Sector recognised in King’s Birthday Honours

Dr Hood, who is also a member of the Community Directors Council (the Institute of Community Directors Australia’s advisory arm), was named a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to the community through social welfare organisations and sports administration.

She said the award came as a surprise.

“I was a bit shocked to be honest. I had no idea it was coming,” said Dr Hood.

“Then I felt overwhelmed because I don't like the story being about me, but ultimately, I’m very proud.”

Dr Hood said the award acknowledged the tireless work of Community Hubs Australia, an NFP organisation that strives to build social cohesion.

“It’s great recognition for the work of community hubs across the country, and for the importance of inclusion and connection in our schools, local communities and sporting organisations.”

Ms Hood said it was important to recognise people in the community who were working hard to bring about positive change.

“I read the whole [Australia Day and King’s Birthday Honours] list every time it comes out because I love learning about the work people do to make their communities better,” she said.

“People who give their time to make our country better. I love that.”

A total of 737 people were recognised across multiple categories in this year’s awards, ranging in age from 29 to 98 years old.

The NFP and charity sector was well represented, with award recipients ranging from high profile CEOs and sportspeople through to unsung grassroots community members, a point acknowledged by Governor General David Hurley.

“I would like to congratulate all those recognised in today’s Honours List. Some names are well-known, but the vast majority are not – they are people who work tirelessly and selflessly to make a difference in our community,” he said.

“Through today’s recognition we shine a light on their efforts, the impact they have and the difference they make. On behalf of all Australians, I thank recipients for their service and congratulate them on their recognition."

Recipients include dedicated volunteers such as 69-year-old Rhonda Parker, who has spent the past four decades serving her rural community of Boyup Brook, 250km south of Perth.

Ms Parker’s diverse range of volunteering activities includes membership of the Country Women’s Association, a stint as president of the Boyup Brook Parents and Citizens Association, helping run the town’s country music festival, and getting behind the wheel as a volunteer ambulance driver.

Ms Parker told AAP she adopted the rural WA town after moving there from Sydney to marry her husband, a farmer, in 1981.

“I’m totally humbled by it and almost embarrassed,” she said of her recognition as a local hero in the King’s Birthday Honours.

“I’m just like everybody else – I’m an ordinary person doing, you know, ordinary things.”

At the other end of the recognition scale, former Australian cricket fast bowler Glenn McGrath and recently retired AFL footballer Bachar Houli were awarded gongs for their high-profile charitable efforts.

Mr McGrath, who started the McGrath Foundation after the death of his wife Jane from breast cancer, was made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service to community health through breast cancer support, and to cricket as an international coach.

Three-time Richmond premiership player and Muslim community leader Bachar Houli was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for services to the Islamic community and Australian Rules football.

The 36-year-old became a role model for Muslim Australians during and beyond his 15-year AFL career, establishing the Bachar Houli Foundation, which focused on developing young leaders within the Muslim community.

Richmond CEO Brendon Gale said the club was immensely proud of Houli’s achievements on and off the field.

"His achievements serve as a powerful reminder of the role sport can play in bridging cultural divides and fostering a sense of belonging," Mr Gale told Richmond Media.

Other sector-related King’s Birthday Honours recipients included:

• Samantha Mostyn, Australia’s incoming Governor-General and the chair of Beyond Blue, who was awarded a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) for eminent service in the social justice, gender equity, sporting, cultural and business sectors, to reconciliation, and to environmental sustainability.
• Jane Tewson, CEO of Igniting Change, who was awarded an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service to the community through social enterprise endeavours, to the not-for-profit sector, and as an entrepreneur.
• the late Kevin Weldon AM, a founding member of Surf Life Saving Australia, who was made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service to international and national surf lifesaving, publishing, animal welfare and philanthropy.

Read the full King’s Birthday Honours List.

More information

Sector efforts recognised in Australia Day Honours