In recognition of a special contribution to the national well-being, Australian Honours are awarded to Australian citizens selected by the office of the Governor General.
Following are the awards made on Australia Day 2020 for contributions to music, with a few also of those awarded more broadly in the arts.
The Music Trust congratulates all awardees and thanks them for their contributions and their generosity to our country.
Please note that every one of us is able to nominate someone for consideration for an award. Those who are not nominated are not considered. An award recognises the value of an individual’s part in our musical life – and it also helps to affirm the importance of music in our national life. Contact the Governor-General’s office for information.
Here are the music awardees and a few important arts awardees for the Australia Day 2020 round.
OFFICER (AO) IN THE GENERAL DIVISION OF THE ORDER
Includes some of the people awarded for support to the arts.
Ms Ilana Rachel ATLAS, NSW
For distinguished service to the financial and manufacturing sectors, to education, and to the arts. Includes Chair, Bell Shakespeare.
The Honourable Edward Norman BAILLIEU, Hawthorn VIC 3122
For distinguished service to the people and Parliament of Victoria, particularly as Premier, and to international engagement. (Includes Minister for the Arts, and Co-Patron, Multicultural Arts Victoria.)
Professor Larissa BEHRENDT, Sydney NSW 2000
For distinguished service to Indigenous education and research, to the law, and to the visual and performing arts. Many arts involvements including Chair, Bangarra Dance Theatre and other Aboriginal initiatives. Active artistically, awarded especially for writing.
Mr Keith Lionel URBAN, USA
For distinguished service to the performing arts as a singer and songwriter, and to charitable organisations.
MEMBER (AM) IN THE GENERAL DIVISION OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA
Emeritus Professor Warren Arthur BEBBINGTON, The Basin VIC 3154
For significant service to education, particularly to the study of music.
Ms Deborah Anne CONWAY, VIC
For significant service to the performing arts as a singer, songwriter and producer.
Ms Catherine Emily COX, Red Hill QLD 4059
For significant service to the performing arts through choral music.
Mr Henry Gibson DAN, Mooroobool QLD 4870
For significant service to music, and to the Indigenous community.
Mr Wesley James ENOCH, Dunwich QLD 4183
For significant service to the performing arts as an Indigenous director and playwright.
Mr Andrew Charles FARRISS, Barraba NSW 2347
For significant service to the performing arts as a musician, composer and producer.
Mr Paul James FIELD, NSW
For significant service to the arts, particularly to children’s entertainment, and as a supporter of charitable endeavours. (Included Managing Director of The Wiggles; producer, director, musicians, songwriter, author.)
Ms Rachel Ann GRIFFITHS, NSW
For significant service to the performing arts as an actor.
Mr Douglas LAWRENCE OAM, West Brunswick VIC 3055
For significant service to the performing arts, particularly to chamber choirs
Ms Rachael Zoa MAZA, Sunshine VIC 3020
For significant service to the performing arts as an artistic director.
Mr Timothy David MINCHIN, Coogee NSW 2034
For significant service to the performing arts, and to the community.
Ms Caroline O’CONNOR, Noosaville QLD 4566
For significant service to the performing arts, particularly to musical theatre.
Emeritus Professor Sharman Ellen PRETTY, Wahroonga NSW 2076
For significant service to music education, and to the performing arts.
Ms Claire Elena SPENCER, St Kilda West VIC 3182
For significant service to arts administration, and to the community.
Mr Michael Robert TYACK, Rozelle NSW 2039
For significant service to the performing arts as a musical director.
HONORARY MEMBER (AM) IN THE GENERAL DIVISION OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA
Honorary awards are given to non-citizens
Mr Roland Sylvester PEELMAN, Glebe NSW 2037
For significant service to music.
MEDAL (OAM) OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA IN THE GENERAL DIVISION
Mr Phillip Nicholas ANTIPPA, Albert Park VIC 3206
For service to thoracic surgery, and to music.
Mr David Kevin BOOTH, Kincumber NSW 2251
For service to the community of Gosford.
Mr Wayne Morris BOWDEN, East Keilor VIC 3033
For service to music, particularly through brass bands.
Mrs Karen Elizabeth CAREY, Belrose NSW 2085
For service to secondary education.
Mr Peter COMBE, Glenside SA 5065
For service to the performing arts,particularly music for children.
Mr Carter EDWARDS, Canton Beach NSW 2263
For service to the broadcast media, particularly to radio
Ms Linda GEORGE, Melbourne VIC 3000
For service to music education.
Mr Reynold William GILSON, Kangaroo Ground VIC 3097
For service to music through brass bands.
Mrs Kay Frances LANE, The Hill NSW 2300
For service to music, and to education.
Mrs Rhonda Margaret LANGFORD, Moss Vale NSW 2577
For service to music, and to education.
Dr Thomas William LANGSTON, Ulverstone TAS 7315
For service to music, and to the community.
Mr Maxwell Arthur PAGE, Nedlands WA 6009
For service to the performing arts in Western Australia.
Mrs Joanna Helen RANDELL, Carmel WA 6076
For service to the community through music
Ms Karen Jeanne REDMAN, Mount Barker SA 5251
For service to music through concert bands.
Mr Paul Michael STEWART, Williamstown VIC 3016
For service to the community, and to the performing arts.
Mr Robert Charles TITTERTON, NSW
For service to music through orchestras and ensembles.
Mr William George WARBURTON, North Tamworth NSW 2340
For service to the community of Tamworth.
HONORARY MEDAL (OAM) OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA IN THE GENERAL DIVISION
Ms Brenda Jean RAYNER, Kingswood SA 5062
For service to music.
Dr Richard Letts AM is the founder and Director of The Music Trust, founder and former Executive Director of the Music Council of Australia (now Music Australia) and Past President of the International Music Council. He has held senior positions in music and culture in Australia and the United States, advocated for music and music education, conducted research, written policy documents, edited four periodicals, published four books and hundreds of articles.
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