St Andrew’s College congratulates Principal Emeritus Wayne Erickson AM GAICD, Honorary Fellow and Principal Emeritus of St Andrew’s College, and Fellow of the College Debra Maher AM on their recognition in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours.
Wayne Erickson AM GAICD was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to tertiary education, rugby union, and the community.
Wayne served as the 12th Principal of St Andrew’s College from 2008 to 2023, leading a significant period of growth and renewal in the College’s history. During his tenure, the College strengthened its academic culture, expanded opportunities for students, advanced major building and renewal projects, and deepened its commitment to student wellbeing and community life.
Reflecting on the role of residential colleges in higher education, Wayne said:
“The contribution of residential colleges in the university sector is immensely important in the formation of the young adults who we care for as members of our collegiate communities.”
He continued:
“Our mission is to assist these young adults to create and sustain the scaffolds that constitute a supportive community whose purpose is to provide opportunities to enhance the social, emotional, intellectual, physical, cultural and spiritual well-being of each student as they discover their own excellence and their capacity to lead the nation and the world.”
Wayne’s contribution to rugby union has also been extensive and internationally recognised. He has held senior positions with World Rugby, Rugby Australia, NSW Rugby Referees Association and the Sydney University Football Club and is a Life Member of Petersham Rugby Club and the Rugby Club of Sydney. He was part of the referee management team for the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025. In 1995, he became the world’s first full-time contracted rugby referee and has since served as a selector and performance reviewer at both national and international levels, including across nine Rugby World Cup tournaments.
Speaking about his lifelong connection to both St Andrew’s College and rugby, Wayne reflected:
“I have been incredibly fortunate to have been accepted, uplifted, respected and valued by these twin communities – St Andrew’s College, and Australian Rugby, and I owe the deepest debt to the members of my community for their generous and life-long embrace.”
The College also warmly congratulates Her Honour Judge Debra Maher AM, Fellow of St Andrew’s College, who was separately appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to the law, to women and children, and to the community.
Debra has had a distinguished career in the legal profession and prior to her appointment to the Bench was involved for decades in advocacy and law reform in support of women and children, particularly in the areas of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Wayne acknowledged Debra’s support and influence throughout his career, saying:
“The person who has been my greatest inspiration is my wife Debra, who has achieved incredible success in her own professional life, and whose support for my ambitions and endeavours in both College and rugby has been ‘all-in’ – both unstinting and pivotal, for all of our married life.”
“I simply could not have achieved what I have without her incredible support.”
While both Wayne and Debra received their honours on the same day, the recognition was entirely coincidental. The Office of the Official Secretary to the Governor-General were not aware that Wayne and Debra are husband and wife during the honours process.
St Andrew’s College is proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition and thanks Wayne and Debra for their enduring contribution to the College community and Australian public life.