Hamish Blake was among the 737 Australians recognised in this year’s King’s Birthday honours list.
The list includes awards in the Order of Australia (both General and Military Divisions), meritorious awards and recognition for conspicuous service.
Hamish was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his “service to the arts as an entertainer, and to the community.”
“I am, of course, extremely honoured, and now feel very guilty I didn’t even get the King a birthday present,” Hamish quipped, in typical Hamish Blake fashion, to Nine about the news.
Samantha Mostyn was also included on the King’s Birthday honours list this year, ahead of her being sworn in as Australia’s 28th Governor General on July 1.
Ms Mostyn was honoured with the highest award in the order – 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.”
Former Australian cricket star and co-founder of the McGrath Foundation Glenn McGrath also received an AC.
The list specified Glenn was being honoured for his “distinguished service to community health through breast cancer support, and to cricket as an international coach.”
Other notable Australians recognised on this year’s list include former Victorian premier Daniel Andrews, former Western Australian premier Mark McGowan, comedian Jimmy Rees, three-time AFL premiership winner Bachar Houli, and former Powderfinger bassist John ‘JC’ Collins.
Governor General David Hurley congratulated this year’s recipients by saying:
“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.
“Through today’s recognition we shine a light on their efforts, the impact they have and the difference they make,” he continued.
“On behalf of all Australians, I thank recipients for their service and congratulate them on their recognition.”
