FOR the first time since the Order of Australia was established in 1975, the majority of recipients in the first King’s Birthday General Division honours are women.

Similarly, Governor-General David Hurley said there was gender parity or better at the three highest levels in the Order. Women were recognised with 465 awards (50.6 per cent).

“While we can take a moment to acknowledge the significance of achieving gender parity in our honours, it should not be a cause for pause. We reflect on our progress, and then recommit our efforts to ensure nominations reflect our diverse and strong community,” he said. 

“Learning about the wide-ranging service of recipients, which spans almost every field of endeavour imaginable, is uplifting and makes me enormously optimistic for our country. Collectively they speak to who we are now and who we can be in the future.”

There were 919 recipients of awards in the General Division of the Order of Australia (6 AC, 46 AO, 246 AM and 621 OAM). The youngest recipient was 30 years old, the eldest living recipient, 97.

“The list includes 73 Australians recognised for their contribution in support of Australia’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These individuals will also be included in an ongoing and permanent COVID-19 Honour Roll,” the governor-general said. 

IN the ACT, Dr Marianne Horak was awarded an AO for her distinguished service to entomology, to taxonomic and phylogenetic research, and to philanthropic endeavours. 

“Unravelling relationships between, and the life histories of, the unique and wonderful Australian fauna has been exhilarating,” says Dr Horak. 

“I am driven by curiosity, a love of nature, the excitement of field work throughout Australia, and the pleasures of exploring some of nature’s puzzles. It’s what brought me to this country.” 

Her detailed and collaborative research into unique Australian species of moths – including one group that lives in koala scats and another group whose larvae bore within the bark of some eucalypts (the scribbly bark gums) – revealed novel and typically Australian Lepidoptera life histories.

“Crucial taxonomic studies led to biological control of serious fruit pests without pesticides, a greatly desired outcome with significant impact. And probably most gratifying was encouraging and supporting citizen scientists to publish high-quality taxonomy and to help augment the national collection. We need more people to study taxonomy to record and monitor our natural systems, so being able to train and mentor young scientists is deeply satisfying.” 

NGUNNAWAL Elder Caroline Hughes was awarded an AM for significant service to the indigenous community of Canberra.

“The greatest thing for me is empowering others to discover what they have within themselves to achieve their dreams,” she said. 

“Being able to empower thousands of indigenous people to achieve their own success through education has been rewarding. Education encourages them to raise their own voices to break down barriers – creating positive ripple effects for society. 

“I’ve witnessed people of all ages – teenagers and elders – who had thought education was not for them. Yet they have achieved their goal and strived for more. I’ve seen staff thrive in positive and engaging workplaces. I love encouraging and inspiring others, empowering them in their choices and celebrating them when they reach their goals.” 

SINCE coming to Australia from Ghana more than 30 years ago, Ebenezer Banful has contributed to our community by improving understanding of African culture and values. He has been awarded an OAM for service to the African community, and to health. 

“I want to continue the advancement of multiculturalism,” he said. 

“And I believe my activities have helped to improve lives and have in a small way contributed to the betterment of the Australian society. 

“I enjoy helping people to achieve their potential. This comes from a deep sense of giving back to the community. When I see positive results such as people successfully meeting some of the challenges of settling into a new country – like finding affordable accommodation and employment – it gives me a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment knowing I have helped some people. 

“I hope this will inspire others to generously give of their time and resources to assist others.” 

Here is the list of ACT and region recipients:

OFFICER (AO) IN THE GENERAL DIVISION OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA

Dr Marianne HORAK, ACT. For distinguished service to entomology, to taxonomic and phylogenetic research, and to philanthropic endeavours.

Ms Rosemary Therese HUXTABLE PSM, Ainslie. For distinguished service to public administration through leadership roles in the areas of health and finance, and to strategic policy reform.

MEMBER (AM) IN THE GENERAL DIVISION 

Professor Emerita Berwyn CLAYTON, Waramanga. For significant service to the vocational education and training sector.

Mrs Caroline HUGHES, ACT. For significant service to the indigenous community of Canberra.

Dr David Charles HUGHES, ACT. For significant service to sports medicine as an administrator and elite athlete physician.

Dr John Thomas KIRK, O’Connor. For significant service to oenology, and to professional associations.

Ms Jill McINTOSH, Charnwood. For significant service to netball, particularly as a coach at the national and international level.

Ms Margery Anne NICOLL, ACT. For significant service to the law, and to the legal profession.

Mr Peter James STRONG, Turner. For significant service to the small business sector, and to the community.

Ms Hiroe SWEN, Queanbeyan. For significant service to ceramic art as a teacher and an artist.

MEDAL (OAM) OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA 

Ms Rowena Alisa ABBEY, Yass. For service to local government, and to the community of Yass.

Mrs Gillian BAILEY-GRAHAM, Forrest. For service to the performing arts, particularly through music.

Mr Ebenezer BANFUL, CURTIN. For service to the African community, and to health.

Mrs Catherine Margaret BOHM, ACT. For service to the community, particularly through the church.

Mr Lesley Martin BOHM, Red Hill. For service to the community, particularly through the church.

Mr Barry Leonard CAMPTON, Deakin. For service to veterans and their families.

Mr Robert Peter CLYNES, Yarralumla. For service to the law, and to the legal profession.

