Overview of Australian honours – the nation’s way of saying thank you
Sailor
David Dicks OAM who sailed solo around the world in 1996.
Photo: Ian Cugley Newspix
Each year, hundreds of Australians, from community volunteers to academics, sportspeople and business leaders earn our thanks with an Australian honour.
The Governor-General approves honours and awards on behalf of all Australians to recognise those people who have demonstrated excellence, courage or exceptional dedication to service in ways that bring special credit to this country. Among the awards are:
- The Order of Australia which recognises outstanding achievements and contributions to our society;
- The Australian Bravery Decorations which recognise acts of bravery and selflessness; and
- The Victoria Cross for Australia the most important and significant award for acts of bravery in wartime.
Australia’s distinctive honours system began in 1975. It is a public system that is open to all Australians, with details of awards published in the national media.
The major parts of the system, the Order of Australia and the Australian Bravery Decorations, are based on nominations from the public. Anyone can nominate an Australian citizen for an honour.
The Australian honours system also recognises citizens of other countries who have contributed to better relations between Australia and their home country through honorary awards in the Order of Australia.
These webpages are tailored to suit education resources for teachers/students. Please view the A-Z of Australian Awards for further information.