Celebrating 2026 Australia Day Honours Recipients

Naomi Arlene Simson OAM

For service to business as an entrepreneur, and to leadership

Naomi Simson has spent her career helping shape Australia’s entrepreneurial landscape. After completing her Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Melbourne, she built a strong foundation in corporate marketing with several global organisations. This experience sparked her interest in creating new ventures and supporting others to do the same.

In 2001, Naomi founded Red Balloon from her home and grew it into one of Australia’s most recognisable online experience brands. She also co-founded Big Red Group, which supports a wide portfolio of experience-based businesses across Australia and New Zealand.

Naomi has appeared on television show, Shark Tank Australia, where she invested her time to mentor entrepreneurs with early-stage businesses.

She has been active member to several boards and advisory groups, including the Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation, and has provided a decade to supporting the Faculty of Business and Economics Board.

Naomi has also taken on volunteer roles with Entrepreneurs' Organization, YPO, Heads Over Heels, Voiceless and Best Buddies.

Naomi’s place in the 2026 Honours list recognises the positive impact she continues to make across the business and community sectors.

Tony Burgess AO

For distinguished service to business, to tertiary education, to philanthropic corporate governance and benefaction, and to the arts

Tony Burgess has been a valued contributor to the Faculty for more than 15 years. As a long-standing member of the Business and Economics Board and the inaugural Chair of the Foundation for Business and Economics, he has strengthened the Faculty’s philanthropic foundations and supported its long-term vision. His service on the Believe campaign board further reflects his commitment to advancing education and opportunity.

Beyond the University, Tony brings over four decades of global corporate finance experience, including senior leadership at Deutsche Bank AG in London. He is Chairman of Flagstaff Partners Pty Ltd and contributes his expertise across several organisations, including Diversified United Investment Limited, Melbourne Business School Limited, the Ian Potter Foundation and the Melbourne Theatre Company.

Tony’s appointment as an Officer of the Order of Australia recognises his enduring leadership and the breadth of his contribution across business, education and the arts.