Creative sector leaders in Australia Day Honours 2025

A number of prominent figures in the arts sector have been recognised in this year's Australia Day Honours List, which has a particular focus on music.
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are warned that the following article contains references to deceased persons.

This year’s Australia Day Honours list has recognised a number of figures in the arts and creative sectors. While last year the visual arts were particularly well represented, in 2025 it appears those in the world of music appear to have been singled out for their moment in the spotlight.

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Madeleine Swain is ArtsHub’s managing editor. Originally from England where she trained as an actor, she has over 30 years’ experience as a writer, editor and film reviewer in print, television, radio and online. She is also currently President of JOY Media and Chair of the Board.