Dennis Perry, a long-time member of Wahroonga Seventh-day Adventist Church (Sydney, NSW), has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his extraordinary service to some of the most vulnerable communities in Papua New Guinea.
The award, announced as part of the King’s Birthday 2025 Honours on Monday, recognises Mr Perry’s community work through Operation Life (formerly Operation Food For Life), a charity he cofounded in 1998 after witnessing people living and foraging for food on rubbish dumps in Port Moresby.
“I’m deeply humbled and proudly honoured,” Mr Perry, 77, said, giving “all the praise, honour and glory” to God.
“I acknowledge this prestigious award with our cofounder David Woolley, as a symbol of the collective efforts and testament put forth by incredible and extraordinary people I have had the privilege to serve with over many years.”
Inspired by Matthew 25:35-40, Operation Life offers food, clothing, compassion and the love of Jesus to “the least of these”—the hungry, the vulnerable, the destitute and the forgotten, including patients dying of HIV/AIDS and those in prison. It also provides education for vulnerable and at-risk children. What began with just 20 students now has enrolments of more than 300 children.
According to Mr Perry, the mission is simple: to follow the example of Jesus. His desire is to be the hands and feet of Jesus, serving others in practical, life-changing ways.
“We can change lives by showing that unconditional love, care and concern—not just to be a terrific person for God, but to be a ‘care-riffic’ person for God.”
Dennis Perry, the PNG Governor-General, children and staff from the Born Free Sanctuary, an initiative of Operation Life.
Mr Perry hopes to encourage others to step forward in service. “You may not be able to change the world, but you can mean the world to just one person,” he said. “God is just waiting for a three-letter word from you—yes.”
Despite recent health challenges, Mr Perry remains passionate and determined to continue his work of love and mercy.
“I can’t wait for what God’s got next. I’ve learned to start small, think tall, and with God, give it your all.”
Pastor Terry Johnson, president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Australia, congratulated Mr Perry and acknowledged his faithful service and lasting contribution.
“The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Australia warmly congratulations Dennis on receiving the Medal of the Order of Australia,” Pastor Johnson said. “It’s a fitting recognition of his faithful service, tireless dedication and unwavering commitment to the values of compassion, integrity and community. We are deeply grateful for the impact he has made both within our Church and in the wider Australian community.”
Operation Life is a supportive ministry of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the South Pacific.
By Tracy Bridcutt, Adventist Record
