Actor Chris Hemsworth, former prime ministerial advisor Peta Credlin and the nation’s first female police chief commissioner are among more than 1100 Australians getting a royal nod this Queen’s birthday.
Heartthrob Hemsworth, 37, who began his career on Neighbours, is one of the globe’s highest-paid actors and was appointed a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List, revealed overnight.
His citation outlines “significant service to the performing arts, and to charitable organisations”.
Along with being star of the film franchises Thor and Avengers, Hemsworth is patron of the Australian Childhood Foundation and a supporter of conservation groups, including AussieArk and WildArk.
Former prime minister Tony Abbott’s chief of staff Ms Credlin receives the second highest award in the series, appointed an Officer (AO) of the Order of Australia for “distinguished service to parliament and politics, to policy development, and to the executive function of government”.
“It is truly an honour. Thank you all for your kind words and well wishes. I am truly blessed,” Ms Credlin tweeted in response to news of her gong.
Christine Nixon, Australia’s first female police chief commissioner gets the same honour. She is among 416 women on the general awards list, which equals 44 per cent of recipients, a record number of females.
Five people were appointed the Companion (AC) of the Order of Australia: foreign affairs chief Frances Adamson, former Primate of the Anglican Church of Australia Archbishop Phillip Aspinall, incoming Tasmanian governor Barbara Baker, Australian Ballet director David McAllister, and geophysics researcher Kurt Lambeck.
Among the sportspeople recognised are AFL’s Michael Long and Neale Daniher, plus rugby league’s Glenn Lazarus and Ricky Stuart.
