The Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, Michael Jeffery, yesterday announced that broadcaster Josephine Zammit Cordina was to be made an Honorary Member in the General Division of the Order of Australia.
The award is being given "For service to the development of cultural links between Australia and Malta, particularly through the Maltese media".
"This is a very well deserved honour," Australian High Commissioner Richard Palk said.
"Ms Zammit Cordina has been working tirelessly for many years to keep the communities of both Malta and Australia in touch via the media.
"Even though the two countries are on opposite sides of the world, the ties between both nations have always been strong. These bonds have been reinforced by shows like Boomerang and Waltzing Matilda, which have allowed the communities in both countries to keep abreast of Maltese and Australian current events."
Ms Zammit Cordina's radio programme Boomerang will celebrate its 20th anniversary next year and her television programme Waltzing Matilda will mark its 10th anniversary in 2004.