Rowing Community Members Recognised in 2026 King's Birthday Honours

Rowing Australia congratulates members of the rowing community recognised in the 2026 King's Birthday Honours List for their outstanding service to rowing and the broader Australian community.

This year's honours acknowledge coaches, volunteers, administrators and community leaders whose dedication has helped shape and strengthen rowing across Australia. Their collective contributions span decades of service at club, state and national levels, leaving a lasting impact on generations of rowers.

Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM)

Lieutenant Commander Kym Desmond Fisher OAM – for service to rowing as a coach

Kym Fisher OAM has been recognised for more than two decades of service to rowing as a coach and mentor. A foundation member and coach of the Australian Defence Force Academy Rowing Club since 1999, Fisher has also played a key role in the ADF Rowing Club, Canberra Rowing Club and Royal Military College Rowing Club. His dedication to athlete development and volunteer coaching has made a lasting impact on defence and community rowing programs.

Mr Kevin O'Brien OAM – for service to rowing

A lifelong contributor to rowing, Kevin O'Brien OAM has dedicated more than six decades to school and community rowing programs. O'Brien coached generations of athletes at St Patrick's College Ballarat, as well as Melbourne Girls Grammar, Loreto College, Ballarat High School and Lauriston Girls' School. His contributions have also extended across numerous rowing clubs in Victoria, helping foster participation and excellence in the sport.

Mr Robert Stephen Zahara OAM – for service to rowing

Through decades of leadership in rowing administration, governance and club development, Robert Zahara OAM has played a significant role in strengthening the sport. A member of Melbourne University Boat Club since 1968, Zahara has served in numerous leadership positions and remains actively involved through committee and foundation roles. He has also supported school rowing through his involvement with Loreto Mandeville Hall and the Head of the Schoolgirls Regatta, while his advocacy for veteran rowing has helped strengthen opportunities within the sport for decades.

Further Recipients from the Rowing Community

Several other recipients recognised in the 2026 King's Birthday Honours List have also made significant contributions to rowing alongside their broader service to the community.

Mr Anthony Richard Beech AM – for significant service to industrial relations and to the community of Western Australia

Anthony Beech AM has been recognised for a distinguished career in industrial relations and public service. Alongside these achievements, Beech has been a dedicated member, volunteer, coach and former president of ANA Rowing Club, contributing more than 29 years of service to the Western Australian rowing community.

Mr John Bird OAM – for service to local government and the community of Collie

John Bird OAM has been recognised for his service to local government and the Collie community. His connection to rowing includes serving as Infrastructure Coordinator for the National King's Cup Rowing Championship held at Wellington Dam in 1995, helping deliver one of Australia's premier interstate rowing events.

Mrs Margaret Blair Small OAM – for service to nursing

Margaret Small OAM has been recognised for her distinguished nursing career spanning more than five decades. Beyond her professional achievements, Small has been a dedicated volunteer, masters rower and regatta administrator with Mosman Rowing Club, contributing significantly to the rowing community through both participation and service.

Mr Roger Gaul Viney OAM – for service to the community of Hobart

Roger Viney OAM has combined decades of community service with an extraordinary commitment to rowing in Tasmania. Over nearly 50 years at Lindisfarne Rowing Club, Viney has served in numerous roles including president, secretary, treasurer and coach, while also contributing as a Tasmanian state team manager, coach and selector. His leadership and service have left a lasting legacy across Tasmanian rowing.

Rowing Australia congratulates all recipients on this well-deserved recognition and thanks them for their invaluable contributions to rowing and the broader community. Their dedication, leadership and service have helped shape Australian rowing and continue to inspire future generations across the sport.