Industry achievers recognised in Queen's birthday honours list

Renowned Australians have received the highest accolades in the 2012 Queen's Birthday honours with leisure industry leaders among those recognised.

Professor Stephen Hopper, an Australian who is the first non-British director of the prestigious Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, is one of eight people named as a Companion (AC) in the Order of Australia, the highest Australian honour.

The 60-year-old botanist told News Ltd that being named AC "is a tremendous opportunity to bring to the attention of the wider public the fundamental importance of plants in trying to help people to live healthy and sustainable lives."

Professor Hopper was recognised for his eminent service as a global science leader in the field of plant conservation biology, particularly in the delivery of world class research programs contributing to the conservation of endangered species and ecosystems.

Recipients of the Officer (AO) in the Order of Australia include:

• Dancer and choreographer Graeme Murphy for his services to performing arts 30 years after being honoured as a member;
• Experienced festival director, Brett Sheehy; and
• Hockey administrator Daphne Mary, recognised for distinguished service to sports administration, particularly through roles with the Queensland Academy of Sport, and as an advocate for the participation of women and girls in sport.

Recipients of the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) include:

• Identical twins Judith and Janice Smith, who have been swimming officials for 45 years; and
• Racing driver Craig Lowndes who was recognised for his work on road safety. For Lowndes, the award also takes into account his significant contribution to Australian motorsport, which includes three V8 Supercar championships, five victories in the Bathurst 1000 endurance race and a trio of wins in the sport's best-and-fairest award, the Barry Sheene Medal.

Image shows Professor Stephen Hopper.