By Dr John Gullotta AM
The Order of Australia Association NSW Branch has marked its 45th anniversary with a festive “Long Lunch” in Sydney, bringing together more than 100 members, family and friends to honour the milestone and welcome the beginning of the Christmas season.
Established in July 1980, the NSW Branch chose the Heritage Atrium at the Hyatt Regency Sydney for its celebration. The setting was a striking, narrow space bridging the original heritage structure and the hotel’s modern extension which was transformed with a single elegant long table running the length of the atrium beneath a glass dome.
Guests gathered for pre-luncheon drinks before sitting down to a three-course menu beginning with buffalo burrata, followed by Ora king salmon and finishing with a limoncello deconstructed tiramisu.
Chair of the NSW Branch, Dr John Gullotta AM, welcomed members and guests by reflecting on the significance of the milestone. “Today is a celebration not only of our 45 years as a branch, but of the extraordinary community spirit represented in this room. Every person here has contributed in a unique and lasting way to Australian life, and the Order of Australia honours that commitment. Your achievements, whether in service, leadership, philanthropy, education, the arts, medicine, or community development have helped shape our nation for the better. We come together today to acknowledge those efforts with pride and gratitude. This anniversary marks 45 years of shared purpose and community service. Each one of you has received your Order of Australia because you chose to make a difference, not for recognition, but because you believed in helping others. That spirit of generosity defines who we are as Australians. Today, we celebrate your achievements, your service, and the friendships and connections that bind this Association together as well as celebrating the beginning of the Christmas season.”
A highlight was the unveiling and cutting of the 45th anniversary cake made by Café Etna at Horsley Park, accompanied by a performance of the “Brindisi” from La Traviata by tenor Gaetano Bonfante and soprano Camilla Wright. Diners joined the pair in raising their glasses to toast the Association’s milestone.
Entertainment continued throughout the afternoon with guitarist and singer Alex Partridge. Bonfante and Wright earlier made a dramatic entrance via the venue escalator to perform pieces from musical theatre, Christmas carols and light opera performances that earned multiple standing ovations and drew spectators from hotel balconies above.
The celebration also included a fundraising raffle to support the Order of Australia Association Foundation Scholarship program. Sponsors including Bowerhaus, Harrigan’s at the Hunter Valley and the Hunter Valley Gardens contributed generously, offering jewellery, accommodation packages and family passes as prizes. Lucky door prizes were awarded to guests throughout the event.
About the Order of Australia
Australia’s national honours system, the Order of Australia, was established in 1975 by Queen Elizabeth II at the request of then Prime Minister Gough Whitlam, marking the creation of an honours structure designed specifically to recognise the achievements and service of Australian citizens. Between 1975 and 1992 the Australian and British systems operated in parallel, with some states and territories still nominating individuals for imperial awards.
Australia’s final state-nominated imperial honours were conferred in June 1989, although Australians with direct British connections may still, on rare occasions, receive honours bestowed personally by the reigning monarch.
The Order of Australia is divided into General and Military Divisions and features four levels of recognition:
Companion of the Order of Australia (AC): awarded for extraordinary and pre-eminent achievement and merit in service to Australia or humanity.
Officer of the Order of Australia (AO): recognising distinguished service of a high degree to Australia or humanity.
Member of the Order of Australia (AM): recognising significant service to a particular locality, field of activity or group.
Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM): awarded for service worthy of particular recognition.
The gathering continued well into the afternoon, with guests departing after 4pm, a fitting ending to a memorable “long lunch” and a proud celebration of 45 years of service by the NSW Branch of the Order of Australia Association to our Community.
