Radio and television personality Hamish Blake has appeared on the King’s Birthday Honours list, and been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his service to the arts as an entertainer, and to the community.
He leads a list of media and marketing names appearing on the Honours list, including radio host and comedian Jimmy Rees.
The Member of the Order of Australia is awarded for service in a particular locality or field of activity. Appointments to the Order of Australia are the highest recognition for notable achievement and service.
Other media and marketing names on the honours list included: Laura Greaves, who has worked as a media and communications manager at Assistance Dogs Australia since 2022; Deborah Henderson, who has been a director of Henderson Media Group since 2019; and Catia Malaquias, who is the co-founder and director of Global Alliance for Disability in Media and Entertainment.
Stephen O’Doherty was also honoured with the recognition. O’Doherty was a 2GB broadcaster across its breakfast and drive programs, from 1991-1992. He was a journalist and presenter at Sundown Rundown and the 12:30 report from 1980-1988. From 1990 to 1992, he was a national affairs reporter for Network 10, and in 1989 was the NSW state political reporter at ABC’s the 7:30 Report.
Since 2003, he has been a member of the Community Broadcasting Sector Roundtable.
John Reynolds, the CEO of APN News and Media from 1989 to 1995, and The Age‘s managing director from 1995 to 1997, was also on the list. Reynolds was also the CEO of The West Australian from 1972 to 1989.
Sandy Roberts, a former Seven commentator from 1973 to 2013, achieved the honour. He has commentated various sports including AFL, golf, tennis, the Bathurst 1000, Spring Racing Carnivals, and Winter and Summer Olympic games. Roberts was a sports presenter for Seven News Melbourne for eight years, from 2005 to 2013, and a host of It’s Academic in the 1970s. In 1999 and 2000, he was the host of The $1,000,000 Chance of a Lifetime.
Nicholas Way was acknowledged for his service to the media as a journalist. Way was a media advisor for the Aged Care and Indigenous Health Minister from 2017 to 2019. Before that, he was a senior media adviser to the Department of Premier and Cabinet in Western Australia.
He was also a presenter at Channel 10 for 20 years, and a journalist at The West Australian.
Cassandra Wilkinson‘s service to the broadcast media was recognised. She was the former senior vice president for the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia, a commentator for Sky News, The Bolt Report, and The Drum, and a columnist at The Australian.
Finally, Catherine Nugent, a former partner at Max Ellis Marketing and marketing assistant at Saatchi & Saatchi, made the list.