Australia Day Honours 2014

TEN’s National Affairs Editor, Paul Bongiorno, has been honoured in the Australia Day Honours List today.

Bongiorno has been appointed a Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia, for services to the print and broadcast media as a journalist, political commentator and editor.

Other media and performers recognised today include Geoffrey Rush, Jacki Weaver, Rhonda Burchmore and A Country Practice writer James Davern.

Paul “Bonge” Bongiorno has been with TEN for 35 years and last year celebrated 25 years in the Canberra Press Gallery.

TEN Chief Executive Officer, Hamish McLennan, said: “Paul is an outstanding force in Australian political reporting and the media industry and I am delighted to see him recognised for his passion and commitment to the trade.

“Paul has reported from the centre of Australian politics for four decades, where his expert analysis on the events, stories and characters that shape this country have seen him awarded four coveted Walkley Awards. His integrity, professionalism and storytelling ability sets an example to all in the industry and he is held in the highest regard by those he has worked with over the years.

“We are privileged to have had him as part of the TEN Eyewitness News team for more than 30 years and I am sure that everyone in politics and the media will be pleased that he has been recognised with this honour.”

COMPANION (AC) IN THE GENERAL DIVISION
Mr Geoffrey Rush
For eminent service to the arts as a theatre performer, motion picture actor and film producer, as a role model and mentor for aspiring artists, and through support for, and promotion of, the Australian arts industry.

OFFICER (AO) IN THE GENERAL DIVISION
Ms Jacqueline Ruth Weaver
For distinguished service to the performing arts as an actor and entertainer, as a supporter of social welfare organisations, and as a role model and mentor to young performers.

MEMBER (AM) IN THE GENERAL DIVISION
Mr Paul Damian Bongiorno
For significant service to the print and broadcast media as a journalist, political commentator and editor.

Mr Robert Alexander Gell
For significant service to conservation, to the protection of coastal and marine environments, and to the community.

Ms Nancye Lee Hayes OAM
For significant service to the performing arts, particularly musical theatre, as an actor, choreographer and director.

MEDAL (OAM) IN THE GENERAL DIVISION

Ms Rhonda Suzanne Burchmore
For service to the performing arts, and to the community.

Mr James Edmund Davern
For service to television as a writer, director and producer.

Dr Peter William Harries
For service to the media industry as a television entertainer and producer, and to the community.

Mr Andrew Morphett
For service to sport as a radio and television commentator, broadcaster and presenter.