Australia Day honours recognise notable contributions to education, health and sport

January 26, 2021

844 people have been be recognised in this year's Australia Day Honours list, including those involved in the response to the 2019/20 Bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Four people have received the highest honour this year, the Companion of the Order of Australia, including former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and record holding tennis Grand Slam champion Margaret Court.

The honour to Court, whose status now matches that former male tennis stars Roy Emerson and Rod Laver, has provoked widespread condemnation as a result of her more recent opposition to same-sex marriage.

Court's honour makes no mention of her religious views, stating its presentation is based on here "eminent service to tennis as an internationally acclaimed player and record holding grand slam champion, and as a mentor of young sportspersons."

Overall fewer women are being honoured than in previous years, with female representation dropping to 36.8% of new recipients, after more than 40% of those appointed to the Order of Australia in 2020 were women.

Officer of the Order of Australia (AO)
Former Socceroo Tim Cahill for services to football and charitable organisations.

Cahill, who scored Australia’s first goal at a FIFA World Cup, said his work with UNICEF and Heartbeat of Football, as well as his career writing children’s books, had been among the most rewarding things he had done since retiring in 2019.

Cricket great Greg Chappell has been recognised not only for his contribution to the sport but his commitment to ending youth homelessness through his charity, The Chappell Foundation.

Horse trainer Gai Waterhouse.

Member of the Order of Australia (AM)
Retired footballer and commentator-turned refugee advocate Craig Foster.

Former BCiB Australian Jackaroo vice-captain and World Champion lawns bowls star Karen Murphy.

Jill Smith, General Manager of the Geelong Performing Arts Centre.

Dr Carden Wallace has been recognised for significant service to marine science, and to museums and galleries.

The Queensland Museum Emeritus Principal Scientist has authored or co-authored more than 130 scientific publications and undertaken significant research into reefs, corals and fossil corals.

Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM)
Teacher Merrin Ross for services to performing arts.

Image: Margaret Court is honoured at the 2020 Australian Open with a special Tennis Australia trophy presented by Rod Laver.

1st October 2020 - Athletes, Sporting Clubs and Organisations recognised for LGBTQ inclusion

8th June 2020 - Industry figures recognised in 2020 Queen’s Birthday honours

4th March 2020 - Finalists announced for National LGBTQ sporting inclusion awards

3rd February 2020 - Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia Chief Executive acknowledged in Australia Day Honours

29th January 2020 - Flying Fruit Fly Circus Artistic Director acknowledged in Australia Day Honours

28th January 2020 - Australian tennis great Margaret Court honoured at Australian Open

10th June 2019 - Sport Australia Chief Executive recognised in Queen’s Birthday Honours

10th June 2019 - Industry figures acknowledged in 2019 Queen’s Birthday Honours

26th January 2019 - Prominent industry achievers recognised in Australia Day Honours

26th January 2019 - Kitty Chiller’s services to sport recognised in Australia Day Honours

11th June 2018 - Dawn Fraser appointed Companion of the Order of Australia in Queen’s Birthday Honours list

12th June 2017 - Arts and entertainment industry figures acknowledged in Queen’s Birthday Honours

29th August 2014 - Parks and Leisure Australia recognises industry excellence

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