11/06/2026
Congratulations Leo
Legendary Gippslanders…
Congratulations to Leo op den Brouw ESM on being awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in the King’s Birthday Honours List for service to the community of East Gippsland.
Leo has made an extraordinary contribution to Mallacoota and the wider region over many years through his service with the State Emergency Service, Coastcare, the Sanctuary Youth Centre, community radio station 3MGB, and previously as a member of the Mallacoota Ambulance Victoria Auxiliary.
Many people will remember Leo’s selfless leadership during the devastating 2019-20 bushfires, when he put aside his own concerns to help others, volunteering long hours for weeks on end as head of the local SES unit, helping coordinate relief efforts, checking on vulnerable residents and keeping the community informed through local radio.
His service did not stop there.
Across 39 years with the SES, Leo has worked tirelessly to support his community, from clearing roads after storms and assisting at car accidents to helping search for missing hikers.
Leo’s story is also one of deep personal commitment to community life.
Since moving to Mallacoota in 1979, he has built a life centred on service, including 25 years as caretaker and lighthouse keeper on Gabo Island.
In a small town, people like Leo are the ones who quietly step up, time and again, to help others and strengthen the community around them.
Congratulations, Leo, on this well-deserved recognition, and thank you for your outstanding service.
Pix credit: Australian of the Year Awards
