00:00Hello, everyone. I'm filming this message at Admiralty House in Sydney, on the lands of the Kammeragel, where I pay my respects to Elders past and present.
00:11As your Governor-General, I am delighted to celebrate the 949 exceptional Australians who are recognised on the Australia Day 2026 Honours list.
00:22This long list of civilian and military honours is an increase of over 200 awards since the Australia Day list just last year.
00:30Happily, this also reflects an increase in the number of nominations of Australians. I really hope that this trend continues.
00:38The honours are testament from across the country to the enduring value Australians place on acts of care, kindness and respect,
00:45to pursuing excellence, to serving the country and to contributing to the peace, stability and success of our modern Australia.
00:54From the youngest recipient at 32 years of age to our two oldest recipients, who are just about to turn 100,
01:01this list is a celebration of the many Australians who inspire the best in all of us.
01:06The list's remarkable diversity of interests and expertise represents Australians who embody service, community, kindness, curiosity, tenacity, accomplishment and care.
01:19Among the 10 recipients of the highest honour, the Companion of the Order of Australia,
01:24are distinguished judges and leaders, brilliant scientists and beloved icons of Australian sport.
01:30Like all lists before, the 2026 Honours list shows that great Australians come from all over our magnificent country and from all walks of life.
01:40As we celebrate today's recipients, we must pause though and acknowledge the bravery and selflessness of so many in the wake of the anti-Semitic terror attack at Bondi.
01:50As the Prime Minister has announced, a special honours list that recognises and acknowledges the extraordinary heroic efforts of those who responded at that time will be released.
02:02And we'll also see many nominations for emergency and bravery awards of first responders and volunteers who have worked with such courage and selflessness
02:10to the devastating natural disasters that have taken place across the country.
02:14Throughout 2025, we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Australian Honours System and the people who for the past half century have epitomised the best of Australia.
02:27As this list so vividly showcases, so many Australians continue to give the best of themselves across many endeavours and often in the interests of others.
02:36I want to also pay tribute to the friends and families who support those that we honour today.
02:41Congratulations to everyone recognised in the Australia Day 2026 Honours List.
02:48On behalf of all Australians, thank you for all you've given our nation and for inspiring the very best in all of us.
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