Companion of the Order of Australia
Significance
In the Australian honours system appointments to the Order of Australia confer recognition for outstanding achievement and service.
The Companion of the Order of Australia is awarded for eminent achievement and merit of the highest degree in service to Australia or humanity at large.
The Companion is Australia’s greatest civic honour.
The Order of Australia has four levels:
- Companion of the Order (AC)
- Officer of the Order (AO)
- Member of the Order (AM)
- Medal of the Order (OAM)
Past recipients
Recipients of the Order of Australia are from many fields of endeavour and all walks of life.
Dr Jean Calder AC was appointed a Companion in 2005. She runs a rehabilitation programme, based in the Gaza Strip for disabled, disadvantaged and war-traumatised people.
Dr Calder was recognised for inspirational humanitarian service in the Middle East, leadership and commitment to international relations and academic and professional training in rehabilitation.
Immunologist Professor Peter Doherty AC and businessman Nicholas Paspaley AC have also been appointed Companions of the Order of Australia for their achievements.
Search the Australian Honours List for past recipients of the Companion of the Order of Australia.
View the numbers awarded for the Companion of the Order of Australia.
How it is awarded
The Order of Australia is the pre-eminent way Australians recognise the achievements and service of their fellow citizens.
Nominations to the Order of Australia come directly from the community: either individuals or groups. Anyone can nominate a fellow Australian for an award.
Appointments in the Order of Australia are not made posthumously. However, a nomination will be considered if the person is alive when the nomination form is received by the Australian Honours and Awards Secretariat at Government House in Canberra.
The 19-member Council for the Order of Australia then considers the nominations. The Council makes its recommendations, independent of government, direct to the Governor-General.
Awards in the Order of Australia are publicly announced on Australia Day (26 January) and The Queen’s Birthday public holiday (June).
See also:
Medal design
Companion of the Order of Australia
The design of the Companion of the Order of Australia is a badge with a gold insignia of the Order in the centre.
The central insignia is circled with blue enamel edged in gold with citrines and is inscribed with the word ‘Australia’ in gold capital letters. The circle also contains two gold sprigs of mimosa.
The insignia is ensigned with the Crown of St Edward in full colour.
The medal is hung from the ribbon of the Order. It is royal blue with a central band of mimosa blossoms.
Print fact sheet
The information on this page is available as a printable fact sheet.
- Companion of the Order of Australia - Fact Sheet - PDF 60KB | RTF 952KB
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More information
For more information on making a nomination for the Order of Australia contact:
The Secretary
Order of Australia
Government House
CANBERRA, ACT 2600
Ph: 1800 552 275