Kiama’s own Margaret Rose Snelling was honoured with a Medal of the Order of Australia on Australia Day for her outstanding service to hockey, following a lifetime of playing, coaching, umpiring and committee involvement.

Governor-General Sam Mostyn recognised 949 people for their exceptional achievements in the 2026 Australia Day Honours List, with Snelling recognised for her more than 60 years of service to the sport of hockey.

Over that time, she has supported the game in almost every capacity, from player to coach, umpire and administrator, and is a Life Member of the Kiama Ladies Hockey Club.

Snelling has also made exceptional contributions to South Coast women’s hockey, and is a Life Member of the South Coast Women’s Hockey Association (now Illawarra South Coast Hockey).

Following the announcement, Kiama Hockey Club shared a heartfelt tribute to Snelling on social media.

“Last year, we were so proud to have Margaret with us on the hill, cheering for our Kiama women’s teams at the Grand Final. It was a great reminder that her passion for hockey and for Kiama is still going strong,” the club wrote.

“Margaret, thank you for all you have done for our club and for hockey. You truly deserve this recognition, and we are proud to have you as a Kiama Hockey Club Life Member.”

Fellow Kiama resident Mitchell von Borstel received the Australian Corrections Medal for exemplary service in keeping prisons and the wider community safe.

Mitchell von Borstel.

A Tactical Operator with the Security Operations Group, he was recognised for his intelligence‑led search operations, calm management of high‑risk incidents, and ability to de‑escalate volatile situations safely.

His leadership, professionalism and operational innovations have strengthened system‑wide safety, enhanced accountability, and advanced intelligence‑driven correctional practice across NSW.

Shane Wicks.

Gerringong’s Shane Wicks was awarded the Order of Australia Medal for his service to the community through emergency response organisations

Wicks has been a long-serving, dedicated member of the Rural Fire Brigade, Surf Life Saving as South Coast Branch president, medical support officer for the Gerringong Lions and a driving force behind the Gezza Cares mental health resource hub.

Berry’s Ken Hutt, a former police officer and business honour, was also honoured with an OAM for his service to the community through a range of roles.

He has been a long-standing stalwart for the Rotary Club of Berry, a member of Sports Aviation Federation of Australia and he was a part of the Police Rescue Squad and Water Police during his time on the Force.

Hutt has contributed greatly to the End Polio Now campaign through paragliding activities at various locations including Mt Everest, the Lobuche Peak in Nepal and the Cho Oyu Mountain in the Himalayas.

Ken Hutt.