Daily London
It’s just the latest in a glittering list of achievements and awards for Freeman, undoubtedly one of Australia’s greatest athletes, responsible for the country’s most iconic sporting moment.
She already counted Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year, Sport Australia Hall of Fame Legend status and the Order of Australia Medal alongside her Olympic gold and silver medals and three Commonwealth Games golds in her trophy cabinet.
The Kuku Yalanji and Birra Gubba woman was recognised for “eminent service to athletics as an international competitor and ambassador, to positive social impact across the community, to the reconciliation movement in the spirit of unity and inclusion, and as a role model to youth.”
“Mum said this is a gift from the Australian people and I wouldn’t have looked at it that way, but my mum has incredible wisdom. So I sort of just stopped overthinking it and took it in the spirit it’s supposed to be received in,” she said, adding her mum was “all about unity”.
“I just want to be who I am, be authentic. My achievement and my story is always going to touch on things like Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander perspectives, Olympism, track and field, elite sport, women in sport, the themes are diverse and varied.”
Freeman described the award as “quite mind-bending”.
“I set out to be the best athlete that I could be for myself and then all of a sudden this whole world unfolded right before my very eyes, and it just continues to expand, and it continues to be a wild ride, let me tell ya,” she said.
Palaszczuk, who won widespread support among Queenslanders but angered many in the rest of the country by limiting the local impact of the COVID-19 pandemic through harsh border restrictions, was praised for her recognition to public health.
The Council of the Order of Australia highlighted former federal finance minister Cormann for his contributions to government reform, multilateral affairs and international economic development.
The Belgian-born Australian politician became secretary-general of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) shortly after leaving the Senate.
Former NSW leader Kristina Keneally was recognised for her services as premier, as well as her later years as a federal senator.
Former South Australian premier Steven Marshall was recognised for his service to business, people with disability, governance and board positions.
In addition to the 680 recipients of awards in the General Division of the Order of Australia (10 AC, 38 AO, 160 AM and 472 OAM), today’s Honours list includes:
- 22 recipients of awards in the Military Division of the Order of Australia.
- 187 Meritorious awards
- 60 Distinguished and Conspicuous awards
You can search the table below for the full list of honourees.
Governor-General Sam Mostyn said the honourees reflected Australia’s values for service, community, kindness, curiosity, tenacity, and care.
“Congratulations to everyone recognised in the Australia Day 2026 Honours List,” she said.
“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.”
