The achievements and service of 830 remarkable Australians have been recognised in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours List.
The list includes climate change researchers, businesswomen, activists, former police officers, Indigenous Elders and musicians.
Governor General Sam Mostyn revealed the honourees on Sunday evening, commending their “passion, generosity, energy, and resolve” within their respective domains.
Young fundraiser honoured
One of those being awarded this year is 19-year-old Scott Michael Guerini, who has received a medal of the Order of Australia for service to the community through charitable organisations.
The West Australian teenager is the youngest recipient of an OAM this year, which honours his fundraising efforts for sick children and infants.
He has been raising money for children’s charities for most of his life.
“It was in kindy, we were learning about charity and helping others in fundraising, and I decided that I really wanted to do something to help others at the young age of four,” he told SBS News.
“And the hardest thing that I could think of to do at the time was walking from my family farm to the nearest town of Southern Cross.
“And after some convincing, my parents finally decided to let me have a go at it.”
Guerini then walked the 25 kilometres to raise money for Telethon, a charity that supports medical research into childhood diseases and provides equipment and critical services for sick, vulnerable and disadvantaged children.
He’s been walking for donations ever since and went on to found the annual Scott’s Great Walk for Telethon.
His advice for others? Don’t worry about what you can’t offer; simply give what you can, however small.
“I’d say definitely don’t stress about the major things. It isn’t about us accomplishing as much as possible or one grand gesture. It’s about doing those small things daily to truly make a difference in the lives of others.”
Guerini’s goal is to raise one million dollars before he turns 90 years old.
“I’m going to keep walking for as long as my body allows me — as long as possible,” he said.
World War Two veteran acknowledged
One recipient with decades of service under his belt is Henry Samuel Young.
The 101-year-old has been honoured with a medal of the Order of Australia for service to veterans as well as to tennis.
The centenarian served in several military posts during World War Two and is a long-time member of the Memorial Drive Tennis Club in South Australia.
“I’m particularly proud of being a navy pilot. I was in school when the war started,” he told SBS News.
“Every schoolboy’s dream is to be a fighter pilot, and I achieved it. So I’ve been lucky. I’ve been very lucky in that.”
Young is also a formidable tennis player and still competes in tournaments across the country, surprising his younger competitors.
“I think I’m a competitive person, and every game you play is win or lose,” he said.
“It’s very nice to be able to go to the net and say you had to work for it.”
Young will be travelling to Croatia later this year for a tennis tournament.
“I’m looking forward to that, very much, to go away overseas. It’s a good excuse for a holiday,” he said.
