King’s Birthday Honours Recognise Australia’s Leading Lights
Australia’s highest civilian honours, the Companion of the Order of Australia (AC), have been bestowed upon a distinguished group of individuals as part of the King’s Birthday Honours list. This year’s recipients represent a diverse range of fields, from philanthropy and scientific innovation to politics and the arts, celebrating their profound contributions to the nation. Among the esteemed awardees are philanthropist Janet Calvert-Jones, former Tasmania Premier William Hodgman, Professor William Rawlinson, former Democrats leader Natasha Stott Despoja, and mathematician Terence Chi-Shen Tao, all recognised with the AC for their outstanding service.
These individuals are part of a larger cohort of 949 recipients acknowledged this year. Of these, 703 individuals have been awarded in the General Division of the Order of Australia. The Honours list spans a wide age range, with the youngest recipient being 34-year-old Sarah Ward and the oldest, 106-year-old volunteer Florence Drury, highlighting the enduring impact of service across generations.
Business Acumen and Public Service: Christine Holgate’s Journey
Business leader Christine Holgate has been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her significant contributions to business through various executive roles. Currently the chief executive of Team Global Express, Ms Holgate expressed her deep honour and surprise at the recognition. “I feel very, very honoured, very humbled, extremely surprised, deeply appreciative and very grateful,” she stated.
Ms Holgate’s career trajectory is marked by resilience and a unique perspective on leadership. She candidly reflected on a past controversy during her tenure as Australia Post chief executive, noting that the independent investigation that cleared her of wrongdoing ultimately made her stronger. “If there’s anything you feel a bit conscious about when you get an award for your contribution to business, you’re always slightly self-conscious that a lot of other people worked really hard for you and supported you, which enabled you to achieve those results,” she shared, emphasizing that the award is a collective recognition.
Her journey began in humble circumstances, with an early encounter with an elderly woman who encouraged her to aim higher. Later, her time working on a significant project with Owen Arthur, the former Prime Minister of Barbados, profoundly influenced her understanding of leadership, instilling in her the importance of humility and viewing leadership as a privilege. Ms Holgate also credited Eddie McGuire for introducing her to Collingwood and making Australia feel like home. Ultimately, she finds daily inspiration in the people she works with, from small business owners to frontline staff. “I’m just a girl who, you know, came from the train station floor, so if anything I just hope in some way being recognised that other people going through a really difficult time can see this and believe their time will pass and they can come through it,” she remarked, her words resonating with a powerful message of hope.
Entertainment Icon and Community Contributor: Rove McManus
Beloved comedian and television personality Rove McManus has been awarded a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his extensive service to broadcast media, entertainment, and the community. For weeks, McManus maintained secrecy about the honour, only sharing the news with his wife, Tasma Walton, and daughter, Ruby. “As much as there are very stern emails that get sent when you’re on the list about keeping it a secret, I wasn’t going to keep it from them,” he confessed.
His attempt to surprise his mother, Coralie McManus, took a humorous turn due to a mix-up with public holidays. “I told her to keep an eye out on Monday just gone because it was the King’s Birthday holiday in Perth, only to find out it wasn’t happening until a week later,” he chuckled. Now that the news is public, McManus plans a low-key barbecue with friends and family to celebrate.
While acknowledging that some might consider the honour long overdue for the three-time Gold Logie winner, McManus feels the timing is perfect, coinciding with his stand-up tour, “Tonight’s Guest: Rove McManus,” which revisits his iconic chat show years. He expressed that he never expected such an accolade but finds it rewarding for what it symbolises: a body of work dedicated to making people feel better. “To get a pat on the back for that is quite rewarding,” he said.
A Life Dedicated to Media, Music, and Children: James Valentine
James Valentine, a cherished radio presenter, television host, musician, and author, has been recognised with a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his significant service to the media, music, and children’s literature. His nomination, ironically, stemmed from a lighthearted remark made at a “living wake” held for him on St Valentine’s Day, where an affectionate heckler suggested he “deserved” an Order of Australia for lifting Sydney’s spirits.
The comment, made in the presence of Australian Governor-General Sam Mostyn, a family friend, sparked a heartfelt, albeit informal, chain of events. While Ms Mostyn played no part in the official nomination process, friends and colleagues rallied to champion Valentine’s extensive contributions. Tragically, Valentine passed away just four days after the honour was invested to his children, Ruby and Roy, on his behalf, before being conveyed to him at home.
His wife, Joanne Corrigan, shared that Valentine was initially opposed to the award, believing it should go to those who exceeded their duties. However, receiving the honour from his children brought him immense joy. “It was like the last moment of sunshine in his brain,” she explained, highlighting that his life’s dedication to “kindness” had been recognised as worthy. Valentine, known for his work with the ’80s band The Models, his “Jumpman” book series, and his commitment to fundraising, was a fixture on ABC Local radio and television for decades.
Championing Gender Equality and Human Rights: Natasha Stott Despoja
Natasha Stott Despoja, a former South Australian Senator and a staunch advocate for gender equality, has been elevated to the prestigious Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) for her extensive service in preventing family violence, advancing gender equity, and promoting human rights. Her commitment to these causes is evident in her roles as a commissioner for the Royal Commission into Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence and her re-election to the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).
