A number of prominent Australian arts figures have been acknowledged in the 2022 Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Gina Fairfax was acknowledged for her ​​work as founder and trustee of the Tim Fairfax Family Foundation, and received a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) – the highest honour awarded – for eminent service to the community through leadership roles in charitable organisations, as an advocate for philanthropy, to arts administration and to regional development.

A 2006 portrait of Australian playwrite Ray Lawler by photographer Bill McAuley. Fro the National Portrait Gallery collection.

A 2006 portrait of Australian playwright Ray Lawler, © photographer Bill McAuley. From the National Portrait Gallery collection.

Playwright Ray Lawler, best known for his landmark Australian play Summer of the Seventeenth Doll, was made an Officer of the Order (AO) of Australia, acknowledging his distinguished service to the performing arts as an actor, playwright and director.

Arts administrator Nicholas Heyward was made a Member of the Order (AM) of Australia. Currently Chair of Symphony Services Australia and the National Trust of Australia (Tasmania), Heyward has had a long and distinguished career. He was Managing Director of Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra from 2001...