About Us

Our Purpose
The object of the Association is to pursue the following charitable purpose: To celebrate and promote outstanding Australian citizenship.

Our Vision
To be recognised as an Australian leader in fostering community awareness of our history, traditions and culture, and in promoting good citizenship.

Our Principles
We support the Order of Australia and recognise the contribution of its members to the Australian and international communities.

Everything we do is for the good of the Association, the Order of Australia and the communities we support.

We embrace the cultural and religious diversity of the Australian people including indigenous Australians, the traditional custodians of the land.

We promote activities and attitudes which foster harmony, unity and shared futures in which all people are treated with respect and dignity.

Our Activities
Raising public awareness about the Order of Australia and promote high quality nominations for appointments and awards that reflect the diversity of the Australian community.

Supporting young Australians as they prepare for their careers and encourage them in service to the nation.

Providing opportunities for recipients of appointments and awards in the Order of Australia to build networks with other recipients, and
Other activities consistent with the purpose of the Association

Our Communities
The Association draws its strength from its members, and from the communities they live in. It achieves its purpose through targeted programs of support, particularly at Branch and Regional levels. The Association needs to build strong engagement strategies with the wider Australian community.

Our Board

As of 18 April 2026

National President – The Honourable Vicki O’Halloran AO CVO
National Chair – Mr William Lye OAM KC
Deputy National Chair – Mr David North OAM
National Treasurer – Mr Frank Crawley OAM
National Secretary – Mr Graham Hyde OAM
National Membership Director –Ms Dot Haynes OAM

ACT Branch Nominated Director – Mr Michael Crane DSC and Bar, AM
NT Branch Nominated Director – Mr Rex Wild AO KC
NSW Branch Nominated Director – Mr Gary Smith AM
QLD Branch Nominated Director – Ms Paula Penfold AM
SA Branch Nominated Director – Ms Toni Cocchiaro OAM
TAS Branch Nominated Director – Dr Rosemary Callingham AM
VIC Branch Nominated Director – Mr Grahame Leonard AM
WA Branch Nominated Director – Mr Clive Robartson AM