It was a day to remember when Callum Simpson in Year 12 at Matthew Flinders Anglican College received an official letter from the Governor General of Australia’s office, informing him he could soon add three letters to his name: OAM.
The Sunshine Coast student was one of 320 people across Australia named on the 2025 Australia Day Honours list and announced by the Governor-General, Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC on Sunday, 26 January.
Callum was awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for his “service to sport as a gold medallist at the Paris Paralympic Games 2024”. He achieved three medals in the pool in Paris:
• Gold Medallist, Mixed 4x100m Medley Relay, Para Swimming
• Gold Medallist, Men’s 100m Freestyle S8, Para Swimming
• Silver Medallist, Mixed 4×100 Freestyle Relay, Para Swimming
In announcing the Australia Day 2025 Honours List recipients, the Governor-General said, “To read recipient stories is to be reminded that contribution to communities across the country, underpinned by care, kindness, respect and love, is what matters most to all Australians, in every sphere of life. Recipients embody the best of us, and we are grateful to all of them.”
Callum said, “I’m incredibly honoured and grateful to receive the Order of Australia Medal.
“This isn’t just a recognition of my results and efforts, but of everyone who has supported me and been in my corner – my coaches, support team, family and friends who have always backed me and believed in me, even at times when I didn’t.
“I really want to show other people that, no matter what, you can always keep pushing and chasing your dreams despite the challenges and barriers you may be given in life.
“Anything is possible, even if you are born with a disability.”
Flinders principal Michelle Carroll said the whole College community celebrated this astounding accolade with Callum and the Simpson family.
“Callum has been a part of our Flinders community since his kindy days at the Flinders Early Learning Centre and his schooling journey began at Flinders in Prep,” Ms Carroll said.
“Throughout this time, Callum has demonstrated to his fellow peers the power of being committed to a goal and working diligently to achieve it,” she said.
“He has spent countless hours training in the Flinders Aquatic Centre pool, under the mentorship of his swimming coach, Chris Wright.
“We are thrilled to support Callum, both as a student and an elite athlete through our Flinders Elite Athlete Program (FEAP), so that he can make the most of his academic and sporting life.”
He will be awarded with his OAM at an official ceremony later in the year.
Callum was diagnosed at birth with microdeletion syndrome, which is a genetic disorder that delays learning and causes physical impairments, along with cerebral palsy and dyspraxia and neurological disorders.
At age two, to strengthen his body and boost his coordination and cognitive skills, his parents increased his swimming as therapy, which soon grew to a passion.
