Catholic education leaders recognised in King’s Birthday Honours

Originally published by the National Catholic Education Commission (NCEC) on 10 June 2026

Three leaders whose work helped shape Catholic education in Australia have been recognised in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours.

Geoff Joy with Archbishop Francis Carroll (Catholic Voice)

Geoffrey Joy received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) honouring a lifetime of service to Catholic education, recognising a distinguished career that included serving as Executive Director of Catholic Education in the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn from 1993 to 2006.

During his 13 years leading the Canberra-Goulburn Catholic school system, Mr Joy guided schools across the ACT and southern New South Wales through a period of significant growth and change. He oversaw educational, financial and governance reforms while advocating nationally on issues including school funding and the future direction of Catholic education.

Earlier in his career, he served as Director of Finance for the Catholic Education Office Sydney, as Headmaster of St Joseph’s College, Hunters Hill and taught at Marcellan College Randwick.  

 Michelle McDonald OAM

Michele McDonald OAM was recognised for her significant service to education. As Assistant Director of Learning Services with the Catholic Schools Office Diocese of Lismore, she supports learning and teaching across 45 Catholic schools from Port Macquarie to Tweed Heads. Over a career spanning classroom teaching, school leadership and system-wide education roles, she has made a substantial contribution to curriculum development, teacher support and student learning, and also serves on the Academic Advisory Board for the Education Faculty at Southern Cross University.

 Professor Peter Buckskin AM PSM

The late Professor Peter Buckskin AM PSM was posthumously appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in recognition of his outstanding contribution to education, Indigenous leadership and reconciliation. As inaugural Chair of NATSIEC, Professor Buckskin played a key role in establishing a national partnership with Education Ministers and embedding First Nations representation at the highest levels of education policy and decision-making.

A Narungga man from South Australia’s Yorke Peninsula, Professor Buckskin made a significant contribution to Catholic education through his leadership of the national More Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Teachers Initiative (MATSITI). In partnership with the National Catholic Education Commission, MATSITI worked to recruit, mentor and support more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander teachers, helping strengthen educational opportunities for Indigenous students and build a more representative teaching workforce.

Professor Buckskin believed Catholic education was a natural partner in advancing reconciliation and educational equity, and his work helped foster stronger connections between schools, communities and Indigenous educators across Australia.

The honours recognise three educators whose leadership, vision and commitment have left a lasting impact on Catholic education and the students, families and communities it serves.

Photos: Geoff Joy with Archbishop Francis Carroll (Catholic Voice), the late Professor Peter Buckskin AM PSM (LinkedIn), Michelle McDonald (Diocese of Lismore)