Hundreds of Australians have been recognised in this year's King's Birthday Honours for their extraordinary work within their communities.
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The Governor-General David Hurley announced honours and awards for 737 Australians on Sunday, June 9, including awards in the Order of Australia (General and Military Divisions), meritorious awards and recognition for distinguished and conspicuous service.
"I would like to congratulate all those recognised in today's Honours List. Some names are well-known, but the vast majority are not - they are people who work tirelessly and selflessly to make a difference in our community," the Governor-General said.
Through todays recognition we shine a light on their efforts, the impact they have and the difference they make.
- Governor-General David Hurley
"On behalf of all Australians, I thank recipients for their service and congratulate them on their recognition."
Among those recognised were comedian Hamish Blake (OAM), former NSW minister for health Jillian Skinner (AM), children's entertainer and comedian Jimmy Rees (OAM), Powderfinger bassist John Collins (AM), former Labor minister and union leader Greg Combet (AO) and country music singer Lynette Guest (OAM).
There were goals for the world of sports with recognitions for former international cricketer Glenn McGrath (AO), Geelong Cats legend Gareth Andrews (AM), professional golfer Peter Senior (OAM), former North Melbourne AFL club president Sonja Hood (AM), former AFL player Bachar Houli (OAM), veteran sports presenter Sandy Roberts (OAM) and the oldest living Socceroo, Kevin O'Neill (OAM).
Six people were made companions of the Order of Australia, the highest honour: former Victorian premier Daniel Andrews, former Western Australian premier Mark McGowan, former federal Labor leader the late Simon Crean, epidemiologist Professor Karen Canfell, Australian composer Sir Jonathan Mills and the incoming Governor-General, businesswoman Samantha Mostyn.
Find who has been recognised by searching here:
The Governor-General said the honours and awards system belongs to all Australians and encouraged people to nominate people who inspire them.
"The Order must reflect the diversity of our community - I am pleased by the progress we have made over the last five years."
Gender parity in recipients
Of the 493 awards in the General Division, there are 246 of both male and female recipients setting a parity of 49.9% per cent, with one recipient's gender not listed in either category.
The youngest recipient is 29 years old, the eldest living recipient is 98 years old.
In addition to the 493 recipients of awards in the General Division of the Order of Australia (6 AC, 15 AO, 131 AM and 341 OAM), today's Honours list includes:
- 25 recipients of awards in the Military Division of the Order of Australia (3 AO, 7 AM and 15 OAM)
- 162 Meritorious awards
- 57 Distinguished and Conspicuous awards
The list includes 34 Australians recognised for their contribution to Australia's COVID-19 response. They will also be included in an ongoing COVID-19 Honour roll.
Recipients announced will be invested with their awards by the Governor-General at Government House in Canberra, or by the State Governors or Administrator of the Northern Territory in the coming months.
Ayden Dawkins
Morning news editor on the ACM national digital team. Do you have a story that should be told? Email me at ayden.dawkins@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Morning news editor on the ACM national digital team. Do you have a story that should be told? Email me at ayden.dawkins@austcommunitymedia.com.au
