A recently retired Queensland Police Commissioner is among a selection of Sunshine Coast residents recognised with King’s Birthday honours.
Steve Gollschewski was appointed Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service to law enforcement, to counter-terrorism activities, and to the community.
Mr Gollschewski served with the Queensland Police Service for more than four decades, joining the service in the 1980s and progressing through operational, investigative and leadership roles.
He became commissioner in 2024 after more than a decade as Deputy Commissioner of Specialist Operations, where he oversaw key areas including intelligence, counter-terrorism and major investigations.
He also served as Queensland’s State Disaster Coordinator for a decade, helping lead the state’s response to natural disasters and emergencies, and was Strategic (Gold) Commander for policing operations during the 2018 Commonwealth Games. Throughout his career he has represented Queensland on national counter-terrorism bodies and contributed to police leadership and professional development.
The honour adds to a long list of accolades for Mr Gollschewski, who was awarded the Australian Police Medal in 2010 and has received multiple national and state service awards recognising his contribution to policing and public safety.
Meanwhile, Dr Hope O’Chin and Carmel Smith have received a Member of the Order of Australia (AM).
Dr O’Chin, of Kings Beach, was recognised for significant service to the Indigenous community as an artist and educator.
She has spent decades advancing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education, including senior roles with Queensland’s education system, the federal government and tertiary institutions.
She served as Elder in Residence at University of the Sunshine Coast and is now an adjunct lecturer, while also exhibiting her artwork across Queensland and beyond through her Hope Dreaming projects.
Mrs Smith, of Buderim, was recognised for significant service to golf through governance roles, and as a player and administrator.
She has been involved in the sport for more than five decades, serving in leadership and development roles at local, state and national levels.
She was a board member of Golf Australia and Golf Queensland, while also helping establish and coordinate tournaments and programs aimed at growing participation among women, juniors and Indigenous golfers.
Closer to home, she has held numerous roles with Maroochy River Golf Club and continues to support the game through mentoring, rules education and administration.
Judith Crichton and Clinton Stanley received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).
Mrs Crighton, of Caloundra, has been a longstanding advocate for environmental protection on the Sunshine Coast, serving in leadership roles with Wildlife Queensland Wildlife Preservation Society – Sunshine Coast & Hinterland Inc, including as president and secretary.
She has also contributed to a range of local conservation initiatives, from turtle protection and bushcare programs to dune rehabilitation and wildflower education.
Her work has included advocacy for the protection of bushland reserves and environmental issues associated with major development projects. In 2022, she received Wildlife Queensland’s Margaret Thorsborne Award in recognition of her contribution to conservation.
Mr Stanley, of Cooroy, is a celebrated athlete who has represented Australia at multiple international Down syndrome and Special Olympics competitions.
A world champion swimmer since 2005, he achieved 79 Down syndrome swimming world records between 2005 and 2013 and has been a member of the Noosa Masters Swimming Club for more than two decades.
Beyond his achievements in the pool, Mr Stanley has dedicated his time to fundraising and volunteering for disability and community organisations, including Dementia Australia, Special Olympics Australia and the Starlight Children’s Foundation Australia.
He is also an active member of Sunshine Beach Surf Life Saving Club and was inducted into the Sunshine Coast Sports Hall of Fame in 2013.
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Governor-General Sam Mostyn acknowledged awards recipients from around the country.
“Our honours system recognises outstanding people who contribute so much to Australia,” she said.
“In our communities, in workplaces and across the country, recipients have made an exceptional contribution to Australia.
“Just like those honoured across the past 50 years, their service and achievement in the community and public service, industry and academia, science, the arts and sport help shape our nation.”
“The work of our award recipients, and the contributions of the thousands of Australians who have been nominated and recognised throughout the history of our honours system, is something we can take great pride in celebrating.”
The King’s Birthday awards recognised 948 Australians, including awards in the Order of Australia (General and Military Divisions), meritorious awards and recognition for conspicuous service.
The list includes people who were nominated by the Australian community and then recommended to the Governor-General by the independent Council for the Order of Australia. It also includes people put forward by organisations responsible for recommending meritorious, and conspicuous honours.
