TSS Australia Day Honours recipients (02 Feb 2026)

Hello everyone

Last week, 11 of our State Service colleagues were recognised for their expertise and excellence in the 2026 Australia Day Honours List.

I have personally written to all recipients sharing my congratulations. It is my great honour to share each recipient and their achievements with you today.

Mark Chladil PSM was awarded a Public Service Medal for outstanding public service in the advancement of bushfire protection and community safety. Mark has been a leading authority within the Tasmania Fire Service since 1995 and has dedicated his career to ensuring the safety and protection of people and the environment, shaping both state and national policy.

Catherine Schofield PSM was awarded a Public Service Medal for outstanding public service to mental health care in Tasmania. Catherine has been with the State Service for more than two decades, contributing significantly to the advancement of mental health services across the state. She made history as Tasmania’s first nurse practitioner in mental health, pioneering a role that has since become integral to mental health care delivery.

Malcolm Smith PSM was awarded a Public Service Medal for outstanding public service in cyber security. Malcolm has made a profound contribution to cyber security over nearly two decades, representing the state on key national committees and ensuring its interests are meaningfully reflected in policy and guidance. Notably, Malcolm’s leadership and expertise was critical in developing a comprehensive cyber security strategy that will help safeguard Tasmania for years to come.

Inspector Philippa Burk APM was awarded an Australian Police Medal for her distinguished service as a member of an Australian police force. Inspector Burk’s career with Tasmania Police spans four decades, and in that time she has overseen many complex activities and managed highly traumatic incidents with great care and expertise. Inspector Burk is known for her leadership and compassion, with her trauma-informed approach now part of the broader organisational practice within Tasmania Police.

Commander Damien George APM was awarded an Australian Police Medal for his distinguished service as a member of an Australian police force. Commander George has led a distinguished career of over 30 years, characterised by his strong leadership, high-level investigative ability and a commitment to improving policing through innovation.

Paul Baker AFSM was awarded an Australian Fire Service Medal for his distinguished service as a member of an Australian fire service. Paul has provided 25 years of service to the Tasmania Fire Service. His commitment to community safety, operational leadership and the development of others has significantly strengthened both his brigade and the broader fire service.

Kim Brundle-Lawrence AFSM OAM was awarded an Australian Fire Service Medal for her distinguished service as a member of an Australian fire service. Kim has delivered over 35 years of service to the Tasmania Fire Service and her community and is widely recognised for her leadership, professionalism and operational reliability in high-pressure environments.

Stuart Males AFSM was awarded an Australian Fire Service Medal for his distinguished service as a member of an Australian fire service. Stuart has dedicated over 35 years of service to the Tasmania Fire Service, beginning his career as a trainee firefighter with the Hobart Fire Brigade in 1989. In 1990, he also joined the Brighton Volunteer Brigade, reflecting his strong commitment to community service.

Wayne Dowling ESM was awarded an Emergency Services Medal for his distinguished service as a member of an Australian emergency service. Wayne is recognised for over 30 years of service with the State Emergency Service and the broader community, primarily with the Huon Valley Unit. Since joining in 1993, he has held multiple leadership roles (including unit manager and deputy unit manager) and continues to serve as a trainer and active crew leader.

Susan Kelder ESM was awarded an Emergency Services Medal for her distinguished service as a member of an Australian emergency service. Since joining the State Emergency Service in 2013, Susan has contributed significantly to emergency management in Tasmania, rising to the role of the unit manager of the northern Incident Management Unit in 2017.

Rachael Parker ACM was awarded an Australian Corrections Medal for her distinguished service as a member of an Australian correctional service. Over nearly a decade, Rachael has held senior roles across custodial and community settings within the Tasmania Prison Service, including as senior clinician, manager of intervention programs, and a complex and high-risk offender specialist. Rachael is highly regarded for her expertise in psychology and criminology and evidence-based practice.

Congratulations to each recipient. Please join me in celebrating the incredible achievements of our colleagues.

Kind regards
Kath

Kathrine Morgan-Wicks
Head of the State Service
Secretary, Department of Premier and Cabinet
02 Feb 2026