Cathy Freeman Awarded Australia's Highest Civilian Honour
Australia's beloved Olympic sprinter Cathy Freeman has been appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia, the country's highest civilian honour, in this year's Australia Day Honours list. The recognition celebrates both her sensational athletic achievements and her significant social impact across the community.
Recognition for Athletic Excellence and Social Contribution
The honours committee applauded Freeman's remarkable sporting career while also acknowledging her dedicated work on the reconciliation movement, which has promoted unity and inclusion throughout Australian society. Her role as an inspirational figure and mentor to young people across the nation was particularly highlighted as part of this prestigious recognition.
Freeman's iconic moment at the Sydney 2000 Olympics, where she lit the cauldron and later won gold in the 400 metres, remains etched in the national consciousness. This latest honour solidifies her status as one of Australia's most influential sporting and cultural figures.
Diverse Group of Australians Recognised
This year's honours list celebrated the efforts of 949 Australians across various industries and backgrounds, with 680 civilian awardees comprising 496 men and 184 women. The diverse group of recipients reflects the broad spectrum of contributions being made to Australian society.
Among the notable awardees was former Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, who was also appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia. Palaszczuk expressed her surprise and humility at the recognition, thanking Queenslanders for their support during challenging times including cyclones, floods, bushfires, and the pandemic.
Scientific Innovation and Cultural Contributions
World-leading quantum physicist Professor Michelle Simmons, whose pioneering work on atomic electronics has positioned Australia as the only country capable of manufacturing at the atomic scale, was similarly appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia. Her groundbreaking research places Australia at the forefront of the global race to develop full-scale quantum computing technology.
In the cultural sphere, children's book author and artist Graeme Base, renowned for his award-winning 1980s works Animalia and The Eleventh Hour, became a Member of the Order. Meanwhile, Midnight Oil's Rob Hirst, whose death was announced recently, was posthumously recognised as a Member of the Order of Australia for his service to the performing arts.
Social Media Regulation and Sporting Recognition
Julie Inman Grant, the eSafety commissioner, received a Public Service Medal for her exceptional leadership in implementing Australia's world-first social media ban. The honours committee praised her courage and resolve in protecting Australians online through innovative regulatory approaches.
Skateboarding pioneer Renton Millar, who will serve as head skateboarding judge at the Paris Olympics, was awarded a Medal of the Order after nearly four decades of transformative work in the sport. His contributions were instrumental in skateboarding's induction into the Olympic Games at Tokyo 2020.
Political and Social Advocacy Honoured
Mathias Cormann, the OECD secretary general and former finance minister in multiple Australian governments, became a Companion of the Order of Australia. Indigenous social activist and former AFL executive Tanya Hosch was appointed a Member of the Order, recognising her significant work on social inclusion and constitutional recognition for Indigenous Australians.
Hosch reflected on her career achievements, including her involvement with the Recognise movement and her efforts to prepare the nation for the 2023 Indigenous voice referendum. Despite the referendum's outcome, she valued the opportunity to engage Australians from all backgrounds in important constitutional discussions.
The Australia Day Honours system continues to recognise outstanding contributions across all sectors of Australian society, with nominations open to any Australian citizen through official government channels.
