Philanthropists and the talented can all take a worthy bow
From singers to administrators, writers to entrepreneurs, an abundance of artistic talent both here and abroad has been recognised in the Australia Day honours today. 
One of the top honours, a companion (AC) in the general division, has gone to both Allan and Maria Myers for their philanthropic leadership in multiple fields, including the arts.
Many prestigious names can also be found among those appointed as officers in the general division of the Order of Australia (AO), including Geraldine Brooks, the Pulitzer prize-winning Australian novelist who lives in the US. Brooks has been recognised for distinguished service to literature, as well as for being a role model to young writers and an advocate for indigenous literacy.
It's hard to see David Walsh, the professional gambler who founded the Museum of Old and New Art in Tasmania, as an establishment figure, but the addition of those two letters after his name certainly puts him in elevated company. As well as MONA, Walsh is recognised for supporting cultural, charitable, sporting and education groups.
Other officers in the general division include artist Tracey Moffatt, Village Roadshow chairman Robert Kirby and Alex Briger, artistic director of the Australian World Orchestra.
Tina Arena, already boasting a huge following in France, has been showered with plenty of praise from her home country in recent times. The singer has been appointed a member (AM) in the general division, just two months after she was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame by Kylie Minogue. She shares that honour with the likes of Adelaide Festival Centre boss Douglas Gautier, Opera Australia chief executive Craig Hassall, Sculpture by the Sea founder David Handley, singer Shane Howard and children's book author Jackie French.
Thirty years ago this month, Joseph Tawadros's family left Egypt and arrived in Australia, a new home that would be not only a place of opportunity but a musical inspiration. The 32-year-old is today admitted as a member in the general division of the Order of Australia for his services to music.
Tawadros says he hoped his audiences did not see the oud as foreign, but rather as an instrument capable of expressing emotion: "I work very hard at connecting people through music, especially through my compositions."And Bruce Pollack, well known in the arts sector for his publicity work, is receiving the honour in recognition of 25 years of tireless fundraising and charitable work for, among others, the gay and lesbian community in Australia.