Yunupingu was posthumously awarded a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) along with five other Australians.

Yunupingu with some Gumatj boys at the 2019 Garma festival. Source: Supplied / Peter Eve/Yothu Yindi Foundation

The award recognises, in particular, his service to traditional land ownership, to leadership in economic development initiatives, fostering reconciliation and respect, and as a custodian of culture and ceremony.

Here are some other key recipients.

Companion of the Order of Australia (AC)

Davis has been recognised for her contributions to law and social justice and to the national and international advocacy of the rights of Indigenous peoples.

“To put it very simply, the Uluru Statement from the Heart is almost like a sales pitch to the Australian people as to why we need constitutional reform,” University of Queensland professor Megan Davis previously told SBS News. Source: AAP / Darren England

Another esteemed Australian human rights lawyer, Professor Gillian Triggs has also been inducted into this year’s Companion of the Order of Australia.

Also recognised with Companion of the Order of Australia Awards are epidemiologist Allen Cheuk-Seng Cheng, High Court of Australia Justice James Joshua Edelman and arts administrator and philanthropist Lyn Williams.

Officer of the Order of Australia (AO)

Engineer and inventor Professor Veena Sahajwalla has also been named an Officer of the Order of Australia, commended for her work in recycling science and sustainability research.

Professor Veena Sahajwalla, known for research into high-temperature transformation of waste in the production of green materials, was also NSW’s Australian of the Year in 2022. Source: AAP / Mick Tsikas

Member of the Order of Australia (AM)

Among the 108 people awarded Member of the Order of Australia is also blind surfing champion Matthew Formston, honoured for his significant service to people with a disability and to para-sports.

Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM)

She’s joined by Shayna Jack, Conor Leahy and others recognised for their services to sport as gold medallists at the Paris Olympics.

Diversity of Recipients

The honours list also included 24 recipients recognised for their contribution in support of Australia’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.