The ACT Honour Walk recognises individuals or groups from across all categories of endeavour that have made significant and sustained past contributions to the ACT.
The award aims to recognise the immense contribution made by those who have helped to shape the city of Canberra as we know it today. This award also complements the Canberra Citizen of the Year Award that celebrates current and/or recent contributions to the Canberra community.
ACT Honour Walk recipients are publicly acknowledged with a plaque in their honour on the ACT Honour Walk, located in Ainslie Place between London Circuit and the Canberra Times Fountain outside the Canberra Centre.
2023 ACT Honour Walk recipients
- Olive Brown: Olive was an advocate for health services to support the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. Olive was instrumental in the formation of Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Services, which started as a temporary medical service at the Aboriginal Tent Embassy.
- Companion House: Companion House work with individuals who have sought safety in Australia from persecution, torture and war related trauma. Companion House supports these individuals with primary healthcare and counselling services.
- Sue Salthouse AM: Sue spent the last 25 years of her life dedicated to breaking down barriers for people with disability, women and those experiencing domestic violence. She was committed to social justice and creating a more inclusive community.
- Professor Mike Gore AO: Mike was the founder and driving force behind Questacon. From its humble beginnings at the old Ainslie Primary School in 1982 to opening in the Parliamentary Triangle in 1988. Mike’s work with Questacon has impacted generations of school children. Mike is recognised for his service to science through a range of public outreach, communication and education initiatives on a national and international level.
- Peter Cursley: Peter Cursley established the Newborn Intensive Care Foundation in 1995 and has since raised $6 million to support neonatal care in the ACT and local surrounds. The Foundation has provided funding for nursing staff, education and research, along with lifesaving medical equipment.
- Dr Allan Hawke AC: Allan was a senior public servant and diplomat. He is recognised for his influence on Canberra as a pillar of the public service, and his contribution to the community as patron and chair of numerous local and national organisations.
Who can be nominated?
Any person or group who has been a leading player in shaping the city of Canberra, or who has made a significant contribution to the Canberra community over a sustained period of time, is eligible for recognition on the ACT Honour Walk.
Nominees do not have to be residents of the ACT and the honour may be awarded posthumously. Preference will be given to nominees who have not already been significantly memorialised in an existing ACT public memorial.
Some of the areas previous recipients have been recognised for include community service, culture, sport, research, justice, education, military, arts and business.
Nominations
Nominations can be submitted by anyone, including individuals, businesses, organisations and community groups. The nominator should complete a nomination form detailing the nominee's personal details and provide a summary describing the extent of, or impact, of the nominee's contribution that is specific to the ACT.
The nominator should also provide the details of a living next of kin of the nominee, if known, as well as details on at least two referees who may be contacted regarding the nomination.
Nominate online
Nominations can be made online.
If you require a hardcopy nomination form, please contact 02 6205 3031 or honoursandawards@act.gov.au
Nominations are open year-round. The next induction for the ACT Honour Walk will be in 2025.
Contact
Protocol, Honours and Ceremonial Events
Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate
Phone: 02 6205 3031
Email: honoursandawards@act.gov.au