8 June 2026
Congratulations to remarkable Pembroke alum Natasha Stott Despoja (1986) on being awarded one of the nation’s highest accolades, with a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) in the King’s Birthday 2026 Honours List.
She’s been recognised for eminent service to the prevention of domestic, family and sexual violence, to gender equity, and to the promotion of human rights and global systemic change.
Natasha is among just five people to receive the honour in this list, with the achievement following her appointment as an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 2019.
Image credit: Keryn Stevens, The Advertiser
We also applaud another beloved Pembroke identity, former School Principal Luke Thomson, who’s been named a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to primary and secondary education, and to independent schools.
Luke served as Pembroke Principal from 2010 to 2022, a tenure which included exceptional contributions to the International Baccalaureate and Kaurna language.
A sincere thank you to Natasha, Luke and all award recipients for their incredible and inspiring service and achievement in helping to shape a hopeful future for us all.