Dawn Fraser honoured as an Officer of the Order of Australia

Australian sporting icon Dawn Fraser has been honoured as an Officer of the Order of Australia as part of the Queen's birthday honours for 2018.

Fraser, 80, has been recognised for her eminent service to sport, through ambassadorial, mentoring, and non-executive roles with a range of organisations at all levels, and to the community through roles in conservation and motoring associations.

She said she is delighted with the title, telling The Australian she can imagine her parents' pride.

"The recognition of the nation; but my mum and dad (Rose and Kenneth) saw me swim for the first time in Melbourne and it reminded me of how proud they were of me and I hope that they are as proud of me now.

Read the full list of Australian honourees here.

Fraser joins a long list of notable Australians on the 2018 list, including Professor Rose Amal for her work as a chemical engineer and Jill Elizabeth Bilcock for her creative contributions to the nation's cultural identity.

The Honourable Catherine Margaret Branson QC has also been honoured for her eminent service to the judiciary as a Judge of the Federal Court of Australia.

Business chief Jennifer Anne Westacott has been honoured for her distinguished service to private and public sector administration through executive roles, to policy development and reform, to cross sector collaboration, to equity, and to business.

In the UK, celebrities such as Emma Thompson and Tom Hardy join sporting stars Lizzie Yarnold and Kenny Dalglish as well as Mike Haines, the brother of aid worker David Haines, who was murdered by Islamic State Extremists in 2014 after being taken hostage in Syria.

Rosemary Powell, 103, has been acknowledged with an MBE in the Queen's Birthday honours for the 97 years she spent collecting for the Royal British Legion appeal, selling poppies with her mother from age six in 1921.

Powell said she is "over the moon" to be included.

Also included IS Sister Imelda Poole, a nun who has spent almost 10 years leading an anti-human trafficking network across Europe.

Sister Imelda said she hopes her inclusion on the honours list will draw attention to the "terrible crime".

"This is an honour which I accept on behalf of the female religious and co-workers who are contributing, through the mission of many international networks such as RENATE, to combating modern day slavery and on behalf of the dedicated staff of Mary Ward Loreto in Albania who are passionate in this same cause," she said.

"May this award expose even further the terrible crime of human trafficking which, as Pope Francis has declared, is a crime against humanity itself."

The 39-year-old who has trhee children has been awarded an MBE for her tireless work on behalf of the Islamic community, saying Islamaphobia contributed to last year's terror attacks.

"I really do hope...me getting this award will really help women understand that not everybody views Muslim women in that way and actually we’re as much part of this country as anybody else and our achievements are recognised and validated as well and also hope it just kind of silences the haters a bit as well."

Actors Emma Thomson, Tom Hardy and Keira Knightly have all been included for their contributions to the arts.

Haines dedicated the honour to his brother to his younger sibling who was beheaded by Islamic State extremists in 2014 after being taken hostage in Syria.

"It means a great deal to me and my family," he said of the news.

"Nonetheless, I want to be clear that this award is not about me, but for all those who have supported the Global Acts of Unity campaign and the values it stands for.

"Like many of those receiving awards today, I stand on the shoulders of those who support me.

"Finally, David - this award is for you, brother. Your commitment and courage are a constant source of inspiration. You devoted your life to helping others, and in this I hope you see your mission lives on."

Former footballer Kenny Dalglish has been knighted for his services to football, charity and the City of Liverpool.

Also receiving a OBE IS Jermain Defoe, for his foundation's work in the CariBbean and heavyweight world champion boxer Anthony Joshua.