A host of famous and accomplished Australians have been recognised in the Queen's Birthday Honours list.
Actors Hugh Jackman and Eric Bana received gongs along with 18-year-old polar explorer, Jade Hameister.
One of the more unusual additions to the honours list was Former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, who was handed Australia's highest distinction for his work in politics and indigenous reconciliation.
The Birthday Honours are granted to individuals who have made a significant contribution to the community with more than 1,000 Australians being recognised this year.
Hugh Jackman received the Queen's Birthday honour for 'eminent service to the performing arts as an acclaimed actor and performer, and to the global community, particularly as an advocate for poverty eradication'
Hugh Jackman received the Queen's Birthday honour for 'eminent service to the performing arts as an acclaimed actor and performer, and to the global community, particularly as an advocate for poverty eradication.'
Mr Jackman, 50, says being appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia is 'especially emotional and humbling'.
'I am an immensely proud Australian, and am so grateful for the opportunities I have received by being raised there,' he said.
He thanked his family, closest friends and his fans for the love and support he has received throughout his career.
His contributions to the performing arts and the global community helped him achieve this honour, with his portrayal as Wolverine in the X-Men films among the many on-screen performances lauded in the honours list.
Eric Bana received the honour for 'significant service to the performing arts, and to charitable organisations.'
'The first thing I did when I found out about the award was think of my parents,' Mr Bana said.
The Project's Carrie Bickmore said she was 'honoured' to be awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia
Eric Bana received the honour for 'significant service to the performing arts, and to charitable organisations'
His Croatian father and German mother both made the long boat journey to Australia after World War II.
The 50-year-old from Melbourne insists Monday's acknowledgement came as a complete surprise and that it was 'not at all something that had occurred to me on my radar.'
'It's a really nice and lovely acknowledgement,' Mr Bana said.
Mr Bana has previously spoke of his father's struggles with racism in Australia, but believes he would be 'really, really proud and thrilled' with this achievement.
The Project's Carrie Bickmore and experienced journalist and AAP FactCheck editor Louise Evans were awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia.
Upon receiving the award Ms Bickmore said she was 'honoured' and a 'proud recipient'.
'Having seen the inspiring Australians who have also received awards, I feel so humbled to be in their company', she told 10 Daily.
'When I started my foundation I simply wanted to raise awareness about brain cancer and the devastating impact it was having on families all around our great country. Now four years on thanks to the generosity of Australians we have raised nearly 11.5 million dollars'.
Paul and Jade Hameister (pictured), a Victorian father and daughter team of polar explorers, received the honour for their services in polar exploration.
The 18-year-old adventurer is the youngest person in history to ski to the North Pole, the South Police, and venture across Greenland, the second largest polar ice cap on the planet. Jade is one of the youngest people to ever make the Queen's Birthday Honours list
Father Paul and daughter Jade Hameister received the honour for their services in polar exploration.
Ms Hameister is the youngest person in history to ski to the North Pole, the South Police, and venture across Greenland, the second largest polar ice cap on the planet.
The 18-year-old is one of the youngest people to ever make the Queen's Birthday Honours list.
'I like to think the honour is for surviving 140 nights in a tent with hormonal teenagers' Mr Hameister said to The New Daily.
'In a tent you can't just storm out and slam the door.'
Former prime minister Kevin Rudd has become a Companion of the Order of Australia, dedicating the award to indigenous Australians.
'I dedicate this award to our indigenous brothers and sisters,' Mr Rudd said in a statement.
'These first Australians are the oldest continuing civilisations on earth, and for those of us who have arrived in recent centuries, it is a privilege to share this vast and ancient continent with them.'
Mr Rudd, who issued a national apology to the Stolen Generations in 2008, says he and wife Therese established the National Apology Foundation for Indigenous Australians to make their own contribution to reconciliation.
Kevin Rudd received his honour for the 'eminent service to the Parliament of Australia, particularly as Prime Minister, to Indigenous reconciliation, innovative economic initiatives and major policy reform, and through senior advisory roles with international organisations'
Rosie Batty received the honours for her 'distinguished service to the community as a campaigner and advocate for the prevention of family violence'. The 2015 Australian of the Year (pictured) campaigned tirelessly after her 11-year-old son Luke was murdered by his father at cricket practice in Victoria the previous year
But at a national level, the next step should be constitutional recognition, he believes.
'This important work must continue.'
The leader has previously turned down an appointment as an AC , believing serving as prime minister and foreign minister
