Wadjemup Aboriginal Reference Group member Walter McGuire honoured with Order of Australia Medal

Walter McGuire, a Senior Whadjuk man, and a dedicated member of the Wadjemup Aboriginal Reference Group (WARG), has been honoured for his outstanding contributions to tourism.

In the 2026 Honours List, Walter received the prestigious Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in the General Division for service to the tourism industry in Western Australia.

This accolade acknowledges an extensive career of tourism leadership that includes the past three years as Chair of the WA Indigenous Tourism Council (WAITOC) — and as the Executive Director of Go Cultural Aboriginal Tours and Experiences since 2016, a business that has amassed multiple awards, including four gold medals and a place in the WA Tourism Awards Hall of Fame.

This award recognises Walter’s ongoing commitment to showcasing Noongar Aboriginal culture through tourism by providing visitors to Wadjemup / Rottnest Island with an opportunity for collective learning and understanding.

In addition to leading immersive Go Cultural tours on Wadjemup and in Boorloo / Perth, Walter provides invaluable cultural insight to the Rottnest Island Authority (RIA).

As a WARG member since 2017, he advises the RIA Board on matters associated with non-legislative cultural heritage management and reconciliation. His contributions have been instrumental in ensuring that RIA honours and promotes the island’s important cultural heritage and fosters respectful engagement with Aboriginal communities.

The WARG consists of six Aboriginal members from different language groups across the State, including Whadjuk Traditional Owners.

The Order of Australia Medal celebrates individuals who have shown remarkable dedication to the community. Walter joins an esteemed roster of honourees celebrated for their integrity, service and leadership, and RIA congratulates him on receiving this well-deserved recognition