Cathy Freeman leads Australia Day honours alongside enforcer of world-first social media ban

High-profile Australians celebrated alongside more than 600 civilians who have changed lives and the country

• Astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg named Australian of the Year for 2026

• Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast

Australia's beloved Olympic sprinter Cathy Freeman has been recognised in this year's Australia Day Honours list alongside a driving force of one of the Games' youngest sports, skateboarding, a world-leading quantum scientist, a children's book illustrator, rock royalty and the enforcer of Australia's world-first social media ban.

Freeman was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia, the country's highest civilian honour. Her sensational athletic achievements were applauded by the honours committee, which also acknowledged her social impact across the community, her work on the reconciliation movement in the spirit of unity and inclusion, and as a role model to young people.