Three esteemed leaders in water, conservation and climate have been recognised in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours, highlighting their exceptional impact on Australia’s water future.
From urban water innovation to river ecosystem governance and coral reef resilience, the Honours spotlight the dedication of Australian Water Association members and leaders whose lifelong work is shaping sustainable outcomes for communities and the environment.
This year’s recipients include Daniel Lambert AM, a water sector stalwart and long-standing Australian Water Association member; Professor Richard Kingsford AO, a renowned freshwater conservation scientist; and Professor Ove Hoegh-Guldberg AC, a globally influential marine climate leader.
Daniel Lambert has been recognised as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his significant service to engineering and the water sector, and his dedication to professional associations.
A long-standing and highly respected member of the Australian Water Association, Lambert’s career spans more than two decades of transformational leadership in water and infrastructure. His impact is felt across Australia and the Asia-Pacific, from his time at Arup as Australasia Water Leader to his executive roles at Unitywater, Sydney Water, and most recently as Managing Director at Legacie.
Within the AWA community, Lambert has contributed deeply to mentoring, thought leadership and international collaboration.
His influence stretches beyond national borders, with advisory roles for the International Water Association, UNSW Global Water Institute, and global development initiatives. Daniel is not just a leader in water – he is a catalyst for progress, purpose and people.
Professor Richard Kingsford has been appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO), acknowledging his distinguished service to conservation biology and freshwater ecosystem governance.
As Foundation Director of UNSW’s Centre for Ecosystem Science, Kingsford is a renowned authority on wetland and river health, driving landmark research projects including the Wild Deserts Project and long-running aerial waterbird surveys. His expertise has shaped state and national environmental water policy for decades, with roles on the Murray-Darling Basin advisory panels and numerous scientific committees.
Kingsford’s leadership has advanced public understanding of environmental flows and biodiversity through extensive publications and commentary, making science more accessible and actionable. His involvement in the Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists and multiple conservation committees reflects his commitment to protecting Australia’s precious freshwater environments.
Appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC), Professor Ove Hoegh-Guldberg is internationally renowned for his eminent service to marine science and coral reef conservation.
Based at the University of Queensland, where he heads the Coral Reef Ecosystems Laboratory, Hoegh-Guldberg has led transformative research into the impacts of climate change on ocean systems. As Founding Director of the Global Change Institute and key contributor to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), his work has informed global climate and biodiversity policies.
From his leadership on the Great Barrier Reef 2050 Plan to co-founding the Coral Reef Rescue Initiative with WWF International, Hoegh-Guldberg’s work is not only world-leading but deeply urgent. His influence spans academia, policy, and community engagement, all underpinned by a profound commitment to safeguarding our marine ecosystems.
The Australian Water Association extends heartfelt congratulations to Daniel Lambert AM, Professor Richard Kingsford AO and Professor Ove Hoegh-Guldberg AC for this national recognition of their enduring commitment to water, science and sustainability.
Their work inspires excellence across our sector and continues to shape a more resilient and equitable water future.