Jan 26th is the national day of Australia. At the 2015 Australia Day Honours, Hon. Richard Alston was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for distinguished service to the Parliament of Australia, to international relations through diplomatic roles, to business development in diverse sectors. The Order of Australia is an order of chivalry established on 14 February 1975 by Elizabeth II, Queen of Australia, to recognise Australian citizens and other persons for achievement or for meritorious service.

Alston was born on 19 December 1941 in Perth, Western Australia. He was a member of the Australian Senate from 1986 to 2004, representing the state of Victoria for the Liberal Party. 2013, Alston became the non-executive chairman of Waratah Group. Alston is a veteran politician who loves Chinese culture. He has made great effort in cultural and economic exchanges between the two countries in recent years.

Congratulation again!