BREAKING: Anthony Kolmus, a dedicated advocate for vulnerable communities in Victoria, has just been awarded the prestigious Public Service Medal as part of the Australia Day 2026 Honours list. This recognition highlights his decades of tireless work in the disability and social services sectors, improving the lives of countless individuals across the state.
Living quietly in Ferny Creek for over 40 years, Mr. Kolmus expressed surprise at the announcement, stating he was unaware he had been nominated for such a high honor. “It’s lovely to get the recognition,” he shared, emphasizing that many others in public service are equally deserving of accolades.
The award celebrates a career dedicated to safeguarding the rights of people with disabilities, children, and marginalized communities. Mr. Kolmus retired last year after a long-standing commitment to advocating for those in need, beginning his journey as a support worker in the late 1970s.
Reflecting on his early years, he noted, “People with disability were not exactly getting a great deal in life, and it just seemed like a good opportunity to make a difference.” His career evolved significantly, culminating in roles within the State Government focused on regulation and compliance in child protection and disability services.
Throughout his tenure, Mr. Kolmus tackled significant challenges, including investigations into abuse cases involving vulnerable clients. “There were some less-than-wonderful things we saw as a team,” he recounted, detailing the heavy responsibilities he faced while advocating for accountability among service providers.
His leadership role at the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing allowed him to influence essential regulatory practices statewide. “The last 16 years of my career were very much in the safeguarding space and really trying to hold providers to account for the services that they were delivering,” he said.
Mr. Kolmus’s efforts led to pivotal advancements in the regulation of residential services, enhancing safety for individuals with disabilities. He was instrumental in implementing the Worker Carer Exclusion Scheme under tight timelines, ensuring the protection of children within vulnerable populations.
In addition to his regulatory impact, he emphasized the importance of cultural safety in service delivery, particularly for Aboriginal community-controlled organizations. “Aboriginal services were generally expected to provide all services to their community,” he noted, highlighting the unique challenges these organizations face.
As he reflects on the current state of the human services sector and the NDIS, Mr. Kolmus believes significant improvements have been made, though challenges remain. “It’s two steps forward, one step back sort of thing,” he explained, advocating for a supportive environment that can truly benefit individuals relying on these essential services.
Looking ahead, Mr. Kolmus has no intention of slowing down. Currently focused on building a new home, he remains committed to advocating for vulnerable people and communities across Victoria. “I’m keen to stay involved in the industry in one way or another,” he affirmed, underscoring his ongoing dedication to public service.
This recognition not only honors Mr. Kolmus’s past achievements but also shines a spotlight on the critical work that continues within the disability and social services sectors. His award serves as a reminder of the importance of advocacy and accountability in improving lives across Victoria.
