Terry Perry awarded Medal of the Order of Australia

A lifetime of quiet service to King Island has been recognised at a national level, with Terrence Gilbert Perry, known to generations as Terry Perry, awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the 2026 Australia Day Honours List.

The honour recognises service to the community of King Island, a citation that captures decades of contribution across sport, volunteering, civic life and everyday acts of generosity that have helped shape the island’s social fabric.

Born in Latrobe in 1936, Terry Perry arrived on King Island as a young boy and quickly became part of its story. Educated at the Currie Area School, he went on to build a life defined by commitment, fairness and community-mindedness, qualities that would underpin his work for more than 70 years.

Many islanders know Terry through the Currie store he ran for decades with his late wife Dorothy, a business that became far more than a shop. For generations of local clubs, schools and community groups, the store was a source of practical support, with Terry and Dorothy regularly donating vouchers and goods for raffles, fundraisers and prize nights, often quietly and without expectation of recognition.

That steady backing extended across sporting clubs, community organisations and local causes, particularly in times when funds were tight and support mattered most.

Terry’s contribution to King Island sport is both deep and wide-ranging. A talented footballer in his youth, his influence grew most strongly through administration, umpiring and leadership, roles he filled over decades. He served as secretary-treasurer of both the junior and senior football associations, umpired for 23 years, and later held the role of King Island Football Association president for 18 years, guiding the competition through periods of significant challenge.

His service is permanently acknowledged through the TG and DJ Perry Medal, awarded each year to the best and fairest junior footballer on King Island, named in honour of Terry and Dorothy.

Beyond football, Terry also made lasting contributions to cricket, badminton and tennis, serving in administrative roles and supporting competitions over many years. His sporting involvement was always driven by participation, fairness and opportunity for young people.

Away from organised sport, Terry Perry is equally well known for his exceptional fishing knowledge. His understanding of King Island’s waters, lakes and seasons is the stuff of island folklore. He played a role in stocking local lakes with trout, supported fishing competitions and freely shared advice with locals and visitors alike, reflecting a generosity of knowledge as much as skill.

Terry also served the community for 36 years as a Justice of the Peace, another quiet but important role grounded in trust and service.

Over the years, his contribution has been acknowledged locally, including being named King Island Citizen of the Year in 2010, receiving a Lions Club community award, and being recognised as Men’s Shed Man of the Year. The Australia Day honour, however, places his service in a national context.

For many on King Island, the OAM is seen not just as recognition of formal roles, but of a lifetime spent backing people, clubs and causes, often behind the scenes.

In recognising Terry Perry, the Australia Day Honours have recognised something deeply familiar to King Islanders, that enduring communities are built not only by grand gestures, but by decades of steady, practical support, given generously and without fuss.