A HEALTH expert, reverend, rugby league stalwart and paramedic are among 117 Queenslanders recognised in the 2021 Australia Day Honours List.
The list honours extraordinary people who have made significant contributions to their community or the nation.
Professor Colleen Nelson, of Sheldon, was awarded the Member in the Order (AM) for service to health organisations and medical research, particularly prostate cancer.
Reverend Bryan Gilmour, of Mount Cotton, received a Medal of the Order for his work in the Uniting Church.
Rugby league stalwart and former Origin selector Desmond Morris, who lives in Capalaba, was also honoured with an OAM for service to the sport.
Cleveland paramedic Julie Calvert has been with the Queensland Ambulance Service for 32 years, and was awarded an Ambulance Service Medal.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said a phenomenal number of Queenslanders had been recognised in 2021 for memorable contributions to the state and the nation.
"This year's Australia Day Honours List has recognised 117 Queenslanders who exemplify the Australian spirit, and whose experiences reflect the incredible diversity of public life in Queensland," she said.
"They are Queenslanders who have advocated on behalf of our veterans, who have led conservation efforts, who have nursed people through ill health, who have educated and empowered our young people, and who have entertained us on the sporting field, the stage and the screen.
"Today they join a prestigious list of Australians whose actions and ideas have shaped the nation for the better."
Renowned journalist Kerry O'Brien rejected his appointment as an AO, the second-highest honour, in protest after controversial tennis player Margaret Court was revealed to be being appointed to the AC.
It is not the first time the awards have attracted criticism. In 2020, there were calls for men's rights activist Bettina Ardnt to be stripped of her honours after comments Ms Arndt made about the murder of Brisbane woman Hannah Clarke and her three children.
Queenslanders can nominate members of their community for an Order of Australia throughout the year, in recognition of high achievement, professional contributions and charitable pursuits.
The nomination form for the Order of Australia and the complete Australia Day 2021 Honours List are available on the Governor-General's website at gg.gov.au.
