Sector shines bright in Australia Day Honours

In an increasingly polarised world characterised by an alarming lack of trust in science, government, and institutions, more than 732 “outstanding and inspirational” Australians were honoured for their efforts to help make the world a better place.

They ranged in age from as young as 14 to 98 years old.

The NFP and charity sector was well represented in the diverse group of award recipients, who ranged from high-profile CEOs, academics and sportspeople through to unsung grassroots community members, a point acknowledged by Governor-General Sam Mostyn.

“Congratulations to all of the 2025 Australia Day Honours recipients. Thank you for your work of care and service to our nation.

“To read recipient stories is to be reminded that contribution to communities across the country, underpinned by care, kindness, respect and love, is what matters most to all Australians, in every sphere of life.

“Recipients embody the best of us, and we are grateful to all of them.”

Recipients include Scientia professor Megan Davis, co-chair of the Uluru Statement from the Heart, who was awarded a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) for eminent service to the law and social justice, and for her advocacy of the rights of Indigenous peoples.

Davis has held an extensive list of prestigious roles including chair of the UN Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, co-commissioner on the Independent Review of Youth Detention Centres in Queensland, and director of the Indigenous Law Centre at the University of New South Wales.

“I am honoured by this recognition,” she said.

“In more than 25 years working with the United Nations, including 12 years as a global UN Indigenous rights expert, I have contributed to critical work such as drafting the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and advancing its implementation in New York and Geneva.

“In parallel, I have dedicated more than 12 years to advocating for constitutional recognition in Australia, recognising it as a unique and untried approach that sets our nation apart on the global stage.”

Recognition of Davis’s tireless efforts advocating on behalf of First Nations peoples comes in the wake of the Voice referendum defeat and increasing popular support for celebrating Australia Day on January 26 despite opposition from Indigenous Australians.

Davis, however, remains committed to the cause.

“The past few years do not diminish the urgency of the Uluru Statement from the Heart, constitutional recognition, or the Voice, nor does it define the decades of work done before it – it strengthens the case,” she said.

“Now, with the unwavering support of 6.2 million Australians (who voted ‘yes’), we are reminded of the enduring significance of this work and the path it provides for how we move forward."

A former president of the Australian Human Rights Commission, Emeritus Professor Gillian Triggs, was awarded an AC for eminent service to humanitarian and human rights law, international relations, social justice advocacy, and tertiary legal education and research.

Triggs, who has held spent her career protecting the rights of refugees and Indigenous Australians and combating racial discrimination, said she was not surprised to be nominated for an award.

“I was asked if I would agree to the nomination. This was not an indication that it would be successful!” she said.

Triggs said she felt honoured to be recognised as a Companion of the Order of Australia, as it was recognition of the work done by colleagues in the Australian Human Rights Commission and UNHCR, the United Nations refugee agency.

She said respect for human rights was vital if the world was to find long-term solutions to the numerous ongoing conflicts in the world, from Gaza to Ukraine, Sudan, Myanmar and Mozambique.

“Social justice and human rights lie at the core of sustainable peace. Indeed, human rights are a foundation for successful democracies,” said Triggs.

Even successful democracies have work to do, however.

“Australia needs a legislated Charter of Human Rights to ensure non-discriminatory access to decent housing, meaningful work and health care,” said Triggs.

Philanthropist and arts patron Eve Williams received an AC for eminent service to the arts as an administrator, and to the museums and galleries sector through philanthropic donations.

The late Indigenous musician Galarrwuy Yunupingu was awarded an AC for eminent service to First Nations peoples, particularly in the areas of traditional land ownership, leadership in economic development initiatives, and fostering reconciliation and respect, and as a custodian of culture and ceremony.

The former Yothu Yindi singer, who in 1998 was named an Australian National Living Treasure, served as chair of the Yothu Yindi Foundation for 33 years and was a member of the advisory body that helped design the failed Voice to Parliament.

This year’s awards also honoured many unsung heroes of local communities across the nation.

They included Gwendoline Blandthorn, who received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for services to the community of Murtoa in northwest Victoria.

Her decades of community contribution include a 39-year stint as a member of the Murtoa Swimming Pool Ladies Auxiliary, volunteering at her local op shop, helping as a driver for the Red Cross and serving on the committee of the Murtoa Agricultural and Pastoral Society.

Other sector-related Australia Day Honours recipients included:

• the ClimateWorks Australia deputy chair and Myer Foundation committee member David Shelmerdine, who was awarded an AO (Officer of the Order of Australia) for distinguished service to conservation and environmental sustainability through sector governance and philanthropic contributions

• Disability advocate James Simpson, who received an AO for distinguished service to people with disability through legal and board leadership positions, as an advocate for their health and wellbeing.

• Pamela Wall, whose AO was awarded for distinguished service to the community through charitable support and philanthropic contributions. Wall is a donor and supporter of a long and varied list of organisations including the Starlight Children’s Foundation, the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra and Adelaide Botanic Garden.
• a former president of People with Disability Australia, Samantha Connor, who was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to people with disability

• Dr Christine Craik, who received an AM for significant service to the community as a social worker, to tertiary education and as a volunteer. Craik has been a member of the after-hours emergency department social worker team at Melbourne’s Alfred Hospital for 12 years, is a former president of the Australian Association of Social Workers and volunteers with Wildlife Rescue and the Country Fire Authority.

• Penelope Gerstle, co-founder of the Hand Up Foundation, who has worked across a wide range of areas including human rights, justice and equity, the disability sector, refugees, maternal health and philanthropy. She received an AM for significant service to human rights, community health and people with disability.

• Shani Cain, former CEO of the Oaktree Foundation, youth program advisor at Oxfam Australia and refugee and asylum seeker youth worker, who received an OAM for service to youth through charitable organisations.

• Ian Stanistreet, former CEO of the Community Broadcasting Foundation and station manager 3PBS-FM, who received an OAM for services to broadcast media.

• Deborah Killelea, who co-founded the children’s play therapy initiative Be Centre and the private ancillary fund The Charitable Foundation. She was awarded an AM for significant service to the community through charitable organisations.

Other Australians who received OAMs for service to the community through charitable organisations included Vivienne Fried, Spotlight Foundation director and National Gallery of Victoria Women's Association board member; Carmen Platt, founder and CEO of the The Generous and the Grateful; and Vlastislav Skvaril of Burnie, Tasmania, a former fundraiser for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Camp Quality and CanTeen Australia.

The tireless efforts of volunteers such as Beaumaris local Jack Cooper were also acknowledged. Cooper was awarded an OAM for service to the community through a wide range of volunteering roles, which included multiple positions with the Rotary Club of Mordialloc, president of the Beaumaris Community Tennis Club, which he founded, a 25-year stint as president of the Black Tulip Ski Club at Mt Buller, and leadership positions with the 1^st Hampton Scouts Group.

Governor-General Sam Mostyn said 2025 marked the 50th anniversary of Australia’s Honours system.

“We have a wonderful opportunity over the next 50 years of our Honours and awards to reflect our generous, successful and modern Australian society.

“To all Australians, nominating and honouring our fellow Australians is a meaningful way of saying, as a nation, thank you.

“To all the remarkable 2025 Australia Day Honours recipients, today we celebrate you.”

See the full list of 2025 Australia Day Honours recipients here.

More information

Sector recognised in King’s Birthday Honours

Sector efforts recognised in Australia Day Honours