News
Advocates within the disability sector have been honoured as part of Australia Day celebrations across the country, with architects, sportspeople and health experts among those recognised for their contributions to their fields.
Ten remarkable Australians have received awards across three categories under the Order of Australia awards, which are held annually on the 26th of January. This year’s awards acknowledged the impact of the recipient’s passion and advocacy for the rights of people living with disability.
The Order of Australia recognises Australians who have demonstrated outstanding service or exceptional achievement.
There are four levels of award, The Companion of the Order of Australia (AC), Officer of the Order of Australia (AO), Member of the Order of Australia (AM), and Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM), according to the Office of the Official Secretary to the Governor-General.
A total of five Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) honours were awarded across the fields of advocacy, sport and the arts, recognising each recipient’s commitment to improving all areas of the disability community.
Mr Paul Marcus Crake, Mr Ernest William Drew, and Mr Anthony David Rice were presented with their OAMs for services to people with disability, while Ms Anna Louise Mezger received her OAM for service to sports administration, specifically for her role as Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for Special Olympics Australia.
Powerd’s very own Ms Eliza Hull was also honoured with a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM), for service to people with disability, and to the arts.
Ms Hull shared the news on social media, saying that she’s proud to have created representation in music and multimedia that sparks conversations about disability and amplifies the experiences of people with disability.
My proudest achievement has been…advocating for…talent, leadership and creativity of artists with disability, in ways that are inclusive and accessible. This recognition belongs to the many communities, collaborators, advocates and artists who have created and advocated alongside me and believed in my work.
Eliza Hull
Tasmania’s Carolyn Patricia Frohmader received her Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) award for distinguished service to people with disability, particularly for her work as a dedicated human rights campaigner for women and girls, given her role as the long-serving Executive Director of Women with Disabilities Australia.
The Honourable Steven Spence Marshall was also awarded an AO for distinguished service to people with disability and the Parliament of South Australia.
In the field of health, Dr Sophie Bilicki Holmes, was honoured with the Member of the Order of Australia (AM) award for significant service to mental health, family therapy, and to people with disability. Ms Farah Percy Madon also received an AM for significant service to architecture, recognised for her role as lead author of the NDIS Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) Design Standard, which sets minimum requirements for housing for people with disability.
New South Wales athlete Kelly Wren was presented with her AM for significant service to tennis, to basketball, and to athletes with an intellectual disability.
A huge congratulations to all Order of Australia honourees.
If you would like to see the full list of Australia Day award recipients, click here.