Mr John Joseph CROTTY, ACT. For service to taxation reform.

Dr Sunita Siddhu DHINDSA, ACT. For service to the Indian community of the ACT.

Mrs Jaishri Patricia FALCETTA, ACT. For service to the community through social welfare organisations.

Dr Fergus William GARDINER, Flynn. For service to medicine.

Ms Penelope Jane GRIST, Curtin. For service to community history, and to the arts.

Mr Mainul HAQUE, Nicholls. For service to the multicultural community of Canberra.

Mrs Elizabeth Harrison HARDING, Mawson. For service to youth.

Dr Stephen James JAMIESON, ACT. For service to medicine through a range of roles.

Mr Barrington Frederick JARMAN, Gordon. For service to Australia-Japan relations.

Mr David Bruce KERR, Stirling. For service to conservation and the environment.

Mrs Beverley LEAHY, Lyons. For service to the community of Canberra.

Mr Geoffrey Lewis MOORE, ACT. For service to athletics.

Mrs Belinda Jane MOSS, Deakin. For service to education.

Mrs Heidi Joy PROWSE, Higgins. For service to community health.

Mrs Nishi PURI, Denman Prospect. For service to the Indian community of Canberra.

Mr Muhammed SadarudDean SAHU KHAN, North Lyneham. For service to the community, and to interfaith relations.

Mrs Margaret Larraine SHADFORTH NICHOLLS, Deakin. For service to women, and to the community.

Mr Arun VENKATESHA, Gowrie. For service to the Indian community of Canberra.

PUBLIC SERVICE MEDAL (PSM)

Federal

Mr Graham Roy ARCHER, ACT. For outstanding public service through leadership to deliver nationally significant measures and reforms.

Ms Amanda-Lee CHARLTON, Braddon. For outstanding public service through leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ms Sarah Jane CHIDGEY, ACT. For outstanding public service through policy development and law reform in integrity frameworks, criminal justice and national security.

Ms Greta Elizabeth DOHERTY, Downer. For outstanding public service to women’s safety policy and programs.

Ms Justine Elizabeth GREIG, O’Connor. For outstanding public service with the Department of Defence, and in senior policy roles.

Ms Margaret Ann HAYES, Torrens. For outstanding public service in providing culturally safe access to aged care for First Nations people.

Mr Dac Huan HO, Calwell. For outstanding public service in providing data extraction for reporting during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ms Elspeth Sarah KAY, ACT. For outstanding public service in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ms Virginia LEITCH, ACT. For outstanding public service in developing the business case for rehabilitation of the former Rum Jungle uranium mine.

Mr Grant LOVELOCK, ACT. For outstanding public service through contributions to the APS Workforce Strategy and the Australian Public Service Academy.

Mr Gerard David MARTIN, Weetangera. For outstanding public service in delivering advice and support to the Prime Minister and his Office, and to the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

Ms Melissa Jane RYAN, Farrer. For outstanding public service through leadership and implementation of complex reform and policies to assist vulnerable Australians.

Mr Robert Barry RYAN, Belconnen. For outstanding public service through excellence in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander policy development and engagement.

Dr Andrew John STEVENSON, Amaroo. For outstanding public service through leadership and stewardship of Australia’s astronomy capability.

Ms Cathy Anne TOZE, Bonython. For outstanding public service in leadership and commitment to support Australia’s COVID-19 response.

Australian Capital Territory

Ms Bobby ANTONIOU, Chifley. For outstanding public service to public health, as the Liaison Officer for the ACT COVID-19 Clinic Health Emergency Centre.

Mrs Vanessa Lee HOBAN, Banks. For outstanding public service to public health in the ACT’s clinical response to COVID-19.

Mrs Lana Carol JUNAKOVIC, Hackett. For outstanding public service in developing improved workplace arrangements within the Office of the ACT Government Solicitor.

Mr Daniel James LALOR, ACT. For outstanding public service to public health as the Director of Pharmacy at Canberra Health Services.

Ms Margaret Anne McMANUS, Farrer. For outstanding public service to public health as the nursing lead for the ACT COVID@Home program.

Mr David Andrew MATTHEWS, Kaleen. For outstanding public service in leading the ACT Education Directorate’s transitions to remote learning and back to face-to-face learning.

Ms Stacey Narelle MATTHEWS, ACT. For outstanding public service in supporting the ACT’s Whole of Government COVID-19 response.

Mrs Melissa Kate O’BRIEN, Calwell. For outstanding public service to public health through leadership and practical assistance to the ACT’s COVID-19 response.

Mr Joshua Leonard RYNEHART, ACT. For outstanding public service in leading Access Canberra’s COVID-19 response.

Mr Ajay SHARMA, Theodore. For outstanding public service to finance, and in strengthening accountability and transparency throughout the ACT Public Service.

Ms Emily SPRINGETT, ACT. For outstanding public service in leading Access Canberra’s COVID-19 response.

Mr Howard Douglas WREN ASM, Jerrabomberra. For outstanding public service to public health and leading the ACT Ambulance Service through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Anyone can nominate any Australian for an award in the Order of Australia. If you know someone worthy, nominate them now at www.gg.gov.au.

Barry Humphries one-ups Dame Edna with very nice medal