They have strived to make a difference and today 895 people have been recognised for their efforts with an Australia Day honour.
From sport through to politics, human rights and service to the community, some are familiar names, some not so.
Walter Mikac lost his entire family in the Port Arthur massacre. His wife Nanette as well as daughters Alannah and Madeline were among 35 victims on April, 28 1996.
Since then he's become a strong advocate for gun control as well as the protection of children through social welfare programs.
The Alannah and Madeline Foundation was set up in his family's honour and has helped more than two million children as well as providing "buddy bags" for 80,000 young people who have been removed from violent situations.
"It was always ever done as a tribute to them," Mr Mikac said. "You know, Nanette she's the real hero here, she stood up to a gunman and pleaded for her children's lives."
Gail O'Brien, wife of the late Professor Chris O'Brien, has fulfilled her husband's legacy, setting up the Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, a comprehensive cancer care facility in Sydney's Camperdown.
The neurosurgeon crossed the line from doctor to patient after himself being diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumor.
"It's a great honour, very privileged honour but it's not just my award it's the award of everybody who has come together to make this happen," Mrs O'Brien said.
"We were able to translate what he suffered and many other people suffer into a beautiful built environment which brings together every aspect of cancer care."
Former Australian Democrats leader Meg Lees has been recognised for her contribution to politics, helping bring about the greatest change to the nation's tax system - the GST.
"I'm really surprised and enormously honoured," she said.
"I guess recognition for the work the Democrats did particularly with the reform of Australia's tax system and the work we did with the Environment Minister on changing Australia's environment legislation, really strengthening it particularly to protect Australia's endangered species."
The late Betty Cuthbert is receiving a posthumous Companion of the Order for her service to athletics while Evonne Goolagong-Cawley is being recognised for eminent service to tennis.
And netball great Liz Ellis is being honoured as an elite player and coach and for being an advocate for women.
"I feel really proud but I also feel incredibly humbled," she said. "It was something that came out of the blue. I stopped playing netball over 10 years ago so I thought the glory days were done.
"To see our game really sit in the top echelons of sport is really a great position to be in."
Australia's most successful female professional golfer, Karrie Ann Webb was also commended for her skill as well as the development of female golfers.
The awards have helped encourage and thank outstanding Australians since 1975.
© Nine Digital Pty Ltd 2018
Read Again https://www.9news.com.au/national/2018/01/26/05/40/2018-australia-day-honours-listBagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "The heroes on our Australia Day honours list"
Post a Comment