Residents in the New England are being encouraged to nominate local people, professionals and volunteers, who have displayed extraordinary service and achievement during the COVID-19 response and recovery, for an Australian national honour. 

Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, said a range of honours and awards were available to recognise exceptional service, including the Order of Australia, and specific occupation-based ‘meritorious’ awards for those in emergency and other services. 

“Individuals recognised for their contribution, service or achievement relating to COVID-19 will be featured on a dedicated COVID-19 honours roll as well as the official Australian honours database from the Queen’s Birthday in June,” Mr Joyce said.

Anyone can nominate someone for the Order of Australia at any time. If you know someone who has contributed extraordinarily, you can nominate them by completing the Order of Australia nomination form.

This contribution could include:

•    health professionals providing critical care to COVID-19 patients or older Australians in aged care;
•    researchers and scientists developing health innovations to protect Australians from the virus;
•    frontline workers going above and beyond to keep critical services and the economy going, and
•    volunteers supporting vulnerable members of our community, older Australians and those feeling isolated.

Nominations will be considered by the Council for the Order of Australia which makes a recommendation to the Governor-General. 

“I encourage you to take this opportunity to nominate individuals who during this pandemic have demonstrated exceptional service, for COVID-19 recognition in the Order of Australia,” Mr Joyce added.

For more information on Australian Honours, as well as information on how to make a nomination, visit COVID-19 related recognition with Australian honours | Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (pmc.gov.au)

(ENDS)