“I’m dedicated to making the world a better, safer and fairer place for women and girls,” Ms Stott Despoja stated, expressing her vision for a future where gender equality is the norm and women’s rights are a lived reality. Her advocacy extends internationally, having served as Australia’s Ambassador for Women and Girls. Federal Minister for Women, Katy Gallagher, described her as a “fierce advocate for the progression of women’s human rights and the advancement of women’s representation in decision-making institutions domestically and internationally.” Ms Stott Despoja was also the founding chair of Our Watch, a national foundation dedicated to preventing violence against women and children, and holds an honorary doctorate from The University of Adelaide.
Philanthropic Visionary: Janet Calvert-Jones
Philanthropist Janet Calvert-Jones has been recognised with the highest honour, the Companion of the Order of Australia (AC), for her “eminent service to philanthropy, to the arts, to medical research organisations, to the community, and to children and youth.” For decades, Mrs Calvert-Jones has dedicated her life to making a tangible difference, finding her greatest reward in witnessing the flourishing of sick and disabled children, artists creating exceptional works, and families enjoying the public gardens she has supported.
She humbly expressed her honour and surprise at the award, stating, “I would like to say how honoured I am and how humbled I am for this award, I don’t deserve it at all.” Mrs Calvert-Jones attributes her sense of duty and purpose to her mother, Dame Elisabeth Murdoch, whose “infectious” generosity and passion for life profoundly influenced her. “She inspired me with her passion, her generosity and her interest in life,” she said, recalling her mother’s belief that showing genuine interest and involvement was as crucial as financial contribution.
The Calvert-Jones Foundation has invested significantly in a diverse range of causes, including health, the arts, and public spaces like the Royal Botanic Garden and Cruden Farm. A consistent theme across her philanthropic endeavours has been the enrichment of children’s and youth’s lives. She has been a tireless supporter of the Good Friday Appeal, an annual event that has raised over $517 million since 1931. Mrs Calvert-Jones also played a pivotal role in establishing the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and Taralye, an oral language centre for hearing-impaired children, inspired by her own son’s experience. Her passion for the arts is evident in her long-standing leadership at the Tapestry Foundation of Australia. Furthermore, she has championed the preservation of open spaces, serving as a benefactor and director at the Royal Botanic Gardens and a trustee of Cruden Farm.
Journalism and Fashion Luminary: Edwina McCann
Edwina McCann, Editorial Director of Vogue Australia, Vogue Living, and GQ Australia, has been awarded a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her significant service to journalism, arts governance, and the fashion industry. Ms McCann, who previously served as Editor-in-Chief of Vogue Australia from 2012 to 2022, was instrumental in launching the STEM-focused Vogue Codes event series.
“To receive an email to say that I was to be awarded on Monday was a great honour but a bit of a shock,” she said, adding that she would be celebrating with a glass of champagne in Paris. Throughout her distinguished career, Ms McCann has encountered “extraordinary people from all walks of life,” including Queen Mary of Denmark, whom she deeply admires for her intelligence and commitment. She credits her success to an “extraordinary team of people around her,” including her family, friends, and work colleagues.
Beyond her editorial responsibilities, Ms McCann actively contributes to arts governance, serving on the boards of the Museum of Contemporary Art, St Joseph’s College Foundation, and the Australian Rugby Foundation. Her passion for the Australian ballet is also evident in her involvement with the Global Ambassador Network and her tenure as chair of the Australian Ballet Foundation. Ms McCann champions a philosophy of continuous curiosity and giving back, stating, “I think it’s very important to never be in a bubble, just constantly be curious and give wherever you can.”
Medical Research and Political Service: Dr Katie Allen (Posthumous)
Former federal Liberal MP Dr Katie Allen has been posthumously awarded an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for her dedicated service to medical research in pediatric allergies and gastroenterology, and for her contributions to the people and parliament. Dr Allen’s husband, Malcolm Allen, shared that despite her seven distinct careers, her greatest accomplishment was her family. “Her biggest achievement in her eyes was that she was a mother first and brought up a loving family,” he said.
Dr Allen, who represented the now-abolished seat of Higgins in Victoria from 2019 to 2022, was a pioneer in liver cell transplants and her research significantly advanced the understanding, prevention, and treatment of childhood food allergies. Her husband described her as a woman of “great integrity” who led with empathy and evidence-based reasoning. During her parliamentary term, Dr Allen was recognised for her courage in crossing the floor to vote with Labor on amendments to the religious discrimination Bill, extending protections to transgender students and staff.
Journalism and Advocacy: Fran Kelly
Legendary broadcaster Fran Kelly has been honoured with an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for her extensive career in journalism and her advocacy work across social justice, equality, and the LGBTQIA+ community. Kelly, who hosted RN Breakfast for 17 years, expressed her surprise and delight at the recognition. “I’ve asked a few people over in the morning just to think, ‘Wow, this is good’, and to thank some of those people who were instrumental in my career,” she said.
She acknowledged the significant impact of colleagues at the ABC, including Helen Thomas and the late Paul Murphy, from whom she learned the importance of interviewing with empathy, intelligence, and thorough preparation. Outside of her professional life, Kelly has been a fervent advocate for social justice, believing that every Australian should strive for a more equitable society. “When I decided that I was interested in journalism, and I managed to get a job, which was a little later in my life, that’s what I wanted to do. I wanted to just contribute if I could to the national discussion and conversations on big issues and help people understand more broadly so that we enlarge as a nation rather than shrink inward,” she stated.
