Industry figures acknowledged in 2019 Queen’s Birthday Honours

More than 1,000 outstanding Australians have been recognised in the Queen's Birthday Honours List this year, including a range of prominent industry achievers.

Announced as Officers of the Order of Australia (AO) - the second-highest honour – were Li Cunxin, the artistic director of the Queensland Ballet and author of Mao’s Last Dancer; Peggy O'Neal, businesswoman and Richmond FC President; tennis great Frank Sedgman and Johnathan Thurston, the former captain of the North Queensland Cowboys, four-time Dally M Medallist and philanthropist with Indigenous charities.

Ardent Leisure Chairman and Australian Rugby League Commissioner, Dr Gary Weiss and Sport Australia Chief Executive Kate Palmer have also been appointed as Members of the Order of Australia (AM).

Frank Sedgman’s recognition comes 40 years after he was first made a Member of the Order of Australia and 70 years after he won the Australian Open for the first time.

Sedgman, aged 91, has been honoured for distinguished service to tennis as a player at the national and international level and as a role model for young sportspersons.

Peggy O'Neal (pictured) has been made an Officer of the Order for her distinguished service to AFL, to superannuation and finance law and to the advancement of women in leadership roles.

O'Neal fell in love with the AFL after seeing her first match when she came to Australia 30 years ago, recalling "over time I just became one of those typical, mad Richmond supporters and my weekends started to revolve around being sure I got to the match and that's still the way my weekends go now.”

Along with her achievements in sports, O'Neal is also a leader in the community and in business sectors serving on multiple boards and committees.

To advise of others recognised in the Queen's Birthday Honours List please contact leisure@ausleisure.com.au