The Queen's Birthday Honours 2021

Among the 1,190 Australians recognised by the Governor-General yesterday, were several of our authors and publisher Julie Watts.

Congratulations to the following recipients on their exciting achievement:

• Dr James Bradley was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to literature as a writer. His recent books include Ghost Species and Clade.
• Ms Lily Brett was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to literature as a writer. Her latest book Old Seems To Be Other People is available now.
• Dr Patrice Newell was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for significant service to the environment, and to sustainable farming practices. Her most recent book was Who's Minding the Farm?
• Ms Leah Purcell was awarded the Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to the performing arts, to First Nations youth and culture, and to women. Her latest novel is The Drover's Wife.
• Dr John Edward Veron (aka Charlie Veron) was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to marine research. His memoir, A Life Underwater, was published in 2017.
• Ms Julie Watts was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to literature as a publisher. She was a publisher at Penguin Random House and a pioneer for children’s books in Australia. In 1987 she formed the inaugural children’s publishing department at Puffin. Watts was previously a publisher across both adult and children’s books, and in her later career published adult titles as well, most notably Mao’s Last Dancer.

'On behalf of all Australians, congratulations to all recipients. Each of these individuals are unique and their story deserves to be shared widely and celebrated.

'Collectively, they speak to who we are as a nation. There are countless examples of selflessness, commitment and dedication. There is diversity and there are examples of exceptional achievement in almost every field imaginable.' said the Governor-General yesterday.