Australia Day Honours 2026: Full list of recipients

Olympic legend Cathy Freeman has been given the nation’s highest award for service and is among hundreds recognised in the 2026 Australia Day honours list. Freeman, a proud Kuku Yalanji woman, has been appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia, recognising her service to athletics and the reconciliation movement, as well as her positive community impact and status as a role model to young people. The Olympic gold medallist, who was previously recognised with a Medal of the Order of Australia in 2001, is among 949 Australians awarded honours this year, including former premiers, community champions, and mental health…