A message from the Governor-General about the Order of Australia (November 2022)

Many hundreds of Australians are celebrated through the Order of Australia every year. From volunteers to entrepreneurs, from artists to educators, from tradies to dancers, the honours recognise people in our community who go “above and beyond” and acknowledge hard work, excellence, service and achievement. 

Regardless of their background or field of endeavour they have one thing in common – someone nominated them. It is a unique characteristic of our system. The honours are not determined from on high.  Nominations come from the community ─ from neighbours, colleagues, team members and family and all Australians are eligible to be nominated. 

Australia is a fast-changing, growing, and culturally diverse nation. In my role I have the privilege of meeting people from all parts of our country who, every day in every way imaginable make our country the place that it is. It makes me enormously optimistic for our future and also determined that the Order of Australia reflect the strength of our diversity. It must represent the best of who we are, across the breadth of what we do. 

Recipients’ stories are inspirational. They speak to selflessness, going above and beyond and having an impact locally, nationally and internationally. I encourage you to read and watch these stories and share them to help spread the world.

Every Australian should be able to see themselves in the Order of Australia. But that will only happen if we all work together: so I encourage you to get involved and nominate someone from your community – someone who makes a positive difference, who has served selflessly and whose achievements contribute to our collective strength. 

Do not leave it to someone else – nominate someone today.