KEVIN O'BRIEN OAM

KEVIN O'BRIEN: MEDAL OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA

Rowing Victoria congratulates Ballarat rowing coach and mentor Kevin O’Brien OAM, who has been recognised in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours with a Medal of the Order of Australia for his outstanding service to rowing.

At 95 years of age, Kevin’s award recognises more than seventy years of voluntary dedication to the sport and a lifetime spent developing athletes, coaches and communities from his hometown of Ballarat.

Beginning his coaching journey at St Patrick’s College in 1950, Kevin has influenced generations of rowers and coaches, including Olympians, world champions and national representatives. His contribution has extended beyond St Patrick’s College to Melbourne Girls Grammar, Loreto College, Ballarat High School, Lauriston Girls’ School, Ballarat City Rowing Club, Wendouree-Ballarat Rowing Club and Horsham Rowing Club, as well as para-rowing, masters and recreational rowing.

His coaching legacy continues through countless athletes and coaches, including his son Christopher O’Brien, Head Coach of the Australian Men’s Rowing Team.