This Australia Day, 1,040 people are receiving the country's highest honours, including appointments to the Order of Australia, meritorious awards and distinguished and conspicuous awards.
The most high profile award was presented to mining magnate Gina Rinehart, who was made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for her service to the mining sector, to the community through philanthropic initiatives and as a patron to sport.
Announced as Australian of the Year last night, Paralympian Dylan Alcott was named as an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service to Paralympic sport, particularly to tennis, and as a role model for people with a disability, and to the community through a range of organisations.
Rugby Australia Board Director Dr Jane Wilson was also recognised as an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for her services to business, government, health, aged care and education.
Member of the Order of Australia
Executive Director of Royal Life Saving NT, Annette ‘Floss’ Roberts has been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM), recognising her service to Royal Life Saving, the Northern Territory Water Safety Advisory Council and AUSTSWIM.
Two members of the rugby union community were also named as Members of the Order of Australia (AM): former Rugby Australia Board Member and former World Rugby Council Member, Peter McGrath and the late Terrance Willis was posthumously bestowed the honour for his active involvement in both the Australian and international fugby community for over 20 years as a Judicial officer.
Medal of the Order of Australia
A six-decade volunteer contribution to water safety by Royal Life Saving Society - Queensland member James ‘Jim’ McClelland has been recognised with a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).
Matildas star Sam Kerr was also named as a recipient of the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her service to football.
Peter ‘Doubles’ Daley was also awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in recognition of nearly 50 years of fundraising for his local club, Souths Magpies and the broader Queensland Rugby community.
Former Wallaby turned legislator, David Dunworth, was also recognised with Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for both his involvement in the professional game and his service to the community through the Brothers Rugby Club in Queensland, acting as a Club President and Chairman.
Brian Rudder and Kim Beresford were also awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for services to the community and rugby union.
Of the 732 appointments in the general division of the Order of Australia, 47% are women - the highest-ever percentage - while 45% are for service to local communities.
Australia Day honours
AC: Companion of the Order of Australia
AO: Officer of the Order of Australia
AM: Member of the Order of Australia
OAM: Medal of the Order of Australia
Images: Gina Rinehart (top) and Annette ‘Floss’ Roberts (below).
About the author
Nigel Benton
Co-founder/Publisher, Australasian Leisure Management
Born in the English county of Dorset, Nigel Benton is the co-founder and Publisher of Australasian Leisure Management, Australia, New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific’s only magazine for professionals in all areas of the leisure industry and the www.ausleisure.com.au website - the go to news resource for industry leaders and professionals.
With a long-term commitment to communicating all that is best about the leisure industry (aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues) his career has been defined by an ability to develop and implement industry communications.
Starting his career working in heritage visitor attractions and then adventure travel in Africa and the Middle East, an interest in writing about his experiences led to his change of career into magazine journalism and publishing.
In addition to publishing, Nigel speaks on marketing communications at a range of industry events.
He was made a Life Member of the World Leisure and Recreation Association in 2006 and is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (London).
In 2020, he launched the new Asian Leisure Business website.
As of October 2024, he was inducted into the Australian Fitness Awards Roll of Honour at the 2024 AUSactive National Awards.
Among a range of published works and features, his comments on a Blog (blogspot) from 2007 to 2011, when this website went live in its current form, may be interesting to reflect back on.
His philosophy on life is to be kind to all and to indulge those that you love.
His passions include family, Newcastle United and motorcycles (especially British ones) as well, until February 2025 when she left us, caring a little pug named Stella.
Click here to connect with him via LinkedIn.
Read more from this author
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