Who made it onto the King’s Birthday Honours list 2024?

Key Points

Hundreds of Australians have been named in the 2024 King’s Birthday Honours List.
Two former premiers who led their states through the height of the COVID-19 pandemic were recognised.
The Governor-General has said the list shines a light on the efforts, impact and difference made by these people.

A three-time AFL premiership player, two former state premiers and a member of an iconic Brisbane rock band are among the Australians recognised in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours List.

Bachar Houli, former politicians Mark McGowan and Dan Andrews and Powderfinger bassist John Collins are some of the 737 honours recipients on the list, announced by Governor-General David Hurley on Sunday night.

The list also includes scientists, educators, judges, researchers, administrators, journalists, health professionals, chefs, volunteer firefighters, conservationists and business leaders.

Governor-General David Hurley wearing a suit and speaking from behind a lectern

Governor-General David Hurley. Source: Getty / Pool

Hurley said the honours, released , shone “a light on their efforts, the impact they have and the difference they make”.

“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,” he said.

“On behalf of all Australians, I thank recipients for their service and congratulate them on their recognition.”

Many of the honours have gone to people for their service to their local communities.

Leaders given honours

Former Victorian premier Andrews and former WA leader McGowan have both been named Companions of the Order of Australia for their service to public health and to the people of their respective states.

The former Labor premiers were both in office during the COVID-19 pandemic.

McGowan’s honour also acknowledged his service to education and to international trade relations while Andrews got the nod for his work in policy and regulatory reform as well as infrastructure development.

Incoming Governor-General Sam Mostyn, who assumes office on 1 July, received the same honour.

She has been honoured for her service in the social justice, gender equity, sporting, cultural and business sectors.

The was named Companion of the Order of Australia for eminent service to the people and parliament of Australia, to tertiary education, to business, and to industrial relations.

King’s honours for serving the community

This year’s list highlights people who have contributed to their communities in a wide variety of areas.

King Charles holding a tea cup and saucer

King’s Birthday Honours have just been announced, but King Charles’ actual birthday is in November. He turned 75 last year. Source: Getty / Chris Jackson

and to the community as a Member of the Order of Australia.

Food insecurity has been an issue of increasing concern in the past year during Australia’s continuing cost of living crisis.

A woman wearing an orange hi-vis vest stands in a warehouse talking behind a row of microphones.

Brianna Casey, whose work with Foodbank has a social, environment and community impact, has been recognised in the 2024 King’s Birthday Honours list. Source: AAP / Stefan Postles

Having already been made a Member of the Order of Australia in 2008, former international cricketer Glenn McGrath has been further recognised this year by being made an Officer of the Order of Australia.

This honour recognises his work in bringing awareness and raising funds for breast cancer research and care services through the foundation he started in his late wife Jane’s name as well as his work as an international cricket coach.

Representing diverse communities

A number of people who have been key to helping new migrants create meaningful lives in Australia have been recognised as part of the King’s Honours List.

Bachar Houli, who won three AFL premierships with the Richmond established a foundation to provide a pathway for young Muslim talent to enhance their Australian rules skills while staying true to their faith.

His awarding of the Medal of the Order of Australia is for his service to the Islamic community, to multiculturalism, and to Australian rules football.

Two women who have been leaders in their cultural communities within Australia have also been awarded honours.

President of the National Italian-Australian Women’s Association, Concetta Perna, has been made a Member of the Order of Australia and chairperson of the Latvian Federation of Australia and New Zealand, Anita Anderson, has received the Medal of the Order of Australia.

Leonard Vary, who is the co-chair of Equality Australia, has been recognised for his significant service to the philanthropic sector, to the LGBTIQA+ community, and to the arts by being made a Member of the Order of Australia.

Artists and entertainers make the King’s list

A number of artists have been acknowledged as part of the honours list.

Radio and television presenter Hamish Blake, who is also an ambassador for Foodbank Victoria, has received the Medal of the Order of Australia for his contributions to the arts as an entertainer, and to the community.

Comedian Hamish Blake is among the well-known names on this year’s King’s Birthday Honours list. Source: Getty / Don Arnold/WireImage

Collins, from Brisbane band Powderfinger, was named a Member of the Order of Australia for his service to the arts through music, and to the community.

He is a vocal advocate for live music in Australia.

Collins is involved in the management of two Brisbane live music venues, The Triffid and Fortitude Music Hall, and has campaigned for the Queensland government to work with venues to ensure the industry is sustainable.

Indigenous artist, author, fashion designer and advocate Dr Bronwyn Bancroft’s service to the arts and the Indigenous community have been recognised with the Member of the Order of Australia award.

During her four-decade-long career, the Bandjalung woman has had 45 books published and her work has been exhibited in Australia and overseas.

She was a founding member of Boomalli Aboriginal Artists Co-operative in Sydney and was instrumental in keeping the organisation operating when it ran into difficulties in 2009.

Pushing for change

Dr Arnold Gillespie is among those who have been posthumously recognised in the list.

Having started in obstetrics and gynaecology, he went on to spend about two decades advocating for voluntary assisted dying (VAD) to allow those suffering serious illness to choose to die.

He was a driving force behind the push for VAD laws in South Australia, which came into effect in 2023. He used those laws himself after he became seriously unwell.

Anti-domestic and family violence campaigner Betty Taylor has also been a voice for change.

Betty Taylor has advocated for the prevention of domestic and family violence in Australia. Source: AAP / /

Her decades of work in the area, including , an advocacy group for domestic violence victims, has led to her being honoured as a Member of the Order of Australia.

Professor Kathleen Clapham, the founding director of Ngarruwan Ngadju First Peoples Health and Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Wollongong in NSW, has also been made a Member of the Order of Australia.

Her research has contributed to a better understanding of and improvements in the delivery of Indigenous community health services.

Award recipients will attend ceremonies at Government House in their respective state or territory in coming months.

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