of Sydney, complemented by her qualification as a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Rowing NSW CEO Melissa Ashton-Garard praised Dr Hill’s leadership and influence.
"Rowing NSW congratulates Sarah Hill AM on this recognition," Ashton-Garard said.
"Sarah has been a committed competitor, representing NSW over many years, first as a senior athlete and later as part of the NSW Masters team.
"She has also given a great deal to the sport through her time as a Director of Rowing NSW where her experience across government and planning brought a valuable perspective to the organisation.
"We are delighted to see her contribution recognised in this way."
Rowing Australia proudly celebrates Ray’s and Sarah’s achievements and thanks them for their exceptional service.