Mining magnate, cook, firey and singer earn Australia Day Honours

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The Australia Day Honours list has been released, with 1040 Australians recognised for their achievements and their service to the community.

Notable names to receive recognition include mining magnate Gina Rinehart, cook and author Maggie Beer, former Commissioner of the New South Wales Rural Fire Service Shane Fitzsimmons, Actress Deborra-Lee Furness and singer Delta Goodrem.

Tennis star and disability advocate Dylan Alcott was among those to receive honours, just hours after being named Australian of the year. Other sports stars honoured included Patty Mills, Emma McKeon, Jessica Fox, Sam Kerr and Daniel Ricciardo.

Former chief scientist Alan Finkel was honoured for service to science, to national energy innovation and research infrastructure capability. He received the highest honour of a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC), along with six others.

A special honour roll has also been created for the Australia Day honours recipients, paying tribute to those whose work is specifically connected to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the general division, 47 per cent of the recipients were women, a record number despite still being below the 50 per cent mark.

"Congratulations to the outstanding Australians recognised in today's Honours List. Collectively the recipients, whose achievements span community service, science and research, industry, sport, the arts and more, represent the strength and diversity of Australia," Governor-General David Hurley said in a statement.

READ MORE: Dylan Alcott named Australian of the Year

READ MORE: COVID-19 Australia Day Honours List

Daniel Ricciardo, Emma McKeon and Gina Rinehart have all received Australia Day honours.

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The oldest living recipient of an Australia Day honour this year is 99, and the youngest is 17.

While most of the recipients do their good work out of the limelight, here are some of the familiar names getting high honours.

Member in the General Division (AM)

Among the recipients of the Member of the General Division of the Order of Australia (AM) is singer and actress Delta Goodrem.

The honour notes her work as the founder of the Delta Goodrem Foundation as well as with various cancer and children's hospital charities.

Also getting an AM is basketball star Patty Mills.

He was also recognised for his philanthropy and work in the indigenous community, as well as his basketball prowess.

Formula One star Daniel Riccardo was also given an AM.

Emma McKeon poses with her Olympic medals

Olympic champion Emma McKeon was awarded an AM for her service to swimming.

McKeon won four gold medals and three bronzes at last year's Olympics in Tokyo.

Officer in the General Division (AO)

Beloved cook and author Maggie Beer has been given an AO for her contribution to the tourism and hospitality industries, and to aged welfare.

Also getting an AO is NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons.

Mr Fitzsimmons was a constant presence during the 2019 and 2020 bushfires that ravaged the state.

Actress Deborra-Lee Furness was given an AO for her work as an adoption advocate as well as other work for charities.

Mining tycoon Gina Rinehart received an AO for distinguished service to the mining industry, as well as other philanthropic activities.

Media mogul John Hartigan received an AO for his contribution to media, indigenous welfare and sport.

Tennis star Dylan Alcott has been given an AO, just hours after he was named as Australian Of The Year for 2022.


Source: 9News