The 2025 Australia Day honours have been announced, celebrating the remarkable achievements of 949 Australians from diverse backgrounds. This year's list includes Olympic champion Cathy Freeman, Midnight Oil drummer Rob Hirst, and prominent political figures, all recognised for their significant contributions to the nation.
Record Number of Honours Awarded
In total, 949 Australians have been honoured, marking an increase of more than 200 awards compared to the previous year. The general division of the Order of Australia saw 680 recipients, with 10 individuals appointed as Companions (AC), the highest honour. Additionally, 38 were named Officers (AO), 160 as Members (AM), and 472 received Medals (OAM). A further 269 Australians were recognised for their service in the military, emergency services, and public sectors.
Cathy Freeman's Highest Honour
Cathy Freeman, the Kuku-Yalanji and Biriri Gubba woman who united the nation with her gold-medal run in the women's 400m at the Sydney 2000 Olympics, has been appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia. Her victory, watched by an estimated 8.8 million Australians, remains a defining moment in the country's sporting history. Freeman is honoured for her services to athletics, her social impact across communities, and her role as a mentor to young people.
Posthumous Recognition for Rob Hirst
Midnight Oil drummer Rob Hirst, who passed away earlier this week after a nearly three-year battle with pancreatic cancer, has been posthumously made a Member of the Order of Australia. Hirst, known for co-writing many of the band's iconic songs, is celebrated for his significant service to the performing arts through music. Fellow musician Jimmy Barnes praised Hirst's unique style, describing him as "directing the whole band" and noting that "he didn't just play drums, he played the songs." Mark Callaghan of GANGgajang highlighted Hirst's lasting impact, stating that tracks like "Beds Are Burning" will endure for generations.
Political Figures Honoured
The list also includes several notable political leaders. Former federal finance minister Mathias Cormann, now Secretary-General of the OECD, has been appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia. Kristina Keneally, the first female premier of New South Wales, receives the Officer of the Order of Australia, while former Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk is also named a Companion. These honours acknowledge their dedicated service to public administration and policy development.
Diverse Achievements Celebrated
Governor-General Sam Mostyn emphasised that the honours reflect the values Australians hold dear, including service, community, kindness, and tenacity. "As the list so vividly showcases, so many Australians continue to give the best of themselves across many endeavours, in the interest of others," she remarked. The recipients span a wide range of fields, from medical research and environmental conservation to arts and education.
Youngest and Oldest Recipients
The youngest honouree is Nicholas Pearce, aged 32, recognised for his work supporting homeless youth. The eldest living recipients are Janina Archabuz and Derrick Hammon, both 99 years old, honoured for their lifelong community service. This diversity underscores the broad scope of contributions acknowledged in the 2025 list.
Key Statistics and Highlights
Notable figures among the honourees include:
- Cathy Freeman (AC) – Olympic gold medallist and social advocate
- Mathias Cormann (AC) – Former politician and OECD Secretary-General
- Annastacia Palaszczuk (AC) – Former Queensland premier
- Andrew Bell (AC) – NSW Supreme Court Chief Justice
- Kristina Keneally (AO) – Former NSW premier and Labor senator
Women constitute approximately 27 per cent of those recognised in the general division, highlighting ongoing efforts to celebrate female achievements across sectors. The honours list continues to evolve, with this year's edition showcasing an expanded recognition of Australians who have made lasting impacts on society.
