Australian Honours & Awards
Honours and Awards
Governor of Queensland
His Excellency the Honourable Thomas Bradley KC takes great pride in conferring Australian Honours and Awards on Queensland citizens who have gone above and beyond to make a difference in their communities.
Each year, several hundred Queenslanders are formally recognised through Investiture Ceremonies hosted at Government House and in regional centres such as Cairns and Townsville. These occasions provide an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of recipients in the presence of family, friends, and community, honouring those whose service and dedication have strengthened Queensland and enriched the lives of others.
Honours are announced twice yearly—on Australia Day (January) and the King’s Birthday (June)—with additional announcements for bravery decorations in March and August. Nominations for the Order of Australia can be submitted at any time and are assessed independently by the Council for the Order of Australia. This rigorous process ensures that the system remains a trusted and inclusive way for the nation to celebrate those who work tirelessly to improve communities and make Australia a better place for all.
Alexa Leary
Honoured For: Service to sport as a gold medallist at the Paris Paralympic Games in 2024
Alexa Leary OAM is a remarkable young Queenslander recognised for her outstanding achievements in sport, particularly as a gold medallist at the Paris Paralympic Games in 2024. She won two gold medals and a silver and twice broke the women’s 100m freestyle S9 world record. Her journey is especially inspiring because, after a devastating training accident in July 2021 that resulted in a significant brain injury, she overcame immense odds—at one point, doctors were unsure if she would ever walk or talk again. Through determination and the support of her family and medical teams, Alexa not only recovered but returned to elite competition, winning medals at the World Para Swimming Championships and continuing to break world records.
Award Announcements
To find someone who has been recognised with an award, you can search the database which includes all Honours, going back to 1975.
Australian Bravery Decorations
Celebrating 50 years of Australian Honours and Awards
In 2025, Australia marked 50 years of the Honours and Awards system—a unique national tradition that recognises exceptional service, achievement, and acts of bravery. Since its establishment in 1975, the system has celebrated Australians from all walks of life, acknowledging both well-known figures and unsung heroes whose contributions have strengthened communities and enriched our nation. For five decades, these honours have stood as a symbol of gratitude and respect, inspiring others to follow in the footsteps of those who strive to make Australia a better place.
