Alexander Downer with his daughter Hetty and wife Nicky. Picture: Matt Turner Source: The Advertiser
FORMER federal minister Alexander Downer, author Clive James, rocker Doc Neeson and celebrity chef Neil Perry are among hundreds of people recognised by Australia Day honours today.
The Howard government's foreign affairs minister was one of four appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia.
Mr Downer said his proudest achievements included contributing to peace and economic growth in the Pacific region, particularly helping end the civil war in Bougainville, and addressing problems in the Solomon Islands.
He also cited the role Australia played in the creation of East Timor and improved relations with Indonesia.
Ruling out a return to politics, the South Australian now works as a United Nations ambassador managing the peace process between Greek and Turkish Cypriots, and is involved in business and charitable groups.
Singer Doc Neeson. Picture: Anthony Reginato
Also made a companion was former Whitlam and Hawke minister Tom Uren, who campaigned for 20 years for extra support for prisoners of war.
A former prisoner himself, Mr Uren is honoured for contributing to the welfare of veterans, his preservation work and improving medical education in Vietnam.
An ailing Clive James, who lives in the UK and is battling cancer, was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for distinguished service to literature, particularly as a writer and poet.
Katrina Paterson with a photograph of her son, Corporal Scott James Smith, who died in Afghanistan in October. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe
Also battling poor health is Angels frontman Doc Neeson, who was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia as he takes on an aggressive brain tumor.
"First my cousin Ned Kelly gets a decent burial. Next, I get this remarkable award," Neeson said from hospital.
"I'm honoured. What a week for the Irish."
Angels drummer Buzz Bidstrup said the honour had been a lift for his friend, who has been involved in an array of fundraising concerts.
"That positive frame of mind is something which has been explained to me as being one of the most important things for people who are battling this," Bidstrup said.
"He's ready for a fight. The Irish love a fight."
The late Corporal Scott Smith, 24, received a Commendation for Gallantry for his actions during a joint Australian-Afghan compound clearance mission during which the combat engineer was killed by a bomb blast.
Charitable work by celebrity chef Neil Perry and services to sport by veteran cricket commentator Jim Maxwell saw them appointed as Members of the Order of Australia.
The ABC caller said it was his privilege to do something he loved.
"They might call it work but to me it's just something I enjoy doing," he said.
"It's a wonderful life, really, to be connected to a game you've got a lot of passion about."
Also appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia was Professor Brian Schmidt, who received the Nobel Prize for Physics in 2011 and is a global leader in science through his research in astronomy and astrophysics.
One of the six people appointed to oversee the Federal Government's sex abuse royal commission, retired Queensland police commissioner Bob Atkinson, was appointed an officer for his police work.
Advocate Bonita Mabo - the wife of Eddie Mabo - was appointed an Officer for distinguished service to the indigenous community and to human rights.
AFL legend David Parkin and rugby league greats Mark Geyer and George Peponis were each awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia.
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