For only the second time in the Australian Honours history, more women than men have been recognised in this year’s Australia Day list.
Governor-General David Hurley said all recipients, including those from the fields of science, community service and the arts had made a profound contribution.
“Recipients come from all parts of the country. They have served and had an impact in just about every field you can imagine. Their stories and backgrounds are diverse,” he said.
“In my experience most are humble and often try to deflect attention or praise – please enjoy the moment because your country has decided that you deserve recognition.”
This year 1,042 Australians are recipients of the country’s highest honours, which includes 20 in the military division of the Order of Australia, 224 meritorious awards and 59 awards for distinguished and conspicuous service.
There are also 49 people who have been recognised for their contribution in support of Australia’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Late social justice campaigner Father Robert John Maguire has been recognised as an Officer of the Order of Australia for his distinguished service to the community.
Best known as Father Bob, the Catholic priest and media personality died in April last year after a life dedicated to standing up for the poor and marginalised.
Frank O’Connor, the director of the Father Bob Maguire Foundation, said it was “hard to know” how the late maverick priest would have responded to being awarded an AO.
“I think he would have been fairly chuffed,” Mr O’Connor said.
“Certainly the foundation and Father Bob’s family are absolutely delighted that his commitment to this sort of work is continuing to be recognised.”
Father Bob was ordained in 1960 and spent close to 40 years as a parish priest in Melbourne, leaving after a clash with the church hierarchy over the mandatory retirement age of 75 for priests.
He was allowed to remain a priest until age 77, retiring in 2012 after 50 years of service to the church.
