Barty retired from tennis earlier this year at age 25. Source: Shutterstock.
The Queenslander and tennis legend was awarded the Order of Australia for her “distinguished service to tennis at the elite level, and to youth development programs”.
Barty received the honour alongside another 992 Australians, who were recognised for their contribution to a range of fields across Australian society. Of the occasion she said, “there are so many Australian people who do wonderful things for our country, and I want to congratulate all of the other award recipients on being recognised for their contributions.”
Governor-General David Hurley said that those featured on the list “represent the very best of Australia”.
“Recipients share some common traits – including selflessness, excellence, and a commitment to service. They’re from different backgrounds, their stories are each unique, and each has served in different ways. This diversity is a strength, and each has impacted their community and made it better.”
According to the government 45.9 per cent of awardees are women, with Dr Jeanette Young, Governor of Queensland also recognised on the list. She was acknowledged for her “eminent service to public health administration, to medicine and medical research, to the tertiary education sector, and as the 27th Governor appointed in Queensland.”
Australian Women’s Cricket Captain Meg Lanning was also recognised alongside late cricketing legend Shane Warne. He was given the Order of Australia posthumously for “distinguished service to cricket as a player, role model and commentator”, while he was also commended for this philanthropic efforts.
92 people have been honoured for their contribution and support to Australia during the pandemic and will feature on the COVID-19 Honour roll. Among some 900 recipients were over 35 Military, 201 Meritorious and 85 Distinguished and Conspicuous awardees.
Governor-General Hurley mentioned that the way to receive the prestigious honour was to appoint someone, urging Australians to “nominate someone outstanding from your community”.
“The Order of Australia belongs to all Australians. In addition to the characteristics of selflessness, excellence and service, each recipient in the Order has something else in common: someone has taken the time to nominate them for recognition.”
