Mrs Christine (Chrissy) Grant AM has been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in the King’s Birthday 2026 honours list for significant service to preserving Indigenous culture and heritage.

For decades, Chrissy has worked to advance Indigenous cultural heritage recognition and protection, Indigenous land management, and better outcomes for Indigenous peoples at local, national and international levels.

Her extensive contributions have included cultural heritage management and recognition, co-chairing the international repatriation of Indigenous human remains, advocating for Indigenous cultural values across Australia’s World Heritage properties, and supporting Traditional Owner involvement in land management and protected areas. She has also contributed through leadership roles with the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS), the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation, the International Indigenous Forum on Biodiversity, and the International Indigenous Peoples’ Forum on World Heritage.

Among her many achievements, Chrissy was a member of the Eastern Kuku Yalanji Traditional Owner Negotiating Committee, which helped secure the hand-back of four national parks under a Native Title Indigenous Land Use Agreement. She has also worked internationally to strengthen recognition of Indigenous cultural values within UNESCO World Heritage processes.

Reflecting on the importance of her work, Chrissy said Indigenous peoples have lived in Australia for more than 65,000 years and represent one of the world’s oldest continuing cultures.

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders peoples have worked across the landscapes and environment managing the Country with traditional practices which are still practiced today,” she says.

“They deserve to be recognised as such and acknowledged for their knowledge that can be shared with the public.”

Chrissy said she had been inspired throughout her career by people who demonstrated professionalism, leadership and a commitment to positive outcomes.

She particularly acknowledged Professor Marcia Langton AO and Patrick Dodson, whom she worked with during her time at the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

Chrissy encourages people to consider nominating individuals who make a difference in their communities. Having nominated someone herself, she said it was satisfying seeing them recognised and rewarded for their contributions across the community.

She thanked Professor Marcia Langton AO and Patrick Dodson for their inspiration and guidance throughout her career.