Officer 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 Officer of the Order of Australia is awarded for distinguished service of a high degree to Australia or humanity at large.
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.
Broadcaster Geraldine Doogue AO was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2003 for distinguished service to the community and the media on issues involving ethics, values, religion and social change.
Jimmy Little AO was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for distinguished service to the entertainment industry and for his contribution to reconciliation.
Search the Australian Honours List for past recipients of the Officer of the Order of Australia.
View the numbers awarded for the Officer 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.
Once a nomination has been submitted, the Australian Honours Secretariat at Government House in Canberra conducts further research and contacts referees.
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
Officer of the Order of Australia -Male arrangement (left) Female arrangement (right)
The medal of the Officer of the Order of Australia is a badge with a gold-plated silver insignia of the Order in the centre.
The central insignia is circled with blue enamel edged in gold 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.
- Officer of the Order of Australia - Fact Sheet - PDF 63KB | RTF 866KB
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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