The 2025 Australia Day honours list shines a spotlight on several sports stars who’ve been celebrated for their exceptional achievements, both in their respective sports and in their communities. Among the recipients were legendary swim coach Laurie Lawrence (AO), Olympic Gold Medallist and Pole Vaulter Nina Kennedy (OAM) – one of 20 Paris Olympians who received honours – and 1950s Socceroos goalkeeper Bill Henderson (OAM).

These athletes represent just a portion of the many individuals recognised for their work in sports and community service. The honours emphasise the powerful role sport plays in bringing Australians together, inspiring future generations, and fostering pride in the nation.

Read the full list of recipients below.

AWARD Name CITATION/ SERVICE ORGANISATION 
OAM Mr Jed Norman Altschwager For service to sport as a gold medallist at the Paris Paralympic Games 2024.
OAM Mr Jesse Bage Aungles For service to sport as a gold medallist at the Paris Paralympic Games 2024.
OAM Ms Nikki Louise Ayers For service to sport as a gold medallist at the Paris Paralympic Games 2024.
OAM Ms Emily Jane Beecroft For service to sport as a gold medallist at the Paris Paralympic Games 2024.
OAM Mr Oliver Dylan Bleddyn For service to sport as a gold medallist at the Paris Olympic Games 2024.
OAM Mr Gregory Thomas Blood For service to sports history.
OAM Mr Korey Richard Boddington For service to sport as a gold medallist at the Paris Paralympic Games 2024.
OAM Ms Grace Lowden Brown For service to sport as a gold medallist at the Paris Olympic Games 2024.
OAM Mr Michael Buettner For service to the community, and to sport.
OAM Ms Julie Charlton For service to sport, and to people with disability.
OAM Mr Darryl Keith Davenport For service to dance sports.
OAM Mr Philip John Driscoll For service to sport through medical roles.
OAM Mr Matthew Charles Ebden For service to sport as a gold medallist at the Paris Olympic Games 2024.
OAM Mr Raymond Eric Fisher For service to the road transport industry.
OAM Ms Noemie Eva Fox For service to sport as a gold medallist at the Paris Olympic Games 2024.
OAM Ms Peta Lorraine Freeman For service to sport, and to the community.
OAM Mr Thomas James Gallagher For service to sport as a gold medallist at the Paris Paralympic Games 2024.
OAM Mr Timothy Jack Hodge For service to sport as a gold medallist at the Paris Paralympic Games 2024.
OAM Miss Shayna Louise Jack For service to sport as a gold medallist at the Paris Olympic Games 2024.
OAM Ms Nina Kennedy For service to sport as a gold medallist at the Paris Olympic Games 2024.
OAM Mr Conor Gerard Leahy For service to sport as a gold medallist at the Paris Olympic Games 2024.
OAM Ms Alexa Leary For service to sport as a gold medallist at the Paris Paralympic Games 2024.
OAM Mr Graham Edward Mapri For service to sport in the Brisbane region.
OAM Mr Cameron James Mcevoy For service to sport as a gold medallist at the Paris Olympic Games 2024.
OAM Mrs Jan Morland For service to equestrian sports.
OAM Mr Kelland Michael O’Brien For service to sport as a gold medallist at the Paris Olympic Games 2024.
OAM Ms Lani Glen Pallister For service to sport as a gold medallist at the Paris Olympic Games 2024.
OAM Ms Lauren Parker For service to sport as a gold medallist at the Paris Paralympic Games 2024.
OAM Mr John Peers For service to sport as a gold medallist at the Paris Olympic Games 2024.
OAM Ms Jamie Perkins For service to sport as a gold medallist at the Paris Olympic Games 2024.
OAM Mr Rodney William Philp For service to community sporting organisations.
OAM Ms Saya Sakakibara For service to sport as a gold medallist at the Paris Olympic Games 2024.
OAM Mr Callum Simpson For service to sport as a gold medallist at the Paris Paralympic Games 2024.
OAM Miss Keira Kristina Stephens For service to sport as a gold medallist at the Paris Paralympic Games 2024.
OAM Ms Arisa Trew For service to sport as a gold medallist at the Paris Olympic Games 2024.
OAM Mr Samuel Luke Welsford For service to sport as a gold medallist at the Paris Olympic Games 2024.
OAM Ms Olivia Clare Wunsch For service to sport as a gold medallist at the Paris Olympic Games 2024.
(Honorary) OAM Mr Alan Gillott For service to golf, and to women’s sport.