Over 25 years since she ran to victory at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, Cathy Freeman has been appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC), the highest honour in the country.
“I am deeply honoured to be appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia,” Cathy wrote in a post on Australian Day. “I accept this recognition with humility and gratitude, and I share it with the many people who have supported me throughout my life — family, community, coaches, colleagues and friends.”
“It’s truly humbling,” said Cathy, as reported by the ABC. “It gives me that strength, and it makes me more determined with the pursuits ahead of me.”
“As my mother says, it’s a lovely gift from the Australian public.”
On the list, it says she is receiving this honour: “For eminent service to athletics as an international competitor and ambassador, to positive social impact across the community, to the reconciliation movement in the spirit of unity and inclusion, and as a role model to youth.”
Cathy founded the Cathy Freeman Foundation in 2007 (now called Murrup), which supports Aboriginal children, young people and their families in remote communities in Australia.
680 people have been recognised in the General Division of the Order of Australia. Of those, 10 were named a Companion of the Order of Australia, 38 were made Officer of the Order of Australia (AO), 160 were appointed Member of the Order of Australia (AM), and 472 honourees were awarded a Medal of the Order (OAM).
Other honorees include Julie Inman Grant, the eSafety Commissioner, who received a Public Service Medal for her work in online safety and, in particular, the social media ban for under-16-year-olds.
Politicians were also included on the list. Annastacia Palaszczuk (former Queensland premier, the first woman to win three terms) was made a Companion of the Order of Australia. Kristina Keneally (former NSW premier) was made an Officer of the Order of Australia, and Mathias Cormann (Former WA senator) was made a Companion of the Order of Australia. Steven Marshall (former SA Premier) was also made a Member of the Order of Australia.
Northern Territory’s Australian of the Year winner, Felix Ho, was also made an Officer of the Order of Australia for her services to his community.
Midnight Oil drummer, Rob Hirst, was also posthumously appointed a member of the Order of Australia, a week after he sadly passed away following a three-year battle with pancreatic cancer.
The entire list honours 949 people, with people as young as 32 and two honorees who are about to turn 100 years old. You can read the full list here.
In her address, Governor General Sam Mostyn also acknowledged the first responders who showed “extraordinary” bravery at the Bondi Terror Attack. She again reiterated that a Special Honours List will be released.
