Water leaders have been recognised in the 2026 Australia Day Honours List for their profound and lasting contributions to groundwater science, environmental stewardship and national water leadership, shaping Australia’s approach to water management and climate resilience.
Flinders University – National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training
Honorary Professor, University of Melbourne
Professor Peter Cook has been appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) for eminent service to science, policy development and climate change mitigation.
Based at Flinders University, Professor Cook is internationally recognised for his leadership in groundwater science, hydrogeology and subsurface systems, with a career spanning academia, government and global research collaborations. As a founding leader of the National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training, he has played a pivotal role in advancing Australia’s understanding of groundwater systems critical to water security, climate resilience and basin-scale management.
His influence extends nationally and internationally through senior roles with Geoscience Australia, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, and major cooperative research centres, including leadership in carbon capture and storage research with strong intersections between geology, water and climate systems.
Leith Boully was posthumously appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to conservation and the environment.
Widely respected across Australia’s water sector, Leith’s influence on water reform, governance and leadership development spanned decades. She brought clarity, courage and a strong public-interest lens to some of the country’s most complex water and environmental challenges.
Leith held senior leadership and governance roles across state and national institutions, including as National Water Commissioner, Chair of Sunwater, Chair of the Australian Water Recycling Centre of Excellence, and Independent Chair of the Catchment and Coastal Reef Advisory Committee. Her work with the Murray–Darling Basin Ministerial Council and Land and Water Australia helped shape enduring approaches to basin-scale water management and collaboration.
A defining part of Leith’s legacy is her role in developing and leading the Peter Cullen Trust Leadership Program, through which she mentored and inspired generations of water professionals.
Recognising leadership across science, policy and practice, the honours awarded to Professor Peter Cook and the late Leith Boully reflect the depth of expertise and commitment within Australia’s water community.
We congratulate Professor Cook on this distinguished recognition and honour Leith Boully’s enduring legacy, thanking both for their exceptional contributions to water knowledge, governance and leadership that continue to influence the sector today.