But the vast majority of those honoured weren t Hollywood actors, political staffers-turned pundits, or senior cops.
Instead they were unsung heroes in the Australian community, including children s cancer nurses, prison volunteers, retired ambulance officers and the sister of a high-profile murder victim.
Actor Chris Hemsworth was named a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to the performing arts, and to charitable organisations . But most awarded were not famous celebrities Most of those honoured in the awards expressed humility about their work serving the community. I feel very honoured by it, but I feel there s a lot more people more deserving than me, children s cancer nurse Mary McGowan told The Age. I don t see it as just for me, it s a team effort.
They are the heartbeat of our community, and the work they do and the people they help is all the reward they seek. Today they are among the most deserving of Queen’s Birthday Honours recipients. These are their stories.