Cultural figures and philanthropists acknowledged in Australia Day Honours

Figures in the cultural sector are among the over 800 people who have received Australia Day honours this year, joining 40,000 recipients in the award's 40-year history.

The founder of the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) David Walsh received an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for creating the Hobart museum which won the 2012 Australian Tourism Award for best new development and is a major Tasmanian tourist attraction.

Walsh, a professional gambler, was recognised for “distinguished service to the visual arts through the establishment of the MONA, and as a supporter of cultural, charitable, sporting and education groups.”

Indigenous contemporary artist Tracey Moffatt, who will represent Australia at the 2017 Venice Biennale, was also named an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for her work as a photographer and film maker, and as a mentor and supporter of, and role model for, Indigenous artists.

David Handley, founder of Sydney’s Sculpture by the Sea has been recognised as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for service to visual arts and advocacy for artists with disability.

Handley started the now internationally acclaimed coastal exhibition almost 20 years ago, with volunteers working out of his lounge room and just $100 in the bank.

Seven-time ARIA Award winner Tina Arena has been had been made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for service to the music industry as a singer, songwriter, recording artist and supporter of charities.

Judith Neilson, philanthropist, owner of the White Rabbit Gallery in Chippendale – a new $32 million performance and visual arts space - is being made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her services to the arts and efforts as a benefactor to cultural and educational organisations.

Douglas Gautier, Chief Executive and Artistic Director of the Adelaide Festival Centre; Craig Hassall, Chief Executive of Opera Australia and respected ticketing consultant Patricia Boggs have each received a Medal of the Order Australia (OAM) for their services to arts management.

Two philanthropists, married couple Allan Myers and Maria Myers received the top honour Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) for their philanthropic leadership. Barrister Allan Myers was cited for his support of the visual arts as well as higher education, medical research and not-for-profit organisations. Maria Myers was named for both visual and performing arts, a range of cultural, education, and not-for-profit organisations, and for her work advancing understanding of Indigenous rock art.

The Myers are renowned benefactors whose $6 million gift to the National Gallery of Victoria in 2008, was at that time the single biggest cash donation in the gallery's history. 

If we have missed someone in the industry who was recognised in the Australia Day honours please contact leisure@ausleisure.com.au to advise.

26th January 2016 - ROD LAVER, GRAHAM FORD AND DAVID GALLOP RECOGNISED IN AUSTRALIAN DAY HONOURS

25th January 2016 - SOUTH AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT REVEALS ADELAIDE FESTIVAL PLAZA PLANS

15th December 2015 - MONA FOUNDER REVEALS PLANS FOR CASINO AND HOTEL DEVELOPMENT

1st July 2015 - NG ART GALLERY CLOSURE TO HERALD ADVANCEMENT OF NEW CHIPPENDALE CREATIVE PRECINCT

8th June 2015 - MORE THAN 700 AUSTRALIANS RECOGNISED IN QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY HONOURS 

25th January 2014 - PAST GREATS INSPIRE A NEW GENERATION OF TENNIS PLAYERS

29th January 2011 - ARTS COMMUNITY MEMBERS RECOGNISED IN AUSTRALIA DAY HONOURS