Three Murray Bridge residents recognised on King's Birthday honours list

A former mayor and an historian have each been awarded an Order of Australia Medal, while a Girl Guides leader has been awarded an AM.

Three Murray Bridge residents recognised on King's Birthday honours list
Ken Wells, Dawn Borchardt and Brenton Lewis have each been awarded OAMs on the King’s Birthday honours list. Photos: Resthaven, Girl Guides Australia, Peri Strathearn.

Three outstanding Murray Bridge residents have been recognised in the King’s Birthday honours list for 2023.

Girl Guides leader Dawn Borchardt received an AM for services to youth, while former mayor Brenton Lewis and historian Ken Wells both received OAMs for their service to the local community.

You can read more about their achievements in the stories below:

Dawn Borchardt AM has nurtured countless girls to womanhood

Peri Strathearn • Jun 12, 2023

Murray Bridge’s Dawn Borchardt has been made a member of the Order of Australia – an AM – for significant service to youth through Girl Guiding. The honour, one level higher than an OAM, was announced on Mond…

Read full story →

Brenton Lewis OAM has made Murray Bridge proud, safe and progressive

Peri Strathearn • Jun 12, 2023

Murray Bridge is a different place as a result of Brenton Lewis’ leadership – and in return he has been recognised with an Order of Australia Medal. Mr Lewis transformed Murray Bridge’s image during his two terms as mayor, from 2014 to 2022. Prior to that he was chief executive of Regional Development Australia Murraylands and Riverland, the former regional development board.

Read full story →

If anyone knows about Murray Bridge’s history, it’s Ken Wells OAM

Peri Strathearn • Jun 12, 2023

Ken Wells is not only a guardian of Murray Bridge’s history – he has been a highly active participant in it, too. For that, on Monday, the King’s Birthday, he was awarded an Order of Australia Medal, or OAM. Mr Wells has volunteered with the Murray Bridge Show Society since 1958, helped it

Read full story →

Governor-General David Hurley AC congratulated each of them, and all Australians recognised on the newly renamed holiday.

“They are all inspiring and their service is valued by us all,” he said.

“Collectively they speak to who we are now and who we can be in the future.”

He encouraged all Australians to nominate someone they admired who had made a significant impact in their community.


Locals support locals. Your support helps Murray Bridge News tell important local stories.