2021 Australia Day Honours

The 2021 Australia Day honours has been met with deep discussion across our nation this year. Announcing the list, the Governor-General said:

“On behalf of all Australians, I congratulate everyone recognised in the Australia Day Honours list.”

“The individuals we celebrate today come from all parts of our great nation and have served the community in almost every way conceivable. They’re diverse and unique but there are some common characteristics, including selflessness, commitment and dedication.”

“Recipients have not put their hand up to be recognised. Most would consider the achievements that they are being recognised for to be ‘ordinary’ or just what they do. Therein is the great strength of our system – recipients in the Order of Australia have been nominated by their peers, considered by an independent process and, today, recognised by the nation.”

“The sum of these contributions speaks to our nation’s greatest strength – its people.”

Overall 50 awards were presented to the performing, visual and literacy arts categories, with an additional nine awarded to the broadcast and screen sector. The performing arts led the way ahead of all other creative sectors. Overall in 2021, the total number of recipients in the honours list is 844. In terms of gender balance across this year’s list, a total of 485 men were nominated with 361 receiving honours, while 315 women were nominated with 210 receiving honours.

Congratulations to all who received an Australia Day honour this year. Below is the honour list for our nations 2021 honours in the performing arts.

Emeritus Professor Kathryn MARSH AO (NSW) – For distinguished service to music education as an academic, researcher, author and mentor, and to professional musicological societiMs

Chrissie PARROTT AO (WA) – For distinguished service to the performing arts, particularly to dance, as a performer, choreographer and director, and through mentoring roles.

Professor Robert Arthur CONSTABLE AM (NSW) – For significant service to music education, to performance, and to composition.

Lorrae DESMOND MBE AM (QLD) – For significant service to the performing arts as an actor, entertainer and singer.

The late Mr Garry Ronald GINIVAN AM (VIC) – For significant service to children’s theatre as a producer and director.

Michael Bruce HAWKINS AM (QLD) – For significant service to the film and television industry, and to screen content.

Lindy HUME AM (NSW) – For significant service to the performing arts, particularly to opera.

Genevieve Mary JACOBS AM (ACT) – For significant service to the broadcast media, and to the community.

Mary Lou Jelbart AM (VIC) – For significant serviceservice to the performing and visual arts, and to the community.

The late Mrs Maureen Anne KERRIDGE AM (NSW) – For significant service to the television industry, to the arts, and to charitable organisations.

Valerie Kathleen LEHMAN AM (QLD) – For significant service to the performing arts, and to wildlife conservation.

Winnie Martha PELZ AM (SA) – For significant service to arts administration, and to the community.

Dr Robyn Marie SHEAHAN-BRIGHT AM (QLD) – For significant service to children’s literature, and to the promotion of reading.

Jill Harrison SMITH AM (VIC) – For significant service to the performing arts, and to cultural development.

 Kenneth Wayne WATKINS AM (Vic) –  For significant service to the performing arts, particularly to ballet.

Antoni Robert BONETTI AM (QLD) – For significant service to the performing arts as an orchestral conductor and musical director.

Danzal BAKER OAM (NSW) – For service to the performing arts as a singer and musician.

The late Mrs Margaret Annette BARTKEVICIUS-JAMES OAM (TAS) – For service to dance, and to the community of Tasmania.

Winitha Michelle BONNEY OAM (Vic) – For service to women, to dance, and to the community.

Dr Robert Michael BRAHAM OAM (WA) – For service to choral music.

Lino Domenic BRESCIANI OAM (VIC) – For service to the performing arts, and to young singers and musicians.

Aldo FEDEL OAM (NSW) – For service to choral music as a conductor and director.

Graeham GOBLE OAM (VIC) – For service to the performing arts as a singer, songwriter and producer.

Brady HARAN OAM (SA) – For service to the broadcast and on-line media.

David HELFGOTT OAM (NSW) – For service to the performing arts as a concert pianist.

Janet Dorothy KNEESHAW OAM (NSW) – For service to the performing arts, and to the community.

Brian Francis McMENNEMIN OAM (VIC) – For service to music through brass bands.

Sacha Michael MAHBOUB OAM (WA) – For service to the performing arts.

Simon Edward MOORE OAM (NSW) – For service to the broadcast media, and to the community.

Brett Matthew MORGAN OAM (NSW) – For service to the performing arts, particularly to dance.

Steven Allen OSTROW OAM (NSW) – For service to the LGBTIQ community, and to the performing arts.

Anthony (Ray) PEREIRA OAM (VIC) – For service to the performing arts as a percussionist, performer and composer.

Merrin ROSS OAM (NSW) – For service to the performing arts, particularly to musical theatre.

Julie SYDENHAM OAM (NSW) – For service to the creative arts.

Suzanne (Sue) Constance THOMPSON OAM (QLD) – For service to music education in Queensland.