Recognising unseen service

CPO Marcus Effrett has been recognised for three decades of meritorious service across operational seamanship, capability delivery and maritime training.

He was awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in the Military Division in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours.

CPO Effrett’s long career has been marked by leadership, operational excellence and a strong commitment to supporting personnel at sea and ashore.

Since enlisting in the Navy in 1995, CPO Effrett has held numerous and diverse roles, including Navy Port Services Operations Manager at HMAS Cairns, Maritime Training Adviser in Dili, Timor-Leste, and Chief Boatswain’s Mate on board HMAS Anzac.

Across these postings and more, he has contributed to improving operational efficiency while ensuring the safety and readiness of crews.

Reflecting on the years of service that led to his award, CPO Effrett said he always tried to lead by example.

“I have always wanted to build resilient teams and create an environment where people feel supported, valued and prepared to perform at their best,” he said.

Throughout his career, CPO Effrett has consistently demonstrated exceptional performance, earning three CO Commendations – for a high-seas rescue in HMAS Cessnock, exemplary performance at Fleet Support Unit HMAS Coonawarra, and leadership and contribution to border protection as Chief Boatswain’s Mate of Ardent One.

CPO Effrett has drawn on his extensive professional experience to train and prepare new generations of sailors through his postings with Training Authority – Maritime Warfare.

In his first posting at HMAS Cerberus, he instructed boarding operations, force preparation, survival equipment and seamanship training, while a later posting at Cairns focused on preparing personnel for border protection operations through high-quality, operationally relevant training.

“Strong leadership and good training are critical because the standards you set today can directly affect safety and operational success tomorrow,” CPO Effrett said.

His career has also included mentoring junior sailors and working with partner nations to build maritime capability and professional relationships.

He highlighted his involvement in flood recovery efforts in Cairns as a particularly meaningful experience, where Navy personnel worked alongside emergency services and local authorities to support the community.

“Experiences like that reinforce the importance of service beyond the military environment and demonstrate how working together can strengthen community connection and resilience,” CPO Effrett said.

CPO Effrett’s late mother, Ira Effrett, was an OAM recipient herself, recognised for her years of dedication to the Epilepsy Foundation of Victoria.

Her example helped shape his values of compassion, humility and commitment to serving others.

CPO Effrett said the awards were an opportunity to recognise service that often goes unseen.

“Across the nation, many Australians serve selflessly and without expectation of recognition,” he said.

“By formally nominating these individuals, we acknowledge their dedication, sacrifice and the tangible impact they have made on others and the broader community.”