Australia Day Honours Celebrate the People Who Shape Our Nation
While discussions about the most suitable date for Australia Day continue, the annual honours list provides a meaningful opportunity to recognise the remarkable individuals who contribute to making this country an exceptional place to live. Beyond the well-known figures who receive awards, the day shines a light on many quiet workers dedicated to good causes, often previously unknown outside their immediate circles.
Preserving Australian Language and Heritage
Bruce Moore AO was honoured for his distinguished service to linguistics, Australian English scholarship, lexicography, language history, and tertiary education. As head of the Australian National Dictionary Centre at the Australian National University for seventeen years, Moore played a pivotal role in documenting how Australian English evolves over time. His work ensures that Australia's wonderfully distinct language, which continuously morphs with the times, retains its historical record.
There is particular satisfaction in his recognition, given that the centre faced potential closure during last year's turmoil at ANU. That threat now appears to have been lifted, allowing his legacy to continue.
Championing Justice for Ordinary People
Noor Blumer AM received her honour for significant service to the law, the legal profession, and the community. Since 1992, she has worked as a personal injury lawyer, representing ordinary people in workers' compensation claims, medical negligence cases, and other situations where individuals confront powerful institutions.
Her biography notes she enjoys playing the piano, scrabble, and fighting insurance companies. Blumer's journey to success is particularly inspiring, having overcome significant barriers. As the only Asian child in her school and never knowing her father, she became a teenage mother yet persevered to become a go-to lawyer for those challenging authority.
Reflecting on becoming a Member of the Order of Australia, she said, "I came in feeling maybe that I didn't belong, and now I really feel like I do belong."
Advocating for Indigenous Communities
It is heartwarming to see Matilda House OAM honoured for her service to the Indigenous communities of the Canberra region. A pillar of the community for decades, her Medal of the Order of Australia is well deserved. She was one of the original campaigners for the Aboriginal Tent Embassy in the 1970s and has remained a steadfast advocate for Indigenous rights in the ACT and beyond.
House expressed that being nominated was wonderful, describing it as "a way of saying thank you to me for doing those things." She truly deserves that gratitude.
Contributing to Climate Change Solutions
Peter Cook AC received the Companion of the Order of Australia for eminent service to science as an innovator, pioneer, and international expert in carbon capture and storage development, policy development, and climate change mitigation. Already the recipient of numerous honours, including having a centre at the University of Melbourne named after him, Cook was also a contributing author to Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports that won the Nobel Prize in 2007.
Despite his extensive achievements, the Australia Day honour still brought him pleasure. He remarked, "Some of the things I've been slaving on all these years seem to have got some sort of recognition."
A Celebration of Australian Excellence
Australia Day holds different meanings for different people, but above all, it should serve as a celebration of the best qualities within our nation. These honours highlight individuals from diverse fields—linguistics, law, Indigenous advocacy, and environmental science—who collectively contribute to Australia's greatness through their dedication, perseverance, and service.
