The Australia Day 2019 Honours List – the largest since the Order of Australia was established in 1975 – recognises the contributions and service by outstanding individuals from right across Australia and in many fields.
Included in the Australia Day Honours List are 1127 recipients of awards in the General Division of the Order of Australia and 273 meritorious and military awards. The list includes the most ever awards for outstanding service or achievement in the community (516) and the highest percentage and number of women recipients (422).
“On behalf of all Australians I congratulate recipients of Australia Day Honours. These people are worthy of our respect, admiration and thanks – they have made an enormous contribution to their local communities and to the entire nation,” the Governor-General said.
“Today’s recipients come from right across the country and from all walks of life. While some are well-known, the majority are unsung heroes.
“Their contributions are diverse yet there is a unifying theme: they have dedicated themselves to service. They have worked tirelessly for others, to improve local communities and to make Australia a better place.
“While typically they haven’t sought thanks or recognition, they deserve both. Their generosity, selflessness, compassion, dedication, commitment to service and energy inspire and motivate all of us.”
“It is great that the overall number of nominations and upward trend of Australian women being acknowledged through the Honours system continues to grow. We would all welcome higher recognition of wonderful Australian women.”
For over 40 years these honours have helped to define, encourage and reinforce our national aspirations and ideals by acknowledging exceptional Australians.
Chairman of the Council of the Order of Australia, the Honourable Shane Stone AC QC, said awards in the Order of Australia are merit based, following nomination by members of the community.
“The list reflects the diverse range of service by Australians – and the diversity of Australians themselves; gender, Indigenous, ethnicity veterans, demographic and regional, rural and remote Australia. I am also delighted that the nomination of women continues to rise, as reflected in the increase of awards.”
“It is important to appreciate that these outstanding individuals have been nominated by their peers – their hard-work, service and dedication have been noticed and is being recognised both locally and now through the Order of Australia” Mr Stone said.
“This year the independent Council of the Order of Australia considered 1526 nominations. The number and quality of the nominations is leading to more and more Australians being celebrated and recognised.
“We encourage all Australians to nominate fellow citizens who have made an outstanding contribution for consideration in the Honours List – it is an opportunity to say thanks, celebrate ‘quiet achievers’ and recognise those inspiring people who make our nation what it is.”
A full list of recipients is available www.gg.gov.au.
