Generosity celebrated in Australia Day 2026 Honours list

More than 900 individuals have been acknowledged for their generosity in this year’s Australia Day Honours. While none give in search of recognition, their abundant altruism gives hope to many communities and causes.  Philanthropy Australia is proud to recognise and champion their giving, which supports diverse and worthy causes across our nation.  

Maree Sidey, Philanthropy Australia CEO, said it’s exciting and inspiring to see so many familiar names on the Australia Day Honours list.  

“We are proud to recognise the outstanding achievements of our Philanthropy Australia members whose work and dedication is so worthy of celebration. 

“These awards recognise individual effort and contributions, but they also speak to a strong future for the Australian philanthropic sector, where giving continues to grow in a sustainable way that ensures we can support for those communities and causes who need us most. 

“It demonstrates that across our nation, the spirit of generous giving is flourishing.” 

Congratulations to: 

Michael Betts AM was honoured for his significant service to the community of Geelong. 

Andrea Coote AM, chair of the Jack Brockhoff Foundation, was recognised for her long-standing contribution to the Victorian Parliament and the aged care sector. 

The Reverend Dr Vernon Cracknell OAM and Graham Hill OAM were honoured for their service to young people through Scouts SA, and ongoing contributions to the South Australian community. 

Jeremy Dunkel OAM received his honour for dedicated service to the Jewish community, through leadership of, and contributions to, organisations including Australian Jewish Funders and the Jewish Communal Appeal. 

Peter Flynn AM was awarded for significant service to community mental health, as an administrator, patron and donor. 

Professor Stephen Jane AO was recognised for distinguished service to medical research, to haematology and translational medicine, to advancing access to clinical trials in regional and rural communities, and to tertiary education. 

Brian Keane OAM was acknowledged for his continued leadership in the community through work at MacKillop Family Services and others. 

The Honourable Kristina Kenealy AO was honoured for her service to the people and the Parliament of Australia, and for her ongoing contribution to the for-purpose and philanthropic community.  

Norman Lewis OAM was honoured for his continued leadership in the philanthropic community through his work at The Shine On Foundation.  

Eli Murn OAM was recognised for his service to road safety advocacy. For more than 15 years, Eli has shared his deeply personal story with tens of thousands of South Australian students in auditoriums and classrooms across the state, including at RAA’s Street Smart High since it began in 2009. 

Distinguished Professor Saeid Nahavandi AO was acknowledged for his service to tertiary education, to engineering, to robotics and haptics research and innovation, and to defence capability development. 

Sebastian Robertson OAM, Director of Australian Philanthropic Services, was recognised for his longstanding contribution to the philanthropic and for-purpose community. 

The full Australia Day 2026 Honours List is available on the Office of the Official Secretary to the Governor-General’s website.