More than a quarter of a century after her iconic Olympic gold medal run in Sydney, Cathy Freeman has been awarded Australia’s highest honour. Recognised for her eminent service to athletics and her positive social impact, Freeman’s contributions to the reconciliation movement and as a role model for youth have been celebrated. The 52-year-old was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia, expressing surprise and gratitude for the recognition.
“As my mother says, it’s a lovely gift from the Australian public,” Freeman remarked. “It’s truly humbling … it gives me that strength and it makes me more determined with the pursuits ahead of me.”
In 2007, Freeman founded the Cathy Freeman Foundation, now known as Murrup, to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children through education. She continues to mentor the next generation, looking forward to the Brisbane Olympics in 2032, which she describes as a “wonderful opportunity” for Australia.
Honouring Service Across the Nation
Nearly 700 individuals have been recognised for their service to communities in the 2026 Australia Day honours list. Among them, 10 were made Companions of the Order of Australia (AC), 38 were appointed Officers of the Order (AO), 160 became Members of the Order (AM), and 472 received Medals of the Order (OAM). However, the honours list highlighted a gender imbalance, with 72% of recipients being male.
New South Wales: Preserving History and Public Service
Maurice Kensell, affectionately known as Joe, received an OAM for his dedication to the Jewish community and historical preservation. The 87-year-old, who served in the Royal Australian Navy, has been instrumental in documenting Jewish marriages dating back to 1878.
Former New South Wales premier Kristina Keneally was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for her distinguished service to the people and parliaments of Australia. Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, was awarded a Public Service Medal for her pioneering work in online safety, including a world-first social media ban for under-16s.
Victoria: Social Enterprise and Disability Advocacy
Nicholas Pearce and Marcus Crook, co-founders of the Melbourne-based social enterprise HoMie, were honoured for their work supporting youth affected by homelessness. Musician and advocate Eliza Hull received an OAM for her contributions to disability advocacy and the arts.
Zeynep Sertel, principal at Ilim College, was recognised for her leadership in the Muslim community, focusing on student empowerment and identity.
Queensland and Western Australia: Political Leadership and Economic Development
Annastasia Palaszczuk, former Queensland premier, was made a Companion of the Order of Australia for her leadership and contributions to educational equity and public health. In Western Australia, former senator Mathias Cormann was honoured for his service to parliament and international economic development.
Emeritus Professor Bruce Armstrong was also awarded for his lifelong dedication to cancer research, highlighting the importance of community health improvements.
South Australia and Tasmania: Political and Community Contributions
Former South Australian premier Steven Marshall was made a Member of the Order of Australia, reflecting on the collective effort during the COVID-19 pandemic. In Tasmania, Robert Higgins was honoured for his service to billiards and snooker, as well as his significant community contributions.
Australian Capital Territory and Northern Territory: Science and Community Service
Professor Peter Cook was recognised for his work in carbon capture and storage technology, a critical component in combating climate change. Chief Justices Andrew Bell and Christopher Kourakis, along with other esteemed professionals, were also honoured.
In the Northern Territory, Felix Ho was acknowledged for his dual roles as a doctor and volunteer, while Frank Ahmat was celebrated for his service to sports and the Indigenous community.
Addressing Gender Imbalance
The Council of the Order of Australia has called for more nominations of women, acknowledging the gender disparity in this year’s honours list. The Council emphasized the importance of recognising outstanding women contributing to communities across the nation.
Recipients will be invited to ceremonies in their respective states and territories, where they will receive the insignia of their awards. The honours list not only celebrates individual achievements but also serves as a reminder of the diverse contributions that enrich Australian society.
