Late Shane Warne, Ash Barty top Queen’s Birthday Honours list

Almost 1000 inspirational Australians have been recognised for their contribution to the community as part of the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

The late spin king Shane Warne has been recognised for his achievements on the Queen’s Birthday Honours List. Picture: AP Photo/Fotopress/Phil Walter

From the late spin king to a Wimbledon champion to our pandemic heroes, the Queen’s Birthday Honours List has recognised 992 inspirational Australians.

Late cricketer Shane Warne, tennis champion Ash Barty, former chief medical officer Dr Brendan Murphy and NSW chief health officer Dr Kerry Chant were among the big names to be included this year.

Country music queen Beccy Cole, businessman and philanthropist Robert Salteri and Sister Brigid Arthur, co-founder of the Brigidine Asylum Seekers Project, were also awarded.

This year’s list is notable for its representation of women (46 per cent), the second highest percentage of female Order of Australian recipients ever.

Almost half the awards (43 per cent) were for outstanding service or achievement in the community.

The youngest recipient was aged 23, and the oldest, 101.

Late cricketer Shane Warne has been recognised.

The recipients came from fields including community service, science and research, industry, education, sport and the arts.

Governor-General David Hurley said the recipients showed common traits of selflessness, excellence and a commitment to service.

“They’re from different backgrounds, their stories are each unique, and each has served in different ways,” he said.

“For that, we thank them and, today, we celebrate them.”

World number 1 Ash Barty also made the cut. Picture: Kelly Defina / Getty Images

Ninety-two Australians were recognised for their contribution to the Covid-19 pandemic response, including Dr Murphy and Queensland governor and former chief health officer Dr Jeannette Young.

The pair were among eight people in the general division appointed Companions of the Order of Australia (AC), the highest category.

Others in the category included former deputy prime minister John Anderson, former Qantas chair Richard Clifford, philanthropist Gina Fairfax, astronomer Professor Anne Green, chief defence scientist Professor Tanya Monro and Antarctic researcher Dr Patricia Selkirk.

Dr Brendan Murphy was awarded for his work, particularly as the nation’s chief medical officer.

Familiar faces during the pandemic, NSW chief health officer Dr Kerry Chant and epidemiologist Professor Mary-Louise McLaws, were recognised in the Officer of the Order (AO) division.

Other award recipients included Kamilaroi man Corey Tutt, who founded DeadlyScience to provide science resources and training to more than 180 remote schools, unionist Joseph de Bruyn and journalist Catherine Fox.

Former Australian commercial television boss David Leckie, who died last year, was also recognised for his service to the broadcast media.

Country music singer songwriter Beccy Cole was also recognised.

Mr Hurley said he was continuing to reach out to the community to boost diversity in nominations and urged people to consider nominating someone who deserved recognition.

Anyone can nominate any Australian for an award in the Order of Australia at www.gg.gov.au.

Sister Brigid Arthur was among the recipients. Picture: Aaron Francis / The Australian