In the evening at Government House, the Governor of Tasmania, the Honourable Barbara Baker, and Emeritus Professor Don Chalmers hosted a reception for members of the Order of Australia Association, Tasmania Branch.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Australian Honours and Awards System, celebrating those who make significant contributions and provide worthy service to our community.

The Governor was pleased to host a reception for members of the Tasmanian branch of the Order of Australia Association to mark this important milestone.

Since the advent of the Australian Honours and Awards System in 1975, more than one million Australians have been recognised in the Order of Australia or for their courage, merit and service in other national awards.

In the Order of Australia, more than 47,000 Australians have been awarded Medals or been appointed as Members, Officers or Companions in the General and Military Divisions over the past 50 years.

Recognition for service to the community is the largest category for awards in the General Division, with 32 per cent of people acknowledged for their community service.

On display at the reception were Australian Honours and Awards insignia, including replicas of the medals for the system’s founding awards designed by specialist gold and silversmith Stuart Devlin AO CMG (1931-2018).

Anyone can nominate a person for an award in the Order of Australia, so if you know an outstanding Tasmanian who deserves recognition, visit the website to find out more: https://www.gg.gov.au/australian-honours-and-awards