Congratulations to the outstanding nurses and midwives who were acknowledged in the Queen's Birthday 2012 Honours List.

Nurses and midwives were among the 540 Australians celebrated for their outstanding achievements and contribution to the community as leaders in the field of nursing and midwifery.

Nursing Review congratulates the following recipients of the prestigious Order of Australia.

Adjunct Professor Patricia Brodie, NSW

For service to midwifery as a clinician, researcher and educator, and to professional associations.

Brodie is recognised as a pioneer of midwifery education and practice and one of Australia's strongest midwifery advocates. She has also been a member of the Australian College of Midwives for more than 25 years, holding both state and national executive officer roles.

Elsie Janet McLeod, WA

For service to nursing, particularly in the specialty of Parkinson's disease.

Ann Mitchell, WA

For service to nursing through a range of volunteer roles.

Dr Akram Omeri, NSW

For service to nursing through the Transcultural Nursing Society.

Dianne Mary Jones, QLD

For service to nursing, particularly in the field of gastroenterology.

Ann Kelly, NSW

For service to health administration, to nursing, and to professional organisations.

Annette Elizabeth Baldwin, NSW

For service to nursing as an administrator, through contributions to health care outreach programs in the South Pacific, and to nurse education.

Elizabeth Priscilla English, SA

For service to nursing, particularly in the field of stomal therapy clinical practice and education, and through executive roles with national and international associations.

Denise Mae Fisher, QLD

For service to nursing, particularly in the areas of breastfeeding and lactation management, and to the health and well-being of mothers and children.

Russell John Lee, NSW

For distinguished service to the international community through the development of humanitarian aid programs, particularly as Founder of Operation Open Heart, and to professional nursing organisations.