Revered member of the Motorsport Australia Officials community, Henk van den Dungen, has been honoured in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours List for his tireless service to Australian motorsport for more than half a century.

Widely admired for his selfless devotion to the sport, Henk has long been regarded as a pillar of leadership and generosity within the motorsport community. His calm authority, knowledge, and genuine care for fellow officials have shaped generations of volunteers, many of whom credit Henk as the reason they first felt at home in the sport. Whether mentoring newcomers or officiating major events on the world’s stage, Henk embodied the very best of what it means to serve.

The King’s Birthday Honours List recognises outstanding Australian citizens for exceptional service and contributions to the community in an array of fields, such as the arts, sciences, public service, and sport.

van den Dungen first became an official in 1965 shifting from his passion as a driver to playing an important role in the sport as a volunteer official.

From the moment Henk joined Motorsport Australia’s officials cohort, he committed himself to motorsport, spending an abundance of time at race meetings.

Motorsport Australia President Andrew Fraser highlighted van den Dungen’s experience as a credit to being named in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours List.

“Henk has been part of the Australian motorsport community for decades, earning the respect of competitors, officials and organisers alike,” Fraser said.

“Henk’s service and commitment to officiating has set an impressive benchmark for all involved in our sport.

“Because of this, the governing body and the wider motorsport community is pleased to see his contributions recognised in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours List.”

van den Dungen began officiating as a flag marshal before becoming a sector marshal.

From there, he progressed through the ranks to become a Clerk of Course, a role he held and relished for more than 40 years.

In 1985, van den Dungen secured a prestigious position as National Clerk of Course at the Australian Grand Prix, where he dedicated his service for the following 37 editions of the annual Australian Formula 1 event.

van den Dungen was awarded the FIA’s Senior Official of the Year Award in 2021, which saw him join an esteemed list of Australians to receive an international honour by the FIA, including Roger Chirnside and Steve Chopping.

Adding to his list of personal accolades, van den Dungen also welcomed a Service Award in 2009 and a Service Star acknowledgement in 2015 at the respective Motorsport Australia National Awards Galas. He is also a Bronze and Silver Star recipient for long service as an official.

Henk’s unwavering commitment and decades of service stand as a testament to his lasting impact on both Australian motorsport and the volunteer community.