Medical researchers head Australia Day honours list
Whether it is for decades of tireless work behind the scenes or familiar faces of sport and media, the 2015 Australia Day honours recognise people from all walks of life, including 34 from WA.
This year, medical research is greatly acknowledged, with three scientists among five to get Australia's highest accolade.
Malaria specialist Professor Brendan Crabb, glandular conditions researcher Professor John Funder and kidney transplant expert Professor Jeremy Chapman have been appointed Companions of the Order of Australia.
Professor Janice Reid, an educator who was vice-chancellor of the University of Western Sydney, and philanthropist Marcus Besen, who founded the Sussan clothing company, also received the honour.
Professor Kerry Cox, vice-chancellor and president of Edith Cowan University, has been appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for his services to tertiary education, university administration and the community.
Champion surfer Layne Beachley received the same accolade for services to the community and sport, as has Australia's Ambassador to France Stephen Brady, for his services to government and international relations.
Other familiar names on this year's honours list include journalist George Negus (AM), actor and writer Judy Nunn (AM) and broadcaster Jessica Rowe (AM).
Council of the Order of Australia chairman, retired Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, said the awards also recognised "the quiet achievers in our midst".
Pastor Sonny Graham, from Esperance, has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for his services to the indigenous community of WA.
Mr Graham is Aboriginal liaison officer at Esperance Senior High School and was previously at Norseman District High. He has been a pastor at three WA churches over five decades.
A love affair with eucalypts and the Wheatbelt has brought Malcolm French an OAM.
The 67-year-old has worked tirelessly to protect the fragile grain-growing region through revegetation projects using eucalypt species native to WA.
He made farmers more aware of WA species after finding most trees planted in WA for conservation were from the east.
