A man who stopped Australia being bowled over by COVID-19 and another who knocked off opponents like no other feature in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.
Former chief medical officer Brendan Murphy and legendary cricketer Shane Warne stand out on the 992-person list, with eight of those achieving the prestigious Companion (AC) of the Order.
Dr Murphy was Australia’s CMO from 2016 until 2020 and was one of Australia’s public faces of the initial pandemic response. He has since become the health department’s secretary.
SCROLL DOWN TO SEE SUNSHINE COAST OAM RECIPIENTS
Others heavily involved in the pandemic response, including Queensland governor and former long-serving chief health officer Jeannette Young, have also been awarded high honours.
Ms Young (pictured below), appointed an AC, was Queensland’s top health official from 2005 until late 2021. NSW chief health officer Kerry Chant has been appointed an Officer (AO) of the Order.
Excelling in a different field, Mr Warne will be posthumously appointed an AO some three months after his death. He is being honoured for distinguished service to cricket having taken 708 wickets in his storied career, along with his service to the community through charitable initiatives.
In the military division, Vice Admiral Lance Johnston was appointed AC as a highly-skilled strategic military planner and a champion of the Defence Capability System.
Other AC appointments include plant biologist and ecologist Patricia Selkirk for her services to conservation in researching Antarctic and sub-Antarctic ecosystems, chief defence scientist Tanya Monro, and Australasian Centre for Rail Innovation chair and former deputy prime minister John Anderson.
The first woman to become the premier of an Australian state, Carmen Lawrence, was appointed AO, with other politicians honoured including former attorney-general Robert McClelland (AO), former speaker of the House of Representatives Stephen Martin (AO) and former National Party federal president Larry Anthony.
Retired tennis star Ash Barty was appointed an AO after wrapping up her career as a three-time grand slam singles champion, having claimed this year’s Australian Open crown.
“Recipients share some common traits – including selflessness, excellence and a commitment to service,” Governor-General David Hurley said.
“They’re from different backgrounds, their stories are each unique, and each has served in different ways … this diversity is a strength and each has impacted their community and made it better.
“Collectively the recipients, whose achievements span community service, science and research, industry, sport, the arts and more, represent the very best of Australia.”
Sunshine Coast people awarded a Medal (OAM) in the General Division include:
Mr Gregory Norman BEALE, Minyama, for service to community safety.
Mr William Robert DARBY, QLD, for service to the community of the Sunshine Coast.
Ms Lenore GRICE, Sunshine Beach, for service to surf lifesaving.
Mrs Judith Anne MALCOLM, Parrearra, for service to sport in a range of roles.
Mrs Helen PARK, Marcus Beach, for service to water polo.
Mr Clive Edgar PLATER, Eudlo, for service to community history.
Mr John SPINK, Glass House Mountains, for service to Indigenous community health.
High-profile honourees
Jeannette Young (AC) – chief health officer
Brendan Murphy (AC) – chief medical officer
John Anderson (AC) – philanthropist and former deputy prime minister
Leigh Clifford (AC) – businessman and philanthropist
Gina Fairfax (AC) – philanthropist
Anne Green (AC) – astrophysicist
Tanya Monro (AC) – chief defence scientist
Patricia Selkirk (AC) – Antarctic scientist
Kerry Chant (AO) – chief health officer
Mary-Louise McLaws (AO) – epidemiologist
Carmen Lawrence (AO) – former WA Labor premier
Ash Barty (AO) – tennis champion
Shane Warne (AO) – late cricket star
