Joe Kensell recognised for preserving 180 years of Jewish marriage records in Australia

Maurice Joseph Kensell, better known as Joe, has received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) 2026 for his service to the Jewish community and the preservation of history. Joe has spent decades compiling nearly 180 years of Jewish marriage records in Australia, creating a unique archive that fills gaps between religious and civil history. While documenting marriages, Kensell uncovered lesser-known aspects of early colonial life, from wartime unions and informal ceremonies to broader social conditions shaping the colony. His research also led to unexpected discoveries, including identifying the unmarked grave of Australia’s first police detective, a Jewish convict.