Australia Day 2021 Honours List
The Governor-General today announced the Australia Day 2021 Honours List, recognising 844 Australians.
Included in the list are:
- 570 recipients of awards in the General Division of the Order of Australia (4 AC, 36 AO, 159 AM and 371 OAM)
- 28 recipients of awards in the Military Division of the Order of Australia (2 AO, 11 AM and 15 OAM)
- 176 meritorious awards
- 70 Distinguished and Conspicuous awards
- Some of the first recipients recognised, at least in part, for their contribution in support of Australia’s response to the 2019-20 Bushfires and COVID-19 pandemic (more nominations are likely to be considered for future lists).
“On behalf of all Australians, I congratulate everyone recognised in the Australia Day Honours list,” the Governor-General said.
“The individuals we celebrate today come from all parts of our great nation and have served the community in almost every way conceivable. They’re diverse and unique but there are some common characteristics, including selflessness, commitment and dedication.
“Recipients have not put their hand up to be recognised. Most would consider the achievements that they are being recognised for to be ‘ordinary’ or just what they do. Therein is the great strength of our system – recipients in the Order of Australia have been nominated by their peers, considered by an independent process and, today, recognised by the nation.
“The sum of these contributions speaks to our nation’s greatest strength – its people.
The Governor-General stressed the importance of all Australians nominating individuals from their own community for recognition.
"Over the last 12 months we have seen outstanding examples of achievement and service to the community as we have confronted fires and the COVID-19 pandemic. I encourage Australians to look to the Order of Australia as a means of acknowledging the important work of their peers during these extraordinary times.”
“I am determined to make sure that the Order of Australia reflects the diversity and breadth of our community. More needs to be done to achieve gender parity and increase diversity in other areas. Over the last 12 months I’ve initiated various initiatives in this regard to encourage people and organisations to nominate individuals they think are worthy.
“The Order of Australia belongs to all Australians – my strong message to the community is that if you know someone that is worthy, take the time to nominate them. People cannot be recognised if they’re not nominated and that has to be driven from the community.
“It is a wonderful way to recognise and celebrate achievement, service and contribution to community.
More information about the Order of Australia is available at www.gg.gov.au.