Order of Australia Association
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| Order of Australia Association | |
|---|---|
| Name | Order of Australia Association |
| Formation | 1975 |
| Type | Non-profit |
| Headquarters | Canberra |
| Region served | Australia |
| Membership | Recipients of the Order of Australia |
Order of Australia Association The Order of Australia Association supports and connects recipients of the Order of Australia across Australia and promotes community awareness of the honours system administered by the Office of the Governor-General of Australia, the Governor-General of Australia and the Australian Honours System. The Association maintains links with national institutions such as the Australian National University, the National Library of Australia and the Australian War Memorial, and engages with civic bodies including the Australian Parliament and state Governors. It fosters outreach through partnerships with organisations like the Australian Red Cross, the RSL (Returned and Services League of Australia), and the Australian Local Government Association.
History
The Association formed soon after the establishment of the Order of Australia in 1975 by the then Governor-General acting on the recommendation of the Prime Minister of Australia and the Cabinet of Australia. Early initiatives involved collaboration with figures linked to the creation of the order, including work alongside offices such as the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (Australia). Over subsequent decades the Association developed affiliations with heritage bodies like the National Archives of Australia, commemorative projects tied to the Centenary of Federation, and anniversary events referencing milestones of the Australian Honours System.
Purpose and Activities
The Association's core purpose is to support recipients of the Order of Australia through peer networks, public education and charitable activity with partners such as the Smith Family, the St Vincent de Paul Society, and the Australian Conservation Foundation. It organises seminars referencing public service themes relevant to institutions like the High Court of Australia, the Australian Electoral Commission, and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation. The Association promotes civic recognition through ceremonies associated with the Governor-General's Awards and commemorative services that intersect with memorials at the Australian War Memorial and projects with the National Trust of Australia.
Membership and Structure
Membership comprises individuals who have been appointed to the Order of Australia at levels including Companion of the Order of Australia, Officer of the Order of Australia, Member of the Order of Australia, and Medal of the Order of Australia. The Association organises member services through state and territory units in locations such as New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory. It maintains records in coordination with archival institutions like the National Library of Australia and liaises with award administrators at the Office of the Official Secretary to the Governor-General.
Governance and Leadership
Governance is conducted by an elected national board that interacts with officials including state Governors of Australia and national figures from bodies such as the Australian Local Government Association and the Council for the Order of Australia where relevant. Past chairs and presidents have included prominent appointees who have served in public roles connected to institutions like the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Australia), the Australian Defence Force, the Commonwealth Bank of Australia and leading universities such as the University of Sydney and the University of Melbourne. Governance frameworks refer to statutory settings administered by the Governor-General of Australia and established constitutional practices.
Programs and Awards
The Association runs mentorship programs and community awards that complement national honours like the Australia Day Honours and the Queen's Birthday Honours. Program partners have included the Australian Youth Orchestra, the Australian Medical Association, and cultural institutions such as the Art Gallery of New South Wales and the Sydney Opera House. Initiatives include scholarships, lecture series featuring figures associated with the Commonwealth Parliamentary Library, and recognition events linked to service organisations such as the Australian Lions Foundation.
Chapters and Community Engagement
Chapters operate in metropolitan centres including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Hobart and Canberra as well as regional hubs in areas served by councils like the City of Sydney and the Brisbane City Council. Local activities coordinate with community organisations such as local branches of the Rotary Club, Probus Clubs, and community health partners like Beyond Blue and the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia. The Association organises public lectures, commemorative ceremonies and outreach that connect recipients with civic projects such as heritage preservation with the National Trust of Australia (New South Wales) and volunteering efforts with the Salvation Army (Australia).
Funding and Partnerships
Funding sources include member subscriptions, donations from philanthropic trusts such as the Myer Foundation and the Ian Potter Foundation, fundraising events held in partnership with cultural institutions like the Melbourne Recital Centre and corporate sponsors from sectors including banking represented by entities such as the ANZ Bank and the Commonwealth Bank of Australia. The Association collaborates on projects with governmental agencies including the Department of Social Services (Australia), educational partners such as the University of Queensland and non-governmental organisations like the Australian Council for International Development.