Screen and stage legends Olivia Newton-John, Kylie Minogue and Magda Szubanski are among the high-powered women being lauded on the Australia Day honours list.
The 2019 list includes the highest number and proportion of women being honoured for their work across all aspects of Australian life, making up 37 per cent of recipients.
Labor is seeking public support to nominate more women to increase their representation on the Australia Day and Queen's Birthday honours lists, hoping to boost the number of women cited to 40 per cent by 2020.
Parity was achieved at the top tier this year, with 19 people appointed Companions of the Order of Australia (AC), including nine women.
Newton-John was one of them, receiving the nation's top honour for her community health service through the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness and Research Centre, as well as her music and acting career.
"I am delighted and honoured to receive this very distinguished and special award," she told AAP in a statement.
Minogue and Szubanski were appointed Officers of the Order of Australia (AO) for their work in the performing arts.
The citation for comedian Szubanski also notes her role as a campaigner for marriage equality.
"To be acknowledged in this way is absolutely one of the highlights of my life," she said.
She also joked that now people should address her as "Your Mag-desty".
Other women honoured include prolific children's author Jennifer Rowe (perhaps better known by her pen name Emily Rodda), High Court judge Michelle Gordon, company director Jillian Broadbent, scientist Dr Liz Dennis, and philanthropist Pauline Gandel, all of whom were appointed ACs.
Film producer Sue Maslin - who made The Dressmaker movie starring Kate Winslet in 2015 as well as many documentaries - and former federal parliamentary speaker Anna Burke were appointed AOs.
Tennis great Roy Emerson, former deputy prime minister Warren Truss, High Court judge Geoffrey Nettle are also among those being appointed ACs.
AFL legend Kevin Sheedy receives an AO while commentator Dennis Cometti becomes a Member of the Order of Australia (AM), along with swimmer Ian Thorpe, retiring ABC Melbourne broadcaster Jon Faine and Howard government minister Peter Reith.
Sheedy is particularly thrilled his latest acknowledgement comes for his service to education and employment programs for young people, not just his football prowess.
The four members of band Human Nature are among the 755 people receiving Medals of the Order of Australia (OAM).
They said they were "the proudest Aussies on the planet".
This year 1400 awards are being given out; the largest honours list since the order was established in 1975.
Governor-General Peter Cosgrove said everyone honoured had made an enormous contribution to their local communities and the nation.
"While typically they haven't sought thanks or recognition, they deserve both," he said.
"Their generosity, selflessness, compassion, dedication, commitment to service and energy inspire and motivate all of us."
Anyone can nominate any Australian for an award in the Order of Australia at www.gg.gov.au.
Australian Associated Press
