Article by Nigel Benton courtesy of Australasian Leisure Management.
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
