Coates said that the passing of both Cuthbert and Rolton last year was a time of sadness for the Olympic community, but added that the recognition they had received  would will gladden the hearts of the Australian sporting community.

"Two wonderful women and two wonderful Olympic champions," Coates said.

"Betty was our 'Golden Girl' with her four Olympic gold medals and multiple world records on the track while Gillian’s courage in winning the team eventing in Atlanta in 1996 when badly injured is an extraordinary Olympics story."

Cuthbert, who died aged 79, received a posthumous Companion of the Order of Australia (AC).

After earning golds in the 100, 200 and 4x100 metres at the home Olympics in 1956 in Melbourne, Cuthbert – who had multiple sclerosis, added another gold for 400m at Tokyo 1964, having missed Rome 1960 with injury.

Rolton, who died of cancer in November, broke a collar bone and ribs in a fall before re-mounting her horse Peppermint Grove to contribute to a second Olympic team eventing gold in Atlanta.

She received a posthumous award of Member of the Order of Australia (AM).

Six other Australian Olympians were honoured in the list.

Cyclist Michael Turtur was made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO).

AM awards also went to swimmers Shane Gould and Suzie O’Neill, hockey player Rechelle Hawkes and basketball player Michele Timms.

Race walker Simon Baker received a Medal of the Order of Merit (OAM).  

Coates added: "We also congratulate Mike Turtur, not only recognised for his gold medal performance in the 4,000 metres men’s pursuit team in Los Angeles in 1984, but for his ongoing contribution to cycling as a coach and particularly the creation of the Tour Down Under which has been such a success.

"Shane Gould and Suzie O’Neill are such legends in the pool in different eras, each with a brace of medals including multiple gold medals and world records.

"Each deservedly has been honoured previously and I should acknowledge Suzie’s representation on the International Olympic Committee’s Athletes Commission.

"Rechelle Hawkes, our Hockeyroos captain who captured three Olympic gold medals, also holds a special place in our Olympic story having recited the Olympic Oath on behalf of all the athletes at the Sydney 2000 Games."

Coates added@ "Another wonderful team captain Michele Timms was first a member of our women’s basketball team which won its first-ever Olympic media in Atlanta in 1996 with a bronze, then she captained the side to a silver in 2000 in Sydney.

"She has been such an inspiration and a trailblazer for our basketballers.

"I would also like to acknowledge Simon Baker – a wonderful race walker who while never claiming an Olympic medal, represented his country with great distinction at four successive Olympic Games, an extraordinary feat.”

 Coates also acknowledged the recognition given to Australian tennis legend Evonne Goolagong-Cawley, who was awarded an OA.

"While not an Olympian, Evonne represents all the qualities of a great Australian champion and she has been dear to the Australian Olympic movement," he said.

"Evonne was the second person who carried the Olympic torch when it started its journey at Uluru ahead of the Sydney 2000 Games."