Look past the politicians and celebrities and almost half of the 737 people recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours are ‘everyday Aussies’.

Among the recipients to make the 2024 list are household names from the COVID-19 era, entertainers on television and the sporting field, medical researchers as well as community champions.

Former Victorian premier Daniel Andrews and Western Australia premier Mark McGowan are made Companions (AC) of the Order of Australia for their service to parliament and public health.

Both rose to national prominence over their hardline stances in response to the pandemic, with Mr Andrews overseeing one of the world’s longest lockdowns while Mr McGowan kept his state borders shut for almost 700 days.

Incoming governor-general Samantha Mostyn, former federal Labor leader the late Simon Crean, epidemiologist Karen Canfell and composer Jonathan Mills rounded out the AC appointments.

Among the sporting stars to be recognised include cricket icon and McGrath Foundation president Glenn McGrath, appointed an Officer (AO) for his role as a coach and service to breast cancer support.

Retired AFL star Bachar Houli was recognised with a Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia for his services to the Islamic community and multiculturalism.

Entertainers on the small screen and through the airwaves were among those honoured, with funnyman Hamish Blake recognised for his two decades of service as an entertainer.

Comedian Jimmy Rees, also known as Jimmy Giggle from the children’s show Giggle and Hoot, and sport broadcaster Sandy Roberts were also honoured for their work.

The 2024 list commemorates an equal number of men and women in the general division of the Order of Australia, with recipients ranging from 29 to 98 years old.

More than 45 per cent of awards went to ordinary Australians for their tireless community service. Some have citations for their years of service to a local government area, sports or community or youth organisation, or voluntary work.

Governor-General David Hurley congratulated all recipients for the difference they have made.

“Some names are well known, but the vast majority are not – they are people who work tirelessly and selflessly to make a difference in our community,” he said.

As most states and territories – except Queensland and Western Australia – recognise a public holiday on Monday for the King’s Birthday, republicans used the opportunity to call for clairty from the government on plans for constitutional reform.

“The Labor Party has endorsed the establishment of an Australian Constitutional Commission, but no details have been provided about what it would do, who would serve on it, and when it might start work, if ever,” Real Republic Australia Chair David Muir said in a statement.

This post was originally published on Michael West.