Writers, musicians and philanthropists are amongst the Victorians who have been recognised in this year’s Australia Day Honours list for their significant contributions to our creative sector.
Arts administrator and philanthropist Lyn Williams has been awarded the top accolade, the Companion of Australia (AC) – along with only five other honourees across the country.
Lyn is the wife of the late Fred Williams, a celebrated landscape artist. In addition to her work as an administrator at illustrious organisations including the Metropolitan Museum and British Museum, Lyn has donated many of her husband’s paintings to galleries across the globe, including a substantial gift of 700 Fred Williams artworks to the NGV in 2022.
Other awardees include playwright Joanna Murray-Smith and architect Robert McLauchlan alongside those who have dedicated their time, skills and talents to enriching our creative sector.
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.
2025 Victorian Australia Day Honours in the creative industries
Companions
Eve Lynnette (Lyn) Williams AM
For eminent service to the arts as an administrator, and to the museums and galleries sector through philanthropic donations.
Members
David John Briggs
For significant service to the performing arts as a guitarist, songwriter and producer.
Gaye Lorraine Hamilton
For significant service to tertiary education, and to the community
The late Paul Richard Madden
For significant service to the community through social welfare organisations, social policy development, and the arts.
Joanna Murray-Smith
For significant service to the performing arts as a writer.
Emeritus Professor Ilana Snyder
For significant service to the Jewish community of Australia, and to tertiary education.
Medals
The late Associate Professor Philip James Ayres
For service to literature, and to education.
Elizabeth Anne Bonetti
For service to music.
Debra Lee Boutcher
For service to the arts, and to the community of Horsham.
John Eric Head
For service to the arts, and to the community of Shepparton.
Irene Tomi Kalinski
For service to the Jewish community of Melbourne.
Alison Mary MacGregor
For service to music, and to horticulture.
Robert William McLauchlan
For service to architecture, and to social welfare.
Sean Sidney Meltzer
For service to the Jewish community, and to the arts.
Professor Emerita Margaret Plant
For service to visual arts, and to art history.
Ian Douglas Stanistreet
For service to broadcast media.
Kelli Louise Underwood
For service to broadcast media.