Today, the efforts, achievements and heroics of 827 Australians will be added to the nation’s honour roll.

“When I received the letter in the mail I was extremely overwhelmed,’’ seven-time world champion surfer Layne Beachley said.

The Sydney superstar was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO), the third highest level behind knighthood and a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC).

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Layne Beachley / Picture: Kristi Miller Source: DailyTelegraph

Beachley’s AO was the highest recognition for contribution to sport in this year’s Australia Day honours.

The 42-year-old, who was also recognised for her services to charity and as a mentor for women in sport, said she was proud and humbled.

“I have been awarded with a lot of things but this is right up there with my world titles,’’ she said.

Joining her with an AO is Professor James Patrick, one of the pioneers of the Cochlear hearing implant, Australia’s ambassador to France Stephen Brady and former federal Liberal MP Richard Alston.

Professor James Patrick / Picture: AFP Source: AFP

In medicine, kidney transplant expert Professor Jeremy Chapman, malaria specialist Professor Brendan Crabb and glandular conditions researcher Professor John Funder were all appointed ACs.

Sussan clothing business founder and philanthropist Marcus Besen and educator Professor Janice Reid, most recently vice-chancellor of the University of Western Sydney, also received the honour.

Household names are dotted through the list, including journalist George Negus (AM) and news reader and mental health advocate Jessica Rowe (AM), as are business leaders including Mark Bouris (AM) and construction boss Lang Walker (AO).

Mark Bouris. Source: Supplied

Jessica Rowe. Source: News Corp Australia

Movie buff David Stratton was thrilled to be appointed an AM, even if it took him a decade longer than former co-host Margaret Pomeranz.

Other greats of Australian television and broadcasting to receive honours included Judy Nunn (AM), who is most famous for playing Ailsa Stewart in the TV soap Home and Away but is also a successful author.

Judy Nunn. Source: News Corp Australia

David Stratton. Source: Supplied

New Zealand-born actor Roy Billing, of Underbelly fame, was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his lifetime contribution to the performing arts and as a patron of Sydney’s Prince of Wales Hospital.

Radio veteran Jonathan “Jono’’ Coleman was also awarded an OAM.

Jonathan Coleman. Source: News Limited

George Negus. Source: News Limited

Council of the Order of Australia chairman, retired Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, said the awards also recognised “quiet achievers”. “They are the people who serve the community but do not seek accolades,’’ he said.

Bateau Bay’s Owen Webb is one such recipient, awarded an OAM for his service to the automotive and exhibition industries.

The Summernats chief steward began his career as an apprentice spray painter before going on to collaborate with Jim Freklington on two coaches — Australia State Coach and State Coach Britannia — now in the service of the British royal family.