Ken Casellas awarded OAM for Service to Sport and Journalism

Veteran journalist and revered sports media identity Ken Casellas has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the King’s Birthday 2025 Honours List, recognising his distinguished service to journalism and to sport.

Based in Western Australia, Ken Casellas’ career has spanned nearly seven decades, leaving an indelible mark on harness racing, cricket, football, and the broader media landscape. His contribution was formally acknowledged with the prestigious national honour for a legacy built on storytelling, integrity, and tireless dedication to Australian sport.

Mr Kenneth Casellas, Nedlands WA 6009
For service to journalism, and to sport.

The West Australian newspaper
• Journalist, c1956-2000s.
• Chief Harness Racing Writer, 1960s.
• Chief Cricket Writer, 27 years.

Media – other
• Journalist, Presenter, and Statistician, ABC Radio, c1987-2013.
• Correspondent, various media, including radio and television.

Western Australian Cricket Association
• Honorary Life Member, since 2023.
• Honorary Ken Casellas Award, for outstanding media performance, WA Cricket Awards.
• Member, Historical Sub-Committee, 2002-2003.
• Member, Test Match Organising Committee, 1980s-1990s.

Professional Associations
• Member, Western Australian Hall of Champions Selection Committee, Western Australian Institute of
Sport, c2000s-2023.
• Co-Founder and Inaugural President, Western Australian Cricket Media Guild, 1985.
• Co-Founder, Inaugural President, and Life Member, Western Australian Trotting Media Guild, 1977.
• Co-Founder and Committee Member, Western Australian Football Media Guild, 1979.
• Member, Harness Selection Panel, Western Australian Racing Industry Hall of Fame.

Claremont Football Club
• Life Member, 2019.
• Board Member, 2002-2014.
• Editor, Tiger Tales Magazine, c20 years.
• Member, since 1952.

Publications
• Author, The Doctor Declares, the end for the WACA Ground, 2018.
• Author, The Doctor’s In, Memorable WACA Ground Moments, 96p, 2017.
Awards and Recognition include:
• Inductee, Hall of Fame, and Harness Associate, Racing and Wagering Western Australian (Racing
WA), 2014.
• Life Member, Western Australian Football Commission, 2013.
• Dennis Cometti Award, WA Football Media Awards, The West Australian Football Commission and
WA Football Media Guild, 2013.
• James Brennan Award, WA Trotting Association (Gloucester Park Harness Racing), 2010.
• Joseph Coulter Meritorious Service Award, Harness Racing Australia, 2006.
• Australian Sports Medal, 2000.
• Inductee, Melbourne Cricket Ground’s Media Hall of Fame, 1999.
• Joseph Coulter Award, best historical feature, Harness Racing Australia, 1991.
• Western Australian Sports-Writer of the Year, four occasions.

By Harnesslink Media