Gillard, Barnsey and 'Alf' among Oz Day honours list

Some of our most unofficially recognised Aussie icons, including former prime minister Julia Gillard and rocker Jimmy Barnes, are among almost 1000 people on the Australia Day honours list.

Ray Meagher, who plays Alf on Home and Away, shark-slugging surfer Mick Fanning, weekend Sunrise host Andrew O'Keefe and our Olympic heroes are also recipients in the general division of the Order of Australia.

Others honoured were as diverse as the nation's physical landscape, from sight-saving scientists and great legal minds, former political leaders, entertainers and sporting greats.

Meagher, made a household name for his character Alf Stewart on TV show Home and Away, received the gong for service to the performing arts.

Barnes was recognised for distinguished service to the performing arts, and his support of children with a disability.

O'Keefe received an honour for significant service to the broadcast media as a television presenter, and to social welfare and charitable efforts for his work with White Ribbon.

The country's first female prime minister, Julia Gillard, who migrated from Wales as a child, is among 11 people to receive the nation's highest honour - the Companion of the Order of Australia.

Ms Gillard joins other former prime ministers including John Howard, Bob Hawke and Malcolm Fraser who've become companions - barring Labor's Paul Keating who in 1997 declined the honour traditionally offered to former leaders.

Ms Gillard, who was toppled mid-term by Kevin Rudd in 2013 almost three years after she toppled him, has been recognised for being a role model for women and for her services to the Parliament of Australia.

Also among the 11 is South Australian Professor Keryn Williams who was recognised for her work to reduce the risk of rejection for eye patients who undergo corneal grafts.

In 1985, Prof Williams founded the Australian Corneal Graft Registry, which helped refine surgical techniques, broaden the age range for donors and slash transplant waiting times.

This year's honours list also features giants of Australia's musical landscape: Paul Kelly and Nick Cave.

All were appointed Officers of the Order of Australia for their services to the performing arts.

The honour thrilled rocker Barnes, a Scottish immigrant who's called Australia home since age five.

"You hear people talking about stopping immigration and all this sort of stuff, but I wouldn't have a life if I hadn't come here," he told AAP.

"I came here at five years old with nothing but dreams and being a part of this community, this country, has helped me realise some of those dreams and helped me find a life."

Kelly was singled out for promoting Australia's national identity through his songs chronicling daily life and indigenous and historical and social issues.

And the dark, brooding Cave is recognised for his musical and acting skills and the contribution he has made to Australia's cultural heritage in a career spanning 40 years.

In sport, three-time world champion surfer Mick Fanning received the Order of Australia honour for distinguished service to the sport.

Fanning, who punched a shark during a terrifying encounter at a competition in South Africa in 2015, was also recognised for his support for charities including the Starlight Children's Foundation.

Formula One fans will be thrilled with the inclusion of nine-time grand prix winner Mark Webber, also appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia.

The 2017 honours recipients reflect Australia's goals and values, such as generosity, tolerance and ambition, Governor General Sir Peter Cosgrove said.

"For over 40 years, these honours have helped to define, encourage and reinforce our national aspirations and ideals by acknowledging exceptional Australians.

"Today we add a new group of names to those we should all admire."

AUSTRALIA DAY 2017 HONOURS LIST BY THE NUMBERS:

- 727 new inclusions in the General Division of the Order of Australia
- They included 475 men, and 252 women
- 11 received the highest honour: Companion of the Order of Australia
- 22 recipients were added to the Military Division of the Order of Australia
- 142 Meritorious awards went to public servants and emergency services personnel
- 67 Military awards were announced.