A whopping 830 Australians were recognised in this year’s King’s Birthday honours list; significantly more than the 737 Aussies who were honoured last year.
The list – which was released by Governor General Samantha Mostyn last night – includes awards in the Order of Australia (both General and Military Divisions), meritorious awards and recognition for distinguished and conspicuous service.
Filmmaker Baz Luhrmann was one of the Australians on the King’s Birthday honours list this year.
He received a Companion of the Order of Australia “for eminent service to the arts as a filmmaker, to the theatre, to cultural heritage, and to the development of artistic talent.”
Baz has won four Academy Awards and is best known for the iconic films Moulin Rouge!, The Great Gatsby, Elvis, and Romeo + Juliet.
Baz’s wife Catherine Martin also received a Companion of the Order of Australia.
Catherine, who is a costume designer, got hers for “for eminent service to the arts, to costume, production and set design, and to fostering emerging artistic talent.”
Shortly after the list was released, Baz told the ABC, “Catherine Martin and I feel this honour recognises not just us, but those who have made access to the arts possible for every Australian.”
Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison was on the King’s Birthday honours list this year too.
He received a Companion of the Order of Australia “for eminent service to the people and Parliament of Australia, particularly as Prime Minister, to notable contributions to global engagement, to leadership of the national COVID-19 response, to economic initiatives, and to national security enhancements, especially through leadership of Australia’s contribution to AUKUS.”
Other notable Australians recognised on this year’s list include former Socceroo Jimmy Rooney, Wiradjuri Elder Aunty Millie Ingram, human rights advocate Helen Dalley Fisher, and opera singer/psychologist Greta Bradman.
Sam Mostyn congratulated this year’s recipients by saying:
“Every day, and all across the country, Australians are doing extraordinary things with passion, generosity, energy, and resolve.
“To all who are being recognised in The King’s Birthday 2025 Honours List, I want to offer my congratulations and gratitude for all that you have given to Australia — and I look forward to meeting many of you at the investiture of your awards.”
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
I tried Shark’s new cordless vacuum: it’s now my favourite family member
Could you be living with this rare yet commonly misdiagnosed condition?
