Thirty creative Victorians have been recognised in the 2023 King’s Birthday Honours list for their contributions to Australia’s creative industries, including entertainers, comedians, and musicians to name a few.
Comedians Judith Lucy and Denise Scott were both recognised for their contributions to the entertainment industry, while the late Barry Humphries, who was born and raised in Victoria, was awarded the highest honour, the Companion of the Order of Australia for his service to the arts.
In music, musician Lisa Gerrard and composer Liza Lim were honoured alongside soprano Marina Prior who was honoured for her service to musical theatre as a singer and performer.
In the performing arts, producer, director and performer Sue Broadway was recognised for her contribution to circus performance and physical theatre and Malthouse Theatre's Artistic Director and Co-CEO Matt Lutton was recognised for his service to the performing arts as a director.
Staff, volunteers and patrons of the museums and galleries sector also made the list alongside dancers, historians, visual artists, writers and long-serving dance and music teachers.
See below for a list of the Victorian creative honourees. Our congratulations to all.
Find out how to nominate someone for an Order of Australia award.
Victorian King’s Birthday 2023 Honours in the creative industries
Companion
John Barry HUMPHRIES
For eminent service to the arts as a comedian, actor, author, satirist and entertainer, to the promotion of Australian culture, and as a patron of organisations.
Members
Sue BROADWAY
For significant service to circus performance, and to physical theatre.
Stefano DE PIERI
For significant service to the community of Mildura, and to the hospitality industry.
Sonia DEAN
For significant service to museums and galleries as an art researcher, writer and curator.
Liza LIM
For significant service to the performing arts as a music composer and academic.
Judith LUCY
For significant service to the performing arts as an entertainer.
Marina PRIOR
For significant service to musical theatre as a singer and performer.
Denise Margaret SCOTT
For significant service to the arts as a comedian and actress.
Kristin Mary STEGLEY
For significant service to heritage advocacy, and to the community.
Medals
Leslie Thomas BINNS
For service to the performing arts through production roles.
John Anthony DERMER
For service to the creative arts, particularly as a ceramicist.
Helen Ann DILKS
For service to music through pipe bands.
Phillipa Louise EDWARDS
For service to music through brass bands.
Lisa GERRARD
For service to the performing arts through music.
Ian Bruce GODFREY
For service to tertiary education, and to music.
Margaret HAGGART
For service to the performing arts, and to the community.
Colin Osborne HARRISON
For service to music through brass bands.
Christine Anne HOWARD-BOBENKO
For service to the performing arts through dance.
Michael JOHNSON
For service to music as a performer and teacher.
Neil KINSEY
For service to the community, and to music.
Jamie Ennis LAWSON
For service to music through brass bands.
Matthew LUTTON
For service to the performing arts as a director.
Donald Wilson MACKAY
For service to the arts.
Joan MARR
For service to dance as a teacher.
Thomas Barrett MARR
For service to dance as a teacher, and to the community.
Gwladys Olive MCLACHLAN
For service to oral history, and to the community.
Jennifer Louise MCVEITY
For service to literacy education as an author and publisher.
Christine Ching-Rhu RAMSAY
For service to the museums and gallery sector.
Annette Zouche SLOAN
For service to music education.
Simon Hamilton WARRENDER
For service to the arts, and to the community.