Distinguished Service & Achievement Awards
07 Oct 2025
Congratulations also to the following recipients of Melbourne Royal Distinguished Service and Achievement Awards presented at the 2025 Melbourne Royal Show:
President’s Medal:
Jason Ronald OAM
In recognition of dedicated service and significant contribution to Melbourne Royal for more than 50 years including as a Board Director, Life Councillor and Honorary Life Member along with considerable voluntary service to support Horses in Action competition and help preserve and celebrate Melbourne Royal’s proud history.
Noelene King OAM
In recognition of dedicated service and significant contribution to Melbourne Royal for more than 40 years including as a Board Director, Life Councillor and Honorary Life Member along with considerable voluntary service on multiple Competitive Section Committees including Beef Cattle and Poultry.
Susan Campbell-Wright
In recognition of being involved with Melbourne Royal for more than 20 years, and in particular for dedicated voluntary service and contribution to the Melbourne Royal Show Art, Craft & Cookery competition and exhibition including as a Committee Chair from 2012 to 2023.
Honorary Life Membership:
Colleen Lazenby
In recognition of being involved with Melbourne Royal for 20 years, and in particular for dedicated voluntary service and contribution to help preserve and celebrate Melbourne Royal’s proud history as a Chair of the Heritage Committee since 2011.
Speed the Plough
Dawn Howard
In recognition of active involvement in the Melbourne Royal Dog Competition for more than 65 years as an exhibitor, steward and judge.
Tina Panoutsos
In recognition of active involvement in the Melbourne Royal Australian International Beer Awards for 18 years including voluntary service on the Beer Industry Advisory Group since 2014 and as a judge since 2007.
Emerging Leader Medal:
Taylor Blayney
In recognition of contributing to the success of Melbourne Royal as a dedicated and valued permanent employee under the age of 25 years.
Certificate of Appreciation
Doug Hopkins
For volunteering and contributing to the success of the Melbourne Royal Livestock Competitions, particularly Fleece, for more than 60 years; and for providing wonderful support, wisdom, counsel and friendship to others involved in the Melbourne Royal Show.
Beef Cattle Legends
The Harris Family
In recognition of their support for the Melbourne Royal Show through generations
Garryowen Hall of Fame - 2025
Exceptional Service - Margie Whyte
Rider - Pam Ahern
Horse - Noble Archer