Honouring our best and brightest

The achievements and community contributions of the 992 Australians recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours reflect much that is wonderful about our nation. From retired tennis star Ash Barty, 26, and Winter Olympics gold medallist Jakara Anthony, 23, to 101-year-old playwright Ray Lawler and leading scientists, all are distinguished. Some, such as Shane Warne, who died too young, at the age of 52, were extraordinarily talented, generous larrikins. One of the greatest cricketers of all time, he was a generous benefactor of charities and enriched the lives of many underprivileged youngsters. Others, such as cardiologist James Cameron, who died in 2020, gave their time beyond their individual medical practices to pioneer treatments including stenting and angioplasty, to save and benefit thousands of Australian heart patients. Many, like former Test batsman Doug Walters, 76, are well beyond retirement age but assisting a new generation to follow in their footsteps.

After the ravages of the pandemic, it is appropriate that this year’s list includes a separate Covid-19 Honour Roll recognising the work of those who led the health response to the virus. They include chief medical officer, now secretary of the Department of Health, Brendan Murphy, former Queensland chief health officer, now Governor of Queensland, Jeannette Young, NSW chief health officer Kerry Chant and University of NSW epidemiologist Mary McLaws, who is also an adviser to the World Health Organisation.

Community service, as always, features prominently in the awards, including that of Yvonne Weldon, a member of the NSW Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council for more than 30 years. Last year, she was the first Indigenous candidate for lord mayor in the 179-year history of the City of Sydney Council. Ms Weldon won a seat at Town Hall and is likely to give the top job another shot.

One AO recipient whose vision has changed the world is multi-millionaire turned international cannabis mogul Barry Lambert. After selling his financial planning business in 2011, he donated $34m to the University of Sydney for research into medicinal cannabinoid. Mr Lambert was motivated by the finest of reasons – love. His granddaughter, Katelyn, has Dravet syndrome, a genetic abnormality that causes seizures and usually ends in death. As soon as she began taking the cannabis oil her condition improved. “You’d do anything – the kid’s gone from having constant seizures to being seizure free, so I had no qualms getting involved,’’ he told The Australian. His initiative is innovation and lateral thinking, at their best.

The awards list is a snapshot of 992 great Australian stories, with many of those honoured benefiting thousands of fellow Australians and people beyond our shores. In all their diversity, Order of Australia awards are an important acknowledgment of Australian lives lived with generosity and honour. Monday’s list is especially significant, on the official birthday of Queen Elizabeth II, whose Platinum Jubilee celebrates 70 years of exemplary service.