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Hugh Jackman Receives Highest Award At Queen's Birthday Honours

Hugh Jackman Receives Highest Award At Queen's Birthday Honours

"I am an immensely proud Australian, and am so grateful for the opportunities I have received by being raised there.

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie

As Australians soak up the fabulous long weekend, courtesy of Queen Elizabeth's birthday, there are a bunch of Aussies who have a bigger reason to celebrate the extra day off.

Nearly 1,000 Australians have been recognised in the Queen's Birthday Honours List, which includes everyone's favourite triple threat Hugh Jackman, funny man turned serious actor Eric Bana and former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.

The Greatest Showman singer, dancer and actor Hugh Jackman has been bestowed with a Companion of the Order of Australia, which is the highest out of the four levels you can receive.

The Aussie received the award for his 'eminent service to the performing arts as an acclaimed actor and performer, and to the global community, particularly as an advocate for poverty eradication'.

The 50-year-old said in a statement: "As the youngest son of parents who made the decision to immigrate to Australia the year before I was born, this honour is especially emotional and humbling to me.

"I am an immensely proud Australian, and am so grateful for the opportunities I have received by being raised there.

"The countless teachers, mentors, institutions who have supported me along the way are immeasurable, and I will always be in my country's debt."

Bana meanwhile was completely shocked by becoming a Member of the Order of Australia thanks to his service to the performing arts and to charitable organisations.

Not only has he graced our screens in a number of electrifying roles, but he's also worked for more than 15 years with the Youth Off the Streets organisation.

"I was completely 100 per cent surprised and shocked initially and then just plainly, genuinely chuffed," Bana said

PA

"Growing up in the western suburbs of Melbourne, young troubled men was just something that I kind of grew up knowing and understanding and being surrounded a bit by.

"I just think the way they go into communities and not only the work they do initially but then the follow up of being able to reintegrate former recipients of their charity into their organisation is really amazing."

Kevin Rudd followed in Jackman's steps by receiving the Companion of the Order and got the nod not only for being a former PM, but also for his work with Indigenous reconciliation, economic initiatives and policy reform.

This year also saw a record number of women named in the list as well.

ABC Chair Ita Buttrose copped a Companion of the Order, having already received and Order of Australia honour as well as an Officer of the British Empire.

Television presenter Carrie Bickmore received an Order of Australia for her service to media and work to to raise awareness for brain cancer.

Speaking to 10 Daily, the Channel 10 presenter said: "I am so honoured to have been awarded an Order of Australia. Having seen the inspiring Australians who have also received awards, I feel so humbled to be in their company.

"When I started my foundation I simply wanted to raise awareness about brain cancer and the devastating impact it was having on families all around our great country".

Beyond Blue director Natasha Stott Despoja was granted an Officer of the Order of Australia for distinguished service to the global community as an advocate for gender equality

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Entertainment, Celebrity, Australia