IMAGE| MICHAEL WILLSON
He’s one of our country’s most inspiring role models, and now Kurt Fearnley has been appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO).
Fearnley was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 2005 after winning a gold medal at the Athens Paralympic Games – yesterday he received an even higher honour with the AO appointment.
Fearnley has been to five Paralympic Games, three Commonwealth Games, two Olympics and several World Championships.
Fearnley’s Queen’s Birthday Honour awarded for his distinguished service to people with a disability, as well as his fundraising efforts with regards to Indigenous athletics and charitable organisations, on top of his athletic achievements.
Humbled to be named an Officer of the Order of Australia today. I wish every person who guided, pushed and carried me through the last 37 years received the same honour. I’m grateful for every moment of this life because it is an absolute gift! Thanks for the messages! Kurt (AO)
— Kurt Fearnley (@kurtfearnley) June 11, 2018
KURT FEARNLEY, AO
Officer of the Order of Australia
For distinguished service to people with a disability, as a supporter of, and fundraiser for, indigenous athletics and charitable organisations, and as a Paralympic athlete.
Service includes
- Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, 2018, co-captain, Australian athletics team.
- Member, Sport and Technical Advisory Council, 2013-2018.
- Member, Athlete Representative Council, 2016-2018.
- Games ambassador, 2016-2018.
- Co-captain, Australian Paralympic team in 2016.
- Member, independent advisory panel member, National Disability Insurance Scheme, 2013-2016.
- Ambassador, Indigenous Marathon Project.
- Active supporter, Humpty Dumpty Foundation, ongoing.
- Board member, Australian Volunteers International, 2006-2015.
- Active member, Sydney to Hobart yacht crew, Loyal Foundation, 2011.
- Member, athlete council, International Paralympic Committee, since 2016.
- Board member, Australian Paralympic Committee, since 2016.
Australian sporting greats and community champions Dawn Fraser (AC) and Kathryn Harby-Williams (AM) joined Fearnley on the Honour list with the appointment of an Order of Australia for Companion in the General Division (AC) and Member in the General Division (AM) respectively.
Mrs Dawn Fraser AO MBE:
For eminent service to sport, through ambassadorial, mentoring, and non-executive roles with a range of organisations at all levels, and to the community through roles in conservation and motoring associations.
Kathryn Harby-Williams:
For significant service to netball as a player, national captain, coach, commentator, board member and player’s advocate.
