Former police officer, State minister and community advocate Bob Kucera says he is “absolutely blown away” after being recognised in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours for decades of service to WA.

Mr Kucera, now living in East Perth, has been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for his significant service to the community of WA through a range of organisations.

He said the recognition held special significance as a migrant who built his life in Australia.

“I think what the award means to me is really to be recognised as a true Australian, and that’s wonderful,” he said.

“Especially as a migrant that’s come here.”

While proud of his Welsh heritage, Mr Kucera said Australia was now considered his home.

“I still love my native Wales,” he said.

“But I must admit, this is my first country now.”

The former WA Police detective and Labor politician said the honour came as a complete surprise.

“I’m a bit blown away actually. It was something that I never ever expected, but it’s very humbling,” he said.

Born in Wales, Mr Kucera migrated to Australia as a young man and joined the police force two years later, beginning a career that would span over two decades and a range of different roles, including Assistant Commissioner of Police between 1996 and 2001.

He said during those years he developed a strong commitment to community, particularly with multicultural communities, Indigenous people and young people.

“As a policeman, you really see the worst and the very best of the community,” Mr Kucera said.

“I always tended, as a police officer, to get involved with community programs.”

Mr Kucera has been awarded the Australian Police Medal, the National Police Service Medal, the National Medal, and the WA Police Medal for his service and dedication to the police force.

Mr Kucera entered politics in 2001 after being approached by then Opposition leader Geoff Gallop to represent the seat of Yokine, which he held until electoral boundaries were remodelled and Yokine was replaced by Nollamara and Mt Lawley in 2008.

He served as minister for a wide range of portfolios, including health, citizenship and multicultural interests, tourism, and disability.

After departing Parliament, Mr Kucera held various board positions and volunteering roles.

He currently chairs the National Trust of WA and the Combat Sports Commission.

“One of my great joys is chairing the National Trust of WA, because I have a great love of history and where we’ve come from,” he said.

Mr Kucera said his own migrant background fed his desire to give back to the country that had given him so much.

“Australia has given me everything,” he said.

“It’s given me a wonderful family. It’s given me an amazing life. I’ve had a great time.

“I’ve always felt that I needed to give back to the community that’s given me so much.”

Mr Kucera said the award reflected not only his own efforts but also the support of his wife Susan, whom he met shortly after arriving in Australia from Wales in 1964.

“Probably the best thing that ever happened to me was I met my wife, Susan, and she’s been with me ever since,” he said.

“She’s been an amazing support for me all my life.”

Despite his achievements, Mr Kucera remained humble, even saying he believed there were a lot more people “far more worthy” for the award.

“It’s just I’ve had the opportunity to actually give back to the community and give back to the nation that’s given me so much,” he said.

Governor-General and Chancellor of the Order of Australia Sam Mostyn said recipients had made an “exceptional contribution” to the country.

“Our honour systems recognises outstanding people who contribute so much to Australia,” she said.

“In our communities, in workplaces and across the country, we all know someone who performs selfless acts and everyday with deep commitment and care for people, for our institutions, our environment and our future.”

There were 183 appointments as Members of the Order of Australia this year.