Travis Schultz’s ethos of giving back to the community has been unexpectedly recognised at the highest level with a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the Australia Day Honours list.
The Managing Partner of Queensland personal injury firm Travis Schultz & Partners was named in the General Division list by the Governor General this week for service to the law and to the community.
Travis said it was a huge buzz to receive an email from the Governor General’s office.
“Not something I’d been expecting, but something to be proud of,” he told Proctor. “Though I have to admit to feelings of hesitation and dread, alongside excitement and gratitude.”
“After all, I’m not perfect. I’ve made more than my fair share of errors of judgement in both my professional and personal life.
“Was I up to living the expectations of an OAM on a day-to-day basis?”
Many in the legal profession on the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane are aware of the firm’s annual fundraising efforts for the Suncoast Community Legal Service and LifeFlight.
Last year alone, these wine and law events raised a record $70,000 for LifeFlight and $45,000 for the SCLS. Both events marked their fifth year in 2025 with Travis hosting the fundraising dinners and securing special guests and charity auctioneers. He is a board member for LifeFlight.
Travis said he hoped the OAM encouraged colleagues to be active in the community.
“I hope that this award encourages my younger colleagues to do what they can to make a difference in their communities,” he said.
“As members of a profession, we are in a privileged position; and I am sure that we mostly all feel a moral obligation to give back to the community that supports us.”
His message to peers – “Don’t fear failure. Look for opportunities to enable others to grow.
“Support where you can, and give where you must – even if all you have you give is your time and compassion. Believe in karma, and learn from your mistakes.”
In Cairns last year, the firm, including Travis, gave their time to host the inaugural Pouring for a Purpose dinner and raised $14,000 for the Far North Queensland Youth Assistance Fund.
Travis also founded the Winemakers Master Class 14 years ago as an annual fundraiser for SunnyKids, a child-safe organisation providing support services to children and families experiencing domestic and family violence and hardship. It has raised about $1.2 million.
He also co-founded the Wishlist Spring Carnival on the Sunshine Coast 14 years ago which has raised more than $3 million for the hospital charity.
In terms of service to the law, Travis has been a member and chair of various Queensland Law Society committees for decades. He also gave up his time to offer advice and insights to early career lawyers at the QLS inaugural Kickstart Business Breakfast last year.
The firm he founded has expanded from the Sunshine Coast to Brisbane, Cairns and more recently the Gold Coast and Innisfail.
Travis has also encouraged colleagues to take the time to focus on their skill sets with the team having the highest number of QLS Accredited Specialists in personal injury law in the state.
His colleagues is equally as proud of his OAM and achievements posting on social media this week:
“We’re proud to share some wonderful news … our founder and Managing Partner, Travis Schultz, was recognised in the Governor-General’s Australia Day 2026 Honours List with the Medal of the Order of Australia.
“For those who have worked alongside Travis, this acknowledgement may not come as a surprise. His dedication to the legal profession and his unwavering commitment to supporting our community has been nothing short of commendable.
“Travis established this firm on a foundation that values giving back to the community that supports us. Throughout his career, he has generously given his time, expertise, and energy to causes that matter.
“We want to highlight the art of giving and to celebrate Travis and the significant contributions that have led to this recognition.
“It’s a moment that reflects not only his personal ethos but the culture he has inspired within our firm. Congratulations, Travis – and thank you for continuing to lead by example.”
Also receiving recognition in the Honours List was former QLS President’s Medal winner, Bruce Cowley (pictured above).
Bruce was named a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the General Division for significant service to business, to the law and to tertiary education.
Bruce began his articled clerkship at Morris Fletcher & Cross now MinterEllison. He was admitted as a solicitor in Queensland 1983. Bruce was also chair of the QLS Company Law Committee from 2012-2015.
Bruce was promoted to Partner, board member and Global Chair. He was the chair of the National Law Committee, Australian Institute of Company Directors from 2018-2020.
Bruce has shown his commitment to business and education spheres with roles on various boards and committees from the University of the Sunshine Coast to the Board of Trustees, Australian Retirement Trust,
Another Queenslander, the Honourable Justice John Logan, also received an AM for significant service to the judiciary and to the law.
His Honour has been a Federal Court of Australia Judge since 2007 and Deputy President of the Administrative Appeals Tribunals 2010-2020.
He has had strong links with The Bar Association of Queensland over the years as well as Papua New Guinea as Judge of its Supreme and National Cours of Justice since 2011.
In 2025, Papua New Guinea awarded Justice Logan its 50th Anniversary of Independence King’s Medal in recognition of his significant service via the National Judicial Staff Service.
The late Robert Bain was also named as a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to the law, and to the legal profession.
Mr Bain became a Barrister in 1977, and then Silk in 1992, as well as being the founding member and chamber leader of Chambers33.
He was a member of The Bar Association of Queensland Bar Council for 16 years, named a life member and was Acting Solicitor-General 2013-2014.
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