From physics to philanthropy, bees to beef, a who’s who of inspiring Australians recognised
From the highest tiers of medicine, academia and law, to grassroots community groups. Who are the 732 ‘outstanding and inspirational’ achievers recognised this year?
The oldest is 98 and the youngest is a 14-year-old skateboarder. In between is a long list of professionals and experts, unsung workers and everyday heroes who have all been recognised in Australia Day honours loaded with heavy-hitters in medicine and law, and light on high-profile sports stars and entertainers.
There are relatively few household names among the 732 “outstanding and inspirational” achievers who cover almost every corner of Australian life: from competitive scrabble to the sport of lacrosse; two founding members of the Little River Band; two Socceroos from the 1950s, and; leaders from mining to microbiology, physics to philanthropy, bees to beef.
Governor-General Sam Mostyn said this year marked the 50th anniversary of Australia’s honours system. “To read recipient stories is to be reminded that contribution to communities across the country, underpinned by care, kindness, respect and love, is what matters most to all Australians in every sphere of life,’’ she said.
Six people have been appointed Companions of the Order for eminent achievement and the highest level of service, including Victorian epidemiologist Professor Allen Cheng, who played a leading role during the Covid-19 pandemic; Justice James Edelman, one of the youngest judges appointed to the High Court; and constitutional lawyer Professor Megan Davis, a co-chair of the Uluru Statement and leading exponent of the failed voice referendum. She said she cried and hugged her mum when she heard of her appointment.
Arts administrator and philanthropist Lyn Williams, widow of landscape painter Fred Williams, was awarded the top accolade for eminent service to the arts, along with the late Galarrwuy Yunupingu, a giant of the Indigenous rights movement and a former Australian of the Year.
Human rights lawyer Professor Gillian Triggs, who clashed with the Abbott and Turnbull governments during her tenure as Australian Human Rights Commission president, was also appointed an AC for her service to social justice advocacy and international relations. She was an assistant secretary-general at the United Nations until last year.
Among the most well-known Australians to be recognised is former high-performance swim coach and tireless swim safety activist Laurie Lawrence, one of 23 Australians appointed an Officer of the Order (AO), a category that includes two former Tasmanian politicians, Duncan Kerr and Nick Sherry, who both served in the Hawke and Keating governments.
Conservative warrior Kevin Andrews, who died late last year, was recognised as a Member of the Order (AM) for service to the parliament, the Catholic Church and to the community, along with former Greens leader and environmental activist Peg Putt and former Liberal senator Jim Short.
In entertainment, two founding member of 1970s pop group the Little River Band, Gerard Bertelkamp (known as Beeb Birtles) and lead guitarist David Briggs, were appointed AMs for significant service to the performing arts.
A clutch of gold medallists from the Paris Olympics and Paralympics were awarded Medals of the Order (OAM), including pole vaulter Nina Kennedy, swimmer Shayna Jack, kayaker Noemie Fox and 14-year-old skateboarder Arisa Trew, the youngest overall recipient.
In soccer, Bill Henderson and the late Ron Lord, both goalkeepers with the Socceroos in the 1950s, received OAMs along with former star Matilda defender Clare Polkinghorne.
Administrators and volunteers associated with sports ranging from netball to golf, equestrian to snooker, were also recognised for their dedication. Sydney man Lawrence Raftery was awarded an OAM for service to St Charles Junior Rugby League Football Club as a volunteer coach since 1971.
The list is filled with recipients who made a difference through their expertise and dedication to their vocation, but then there are also those thrust into community service through personal challenges and disasters.
Sue and Lloyd Clarke – the parents of Brisbane mother Hannah Clarke, murdered with her three children in a horrific attack perpetrated by her ex-husband in 2020 – were recognised for their fight against domestic violence through their foundation, Small Steps 4 Hannah, and their advocacy for coercive control laws.
In northwestern NSW, Shanna Whan, a reformed alcoholic who founded Sober in the Country, a charity helping country people say no to booze, was recognised for significant service to community health.
People dedicated to multicultural Australia were also honoured, with representatives of the Greek, Vietnamese, Lithuanian, Chinese, Jewish, Muslim, German, Afghan, Turkish and Italian communities all recognised for service to their communities.
This list includes 24 recipients recognised for their contribution in support of Australia’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic in a separate honour roll established in 2021.
This year sees 457 recipients – 243 male and 214 females – in the general division, 25 recipients in the military division, 196 meritorious awards and 54 distinguished and conspicuous awards.
The numbers are significantly lower than the 1400 awards bestowed in 2019, the largest since the Order of Australia was established in 1975.
SEE ALL THE HONOURS RECIPIENTS IN OUR SEARCHABLE INTERACTIVES:
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