2024 King’s Birthday Honours List: John Collins, Lynnette Guest, Jonathan Mills & More

The full list of recipients for this year’s King’s Birthday Honours has been published, with close to a dozen renowned Australian musicians and industry figures being recognised.

A total of 737 Australians were honoured during the ceremony, held yesterday (June 9) by governor general David Hurley, with titles including the famed Order of Australia (in both General and Military divisions), meritorious awards, and recognition for distinguished and conspicuous service.

In a formal statement (as per The North West Star), Hurley gave a message of congratulations to the broad list of 2024 recipients: “I would like to congratulate all those recognised in today's Honours List. Some names are well-known, but the vast majority are not – they are people who work tirelessly and selflessly to make a difference in our community.

“Through todays recognition we shine a light on their efforts, the impact they have and the difference they make. On behalf of all Australians, I thank recipients for their service and congratulate them on their recognition.”

Of all the musicians recognised, the highest ranking were former Powderfinger bassist John Collins and radio legend Ian Grace, both honoured as Members of the Order of Australia (AM) – Collins’ award came for his “significant service to the arts through music, and to the community”, while Grace earned his for his “significant service to radio, and to the music industry”.

Furthermore, there were nine figures bestowed with the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM), including three Tamworth-native country music icons – singer-songwriter Lynette Walker, Barry Harley (manager of the Tamworth Country Music Festival) and Catherine Nugent (events group manager for Australian Community Media), all honoured for their “service to country music, and to the community of Tamworth”.

Other recipients of the OAM included Anthony Coen (awarded for his “service to railway preservation, and to pipe band music”), Alan Field (for his “service to the community through music, and to education”), Tania Frazer (for her “service to music as a soloist and chamber musician”), Marie Nicholson (for her “service to music as a teacher and accompanist”), Karen Noonan (for her “service to community music, and through emergency response organisations”) and Suzanne Roberts (for her “service to music, and to secondary education”).