Mark Hughes is honoured for charity work through the Mark Hughes Foundation funding brain cancer research and partnering with the NRL’s Beanie for Brain Cancer Round.

Australia Day honours spotlight a broad cross-section of achievement, with nearly 1,000 Australians recognized in the 2026 Honours List, including high-profile former premiers and a slate of notable contributors.

Cathy Freeman is named a Companion of the Order of Australia for athletic excellence and social impact, including reconciliation work and serving as a youth role model.

Mathias Cormann is named a Companion of the Order of Australia for government reform, multilateral affairs, and international economic development, having previously led the OECD.

Renton Millar, head skateboarding judge at the Paris Olympics, receives a Medal of the Order for four decades of contribution to the sport.

The youngest recipient is Nicholas Pearce (32) for aiding homeless youths, while the oldest honorees include Janina Archabuz and Derrick Hammon at 99.

The Council is urging the public to nominate more women and men to improve gender balance across nominations and outcomes.

Bruce Armstrong is recognised for lifelong cancer research and screening contributions, with dementia considerations noted at 81.

Steven Marshall is recognised for service to business, disability advocacy, governance, and board roles.

Recipients emphasize humility and teamwork; Kelso highlights partnerships and gender equity as drivers of scientific progress.

Eliza Hull is recognised for disability advocacy and contributions to the arts, underscoring representation of disabled people in media and literature.

Graeme Base, famed children’s author and artist of Animalia and The Eleventh Hour, is named a Member of the Order.