4th February, 2026.
Wilton resident David Blakeley has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the 2026 Australia Day Honours for his service to community health. David has been recognised for his work with the Cancer Patients Foundation. He served as a board member of the Foundation from the 1990s to 2004 and as chairman from 2004 to 2021. David also chaired the "Look Good, Feel Better" program, supporting cancer patients to boost confidence and wellbeing during treatment. The Look Good Feel Better program is a national cancer-support program. It offers free in-person and online workshops and Confidence Kits to help people with any type of cancer manage the most common physical and psychological impacts of treatment. In providing practical tips and tools, it helps connect a community of people living a shared experience; empowering them to regain control, confidence, and a sense of self. This is a much deserved recognition of many years of dedication in this arena.
