Australia Day honour for Air Force warrant officer
Air Force Warrant Officer Ivan Petrovic has described receiving an Australia Day honour as something he “never imagined”, crediting his family’s support as the foundation of his success.
CAPTION: Air Force Warrant Officer Ivan Petrovic, centre, has been awarded a Conspicuous Service Medal in this year’s Australia Day honours. Story by Flying Officer Sarah Roberson. Photo by Leading Seaman Nadav Harel.
Awarded a Conspicuous Service Medal (CSM) in the 2026 Australia Day honours, Warrant Officer Petrovic has been recognised for his outstanding service as a ceremonial warrant officer.
The medal recognises his contribution between 2022 and 2023, when he was responsible for the delivery of several high-profile ceremonial events, including activities marking Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee.
Warrant Officer Petrovic said it was a surprise to be honoured.
“I honestly never thought I’d receive something like this,” he said.
“It’s incredibly humbling, and it really reflects the work of the teams I serve alongside.”
Growing up in Bathurst, NSW, Warrant Officer Petrovic joined the Air Force in 1991 as a 16-year-old apprentice radio technician, encouraged and supported by his father.
“I was young, and having my father’s backing made all the difference,” Warrant Officer Petrovic said.
“That support gave me the confidence to take the first step.”
More than three decades later, family remains central to his service.
Warrant Officer Petrovic’s wife, who also serves with Air Force at RAAF Base Wagga, is his biggest supporter.
Now posted to the School of Postgraduate Studies, Warrant Officer Petrovic said his current role is one of the most rewarding of his career.
“I love helping people achieve their goals and find success in their careers,” Warrant Officer Petrovic said.
“There’s no greater feeling than watching someone succeed, knowing you played a small part in helping them get there.”
The Conspicuous Service Medal is awarded for meritorious achievement or devotion to duty in non-warlike situations, recognising the vital contributions made behind the scenes across Defence.
Warrant Officer Petrovic is among 82 Australian Defence Force members recognised in the 2026 Australia Day Honours for their exceptional contribution to Defence and the nation.
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