• MICHAEL BUETTNER AWARDED MEDAL OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA (OAM)

    North Sydney Bears

The North Sydney Bears would like to congratulate Michael Buettner (Player #924) on his much-deserved Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) presented at 2025 Australia Day Honours for his outstanding service to the community and sport. Buettner played for the Bears in our First Grade team from 1996 – 1999. After his playing career ended in 2004, Buettner went on to contribute so much to not only the great game of rugby league but also to the wider community. Please see his outstanding achievements below.

Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division: Mr Michael Buettner, NSW
For service to the community, and to sport.

Community
• Chair, Donnica Clarke Foundation, since 2008.
• Mentor, Pass It On Clothing, since 2017.
National Rugby League – Administration
• Match Review Committee Coordinator, NRL Judiciary, 2013-2020.
• NRL Alumni Manager, Men of League Foundation (now Family of League), 2014-2015.
• Game Liaison and Competition Manager, Under-20s (formerly the Holden and then the Toyota Cup),
2004-2007.

National Rugby League – Competition
• Player, Wests Tigers, 2003-2004.
• Player, Parramatta Eels, 1992-1996, 2001-2002.
• Player, Northern Eagles (merger of North Sydney Bears and Manly Warringah Sea Eagles), 2000.
• Player, North Sydney Bears, 1996-1999.

Sport – Other
• National Director of Coaching and Development, OZ Tag Australia, since 2020.
• Co-Host, Locker Room Program, 2GO 107.7 FM Radio, 2008-2018.

Other
• Managing Director, Star of the Sea Luxury Apartments Terrigal, 2008-2014.
Awards and Recognition include:
• Australian Sports Medal, 2000.