By Grace Crivellaro in Canberra

From an Olympic legend to the sharpest legal minds, groundbreaking researchers and leading politicians, Australians from all walks of life have been recognised for their contributions to the nation.

Some 680 people were recognised with awards in the general division of the Order of Australia as part of the annual Australia Day honours list.

It’s been more than 25 years since Cathy Freeman sprinted across the finish line in first place during the women’s 400m race at the Sydney Olympics in a gold-medal run that united the nation.

An estimated 8.8 million people were watching across Australia when the Kuku-Yalanji and Biriri Gubba woman took her victory lap barefoot at the 2000 Games.

Ms Freeman is among 10 people appointed the highest honour, the Companion (AC) of the Order of Australia, recognised for her services to athletics, social impact across Australia and as a role model to youth.

Fellow AC appointee Chris Kourakis has presided over South Australia’s Supreme Court as chief justice since 2012.

But the senior jurist, who will be replaced at the head of the state court in February, is most pleased to be recognised for his contribution to the Greek community.

As one of 10 children of migrant parents, it was his upbringing that led him to a career in law.

“The experiences of migrant communities in Australia have shaped a lot of my views and thinking about equal opportunity, so I’ve been keen to support migrant communities establish themselves,” Chief Justice Kourakis told AAP.

“My mother’s family had a strong social justice commitment … they were full of ideas about how the world should be organised and by the end of high school, there was really no doubt I wanted to be a lawyer.”

Chief Justice Kourakis recently published formal guidelines for the use of generative AI in the legal profession, reminding lawyers of their professional and ethical obligations.

Another top legal mind, barrister and former NSW Supreme Court judge Geoffrey Bellew SC also said it was special to receive recognition for his work outside of the law, given his father Tom received a similar award 40 years ago.

Mr Bellew was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for his work in the law but also for his contribution to rugby league as a former NRL director and head of the sport’s judiciary.

His father also “essentially ran the game” for a period, making the award particularly significant as the duo had a very close relationship throughout their lives.

A memorable moment in his career was presiding over the trial of disgraced ex-policemen Roger Rogerson and Luke McNamara, who were found guilty in 2016 of murder.

Hours after the verdict was handed down, Mr Bellew sat as NRL judiciary chairman to preside over a high-tackle case.

Other AC recipients include NSW Chief Justice Andrew Bell, cancer and epidemiology expert Bruce Armstrong, biomedical researcher Anne Kelso, climate expert Peter John Cook, cancer researcher Paula Fox and quantum physicist Michelle Simmons.

Federal minister-turned-OECD secretary-general Mathias Cormann, the first female NSW premier, Kristina Keneally, and longstanding now-former Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk are among the politicians recognised.

Governor-General Sam Mostyn said the diverse accomplishments of the recipients reflected the value Australians placed on service, community, kindness, curiosity, tenacity and care.

“As the list so vividly showcases, so many Australians continue to give the best of themselves across many endeavours, in the interest of others,” she said.

The youngest recipient was Nicholas Pearce, 32, who was recognised for helping homeless youths.

The eldest living recipients are Janina Archabuz and Derrick Hammon, both aged 99.

A further 269 Australians were honoured with separate awards for their work in the military, emergency services and the public service.