The King's Birthday 2025 Honours List has recognised a significant number of individuals from Australia's dance and arts sectors. It's a notable moment for our industry, highlighting the invaluable contributions these individuals make to the nation's rich cultural tapestry. This year's list sees a welcome increase in awardees, reflecting the profound impact of the arts across Australia.
The dedication, passion, and vision of these recipients enrich lives and inspire future generations of artists and audiences alike. Their tireless efforts in diverse roles, from performing and choreographing to administration, education, and philanthropy, are truly deserving of this national recognition.
Here's a look at the dance and arts sector honourees:
Companion of the Order of Australia (AC)
- Mr Bazmark Anthony Luhrmann AC: For eminent service to the arts as a filmmaker, to the theatre, to cultural heritage, and to the development of artistic talent. Luhrmann's early film career, particularly Strictly Ballroom, brought the energy and passion of dance to a global stage, showcasing Australian talent and storytelling.
- Ms Wendy Elizabeth McCarthy AO AC: For eminent service to children and youth, to health, to the arts, to business, to the community, and to women's leadership. McCarthy's tenure as Chair of Circus Oz significantly supported the company's innovative physical theatre and its national and international reach.
Officer of the Order of Australia (AO)
- Mr Michael John Smith AO: For distinguished service to business governance, to the management consulting sector, to sports administration, and to the arts. As Patron of Co3 Contemporary Dance Australia and former Chair of the Perth International Arts Festival, Smith has provided vital leadership and philanthropic support to the dance sector in Western Australia.
Member of the Order of Australia (AM)
- Ms Catherine Ann Baldwin AM: For significant service to culture and the arts, and to charitable organisations. Baldwin's extensive career includes a pivotal role as Executive Director of Bangarra Dance Theatre, where she championed Indigenous dance and storytelling. She also served as Executive Director of Ausdance NSW and was a founding general manager of the Australian Choreographic Ensemble.
- Dr Elizabeth Cameron Dalman OAM AM: For significant service to contemporary dance as a director, performer, and teacher. A true pioneer, Dr. Dalman founded the Australian Dance Theatre and continues to innovate through her Mirramu Dance Company and Creative Arts Centre, fostering contemporary dance for over five decades.
- Mr Noel Francis Staunton AM: For significant service to the performing arts, particularly as a director and producer. As CEO of Sydney Dance Company, Staunton oversaw a period of significant artistic and audience growth. He also contributed as a board member for Expressions Dance Company.
- Mr Kim Walker AM: For significant service to the performing arts, particularly as a performer and director. Walker's profound influence includes his role as Executive Director and Head of Dance at NAISDA Dance College, where he has guided countless Indigenous dancers. He was also a principal dancer and choreographer with Sydney Dance Company, leaving an indelible mark on Australian dance.
Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM)
- Mrs Deborah Gay Cruickshank OAM: For service to dance as a teacher and benefactor. Mrs. Cruickshank's dedication to ballet is evident through her establishment of the Gay Cruickshank Prize Scholarship with the Royal Academy of Dance Australia and her ongoing support for The Australian Ballet and West Australian Ballet.
- The late Mrs Carmel Theresa Doyle OAM: For service to Irish dancing. Mrs. Doyle's tireless work with the Irish Dancing Commission and the Australian Irish Dancing Association, alongside founding the Doyle School of Irish Dancing, was instrumental in promoting and preserving Irish dance in Australia.
- Mr Nicholas Stewart Linke OAM: For service to arts administration, and to the law. As Chairperson of Restless Dance Theatre, Linke has been a strong advocate for inclusive dance practices, creating significant opportunities for artists with and without disability.
- Ms Karen Moses OAM: For service to the energy industry. Ms. Moses' commitment to the arts includes her impactful role as Chairman of Sydney Dance Company, where her leadership contributed significantly to the company's success. She also chaired the NSW Artform Board for Dance and Physical Theatre.
- Mr Arnold Reginald Thurling OAM: For service to dance promotion and instruction. Mr. Thurling's remarkable dedication as a teacher and leader for the Wollongong White Heather Scottish Country Dance Club for over 60 years has fostered a vibrant Scottish dance community.
- Mr Leslie Angus Peterkin OAM: For service to the creative arts. Peterkin's diverse artistic contributions include co-founding the Sydney Festival Ballet Company, showcasing his early passion and involvement in the ballet world.