Published 14 February 2025

For 50 years, the Australian Honours and Awards System has been recognising and celebrating the contributions of Australians who have made our country a richer, better place to live.

The system was launched on 14 February 1975.

The first Territorians awarded under the new system between 1975 and 1976 was the then Captain Eric Johnston OBE, Honorary Aide-de-Camp for the Governor-General, and Naval Officer Commanding North Australia. Captain Johnston was named a Member of the Order of Australia – Military Division in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List of 1975, and eminent Territorian and land rights leader Mr Vincent Lingiari who was named Member of the Order of Australia in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List of 1976.

Since then, well over 1000 Territorians from all regions and backgrounds have been recognised for their outstanding services to the community, their professions, and the country.

The success of the program lies in its diverse community foundations – anyone can nominate someone they believe is worthy an award.

His Honour Professor the Honourable Hugh Heggie AO PSM, Administrator of the Northern Territory said, “It is a highlight of my year to meet award recipients at their investiture ceremonies.

Many are quiet achievers who seek neither fame nor fortune. Without fail, recipients are humble people, who do what they do simply because they love doing it – whether that be volunteering with a community organisation or charity group, or serving their country in the armed forces, through policing, emergency services and the public sector.

They are nominated by their community and their peers, and we take enormous pride in every recipient.

Congratulations to all who have been recognised over the past 50 years, and I encourage the community to keep nominating worthy Territorians for at least the next 50 years.”

His Honour Professor the Honourable Hugh Heggie AO PSM, Administrator of the Northern Territory was sworn in as the 23rd Administrator of the Northern Territory on 2 February 2023. As Administrator, His Honour represents the Crown in right of the Northern Territory.