The achievements of 949 exceptional Australians have been formally recognised in the Australia Day 2026 Honours List, announced by the Governor-General, Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC.
These individuals have made outstanding contributions across a wide range of fields — from community service, and scientific research to industry, sport, the arts, and beyond.
This Australia Day 2026 Honours List includes:
- 680 recipients in the General Division of the Order of Australia
- 22 recipients in the Military Division of the Order of Australia
- 187 Meritorious award recipients
- 60 recipients of Distinguished and Conspicuous awards.
‘On my second Australia Day as your Governor-General, I am delighted to announce the Australia Day 2026 Honours List,’ the Governor-General said.
‘Throughout 2025, we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Australian honours system and the people who for the past half century have epitomised the best of Australia.’
‘The qualities and accomplishments of this year’s honourees reflect Australia’s values for service, community, kindness, curiosity, tenacity, and care.’
‘Congratulations to everyone recognised in the Australia Day 2026 Honours List. As the list so vividly showcases, so many Australians continue to give the best of themselves across many endeavours, in the interest of others. It is rewarding to see an increase in the number of awards, which reflects more nominations and recognition of the many Australians who inspire the best in all of us,’ said the Governor-General.
The Order of Australia and meritorious awards are among the highest forms of national recognition, celebrating those who have gone above and beyond in service to Australia and humanity.
The full list of recipients is available is available at Office of the Official Secretary to the Governor-General.
But no matter how significant a person’s contribution, they can’t be honoured unless they are nominated. Don’t wait for someone else to do it — your nomination could be the reason an extraordinary Australian is celebrated.
Nominate someone remarkable today.