A man who kept Australia from being turned upside down by COVID-19 and another who toppled opponents like no other feature on the Queen’s Birthday Honors List.
Former Chief Medical Officer Brendan Murphy and legendary cricketer Shane Warne stand out on the list of 992 people, eight of whom have earned the prestigious Companion (AC) of the Order.
Dr Murphy was Australia’s Marketing Director from 2016-2020 and was one of the Australian public faces in the initial pandemic response. He has since become secretary of the health department.
SCROLL DOWN TO SEE SUNSHINE COAST OAM BENEFICIARIES
Others heavily involved in the pandemic response, including the Governor of Queensland and longtime former chief health officer Jeannette Young, also received high honors.
Ms Young (pictured below), appointed AC, was Queensland’s top health officer from 2005 until the end of 2021. NSW Health Director Kerry Chant has been appointed as Officer (AO) of the Order.
Excelling in a different field, Mr. Warne would be posthumously appointed AO approximately three months after his death. He is honored for his distinguished service to cricket having won 708 wickets during his career, as well as his service to the community through charitable endeavours.
In the military division, Vice Admiral Lance Johnston was appointed as a highly skilled strategic military planner and defense capability system champion.
Other Board appointments include plant biologist and ecologist Patricia Selkirk for her services to conservation in researching Antarctic and sub-Antarctic ecosystems, Chief Defense Scientist Tanya Monro and Chair of the Australasian Center for Rail Innovation. and former Deputy Prime Minister John Anderson.
Australia’s first female premier, Carmen Lawrence, has been named AO, along with other honored politicians including former Attorney General Robert McClelland (AO), former Speaker of the House of Representatives Stephen Martin (AO) and former National Party Federal Chairman Larry Anthony.
Retired tennis star Ash Barty has been named AO after ending her career as a three-time Grand Slam singles champion after winning the Australian Open crown this year.
“Recipients share some common traits, including selflessness, excellence and commitment to service,” Governor General David Hurley said.
“They come from different backgrounds, their stories are each unique and each has served in different ways…that diversity is a strength and each has impacted their community and made it better.
“Together, the winners, whose achievements span community service, science and research, industry, sport, the arts and more, represent the best of Australia.”
Individuals from the Sunshine Coast who have received a medal (OAM) in the General Division include:
Mr. Gregory Norman BEALE, Minyama, for his service to community safety.
Mr. William Robert DARBY, QLD, for his service to the Sunshine Coast community.
Mrs. Lenore GRICE, Sunshine Beach, for the lifesaving surf service.
Mrs. Judith Anne MALCOLM, Parrearra, for her services to sport in various functions.
Mrs. Helen PARK, Marcus Beach, for her service in water polo.
Mr. Clive Edgar PLATER, Eudlo, for his service to the history of the community.
Mr. John SPINK, Glass House Mountains, for his services to Aboriginal community health.
High level winners
Jeannette Young (AC) – Chief Health Officer
Brendan Murphy (AC) – chief medical officer
John Anderson (AC) – philanthropist and former Deputy Prime Minister
Leigh Clifford (AC) – businessman and philanthropist
Gina Fairfax (AC) – philanthropist
Anne Green (AC) – astrophysicist
Tanya Monro (AC) – Chief Defense Scientist
Patricia Selkirk (AC) – Antarctic scientist
Kerry Chant (AO) – Chief Health Officer
Mary-Louise McLaws (AO) – epidemiologist
Carmen Lawrence (AO) – former Labor Prime Minister of WA
Ash Barty (AO) – tennis champion
Shane Warne (AO) – late cricket star
