Australia Day honours recognise Cathy Freeman and Midnight Oil drummer.

About 949 Australians were named on the Australia Day honours list, including Cathy Freeman appointed a Companion (AC) and the late Midnight Oil drummer Rob Hirst recognised as a Member (AM).

Cathy Freeman and the late Midnight Oil drummer Rob Hirst are among those named on the 2026 Australia Day honours list. The list recognised about 949 Australians, including 680 awards in the general division of the Order of Australia. Freeman was appointed a Companion (AC) for her services to athletics and to positive social impact, and Hirst was posthumously made a Member (AM) for significant service to the performing arts through music. The honours also include senior legal figures, leading researchers and several former state and federal politicians. Honours at a glance: - 949 Australians named on the Australia Day honours list, with 680 awards in the general division of the Order of Australia. - Ten people were appointed Companions (AC), 38 Officers (AO), 160 Members (AM) and 472 Medals (OAM) in the general division. - Cathy Freeman was appointed a Companion (AC) for service to athletics and social impact, and the late Rob Hirst was recognised as a Member (AM) for service to music and the performing arts. - High‑profile recipients include Mathias Cormann, Kristina Keneally and Annastacia Palaszczuk. - The youngest named recipient in the list is Nicholas Pearce (32) and the eldest living recipients are Janina Archabuz and Derrick Hammon (both 99). Summary: Governor‑General Sam Mostyn said the breadth of recipients reflects values such as service, community and care across many fields. The 2026 list shows a wide range of public, cultural and scientific contributions and an increase of more than 200 awards compared to 2025. Undetermined at this time.