Australia Day Honours: Coach, judge, human rights advocate among recognised as ‘embodying the best of us’

A renowned swimming coach, a human rights advocate, and the parents of Hannah Clarke — the Queensland woman killed along with her three children by her estranged husband — are leading names recognised in this year’s Australia Day honours for their contribution to the nation.

Some 457 Australians were recognised in the general order in the 50th anniversary of the nation’s honours system, with Governor-General Sam Mostyn describing recipients as embodying “the best of us”.

Six Australians were awarded the highest honour — the Companion of the Order of Australia — including constitutional lawyer and Uluru Statement from Heart architect Professor Megan Davis and the late Indigenous singer and land rights activist Galarrwuy Yunupingu.

Former Human Rights commissioner Gillian Triggs, who also received an AC, was recognised for her service to human rights law, international relations, social justice advocacy and legal education and research.

WA-born High Court Justice James Edelman, infectious diseases expert Allen Cheuk-Seng Cheng, and arts patron Lyn Williams also all received the highest honour.

Suzanne and Lloyd Clarke received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for their work promoting the prevention of coercive control and domestic violence.

The pair took up the cause after Hannah Clarke, 31, and her children Aaliyah, 6, Laianah, 4, and Trey, 3, were murdered in February 2020 in a shocking incident that horrified Australians and sparked a national debate about domestic violence.

Mr and Mrs Clarke established Small Steps 4 Hannah, a foundation aimed at raising awareness and educating children and young people on identifying coercive control behaviours.

“It’s a lot of mixed emotions that come with the award and we hope Hannah would be proud of us, too,” Mrs Clarke said.

“We’ve got a long way to go but we’re starting to make headway.”

Legendary former swim coach Laurie Lawrence, who has spearhead efforts around children’s water safety, was awarded with the Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for his work keeping kids safe around pools and the ocean.

“(Pool fences) had to be legislated and so to soften the legislation, the government said ‘let’s get that silly bastard who jumped in the pool at the Olympics to push the message’,” the 83-year-old said.

“When we started (in 1988), 63 kids under the age of five drowned in Australia that year, and last year, we were down to 15.

“We’re not there yet but we’re getting there.”

The late Liberal MP Kevin Andrews and Little River Band member Gerard Bertelkamp were made a Member of the Order if Australia (AM), while footy commentator Kelli Underwood received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her services to broadcast media.

“To read recipient stories is to be reminded that contribution to communities across the country, underpinned by care, kindness, respect and love, is what matter most to all Australians, in every sphere of life,” Ms Mostyn said.

“Recipients embody the best of us, and we are grateful to all of them.

“This year, we mark the 50th anniversary of Australia’s honours system. We have a wonderful opportunity over the next 50 years of our honours and awards to reflect our generous, successful and modern Australian society.”

Recipients will receive their medallions at ceremonies in coming months.