Our state is better because of these 26 people, and we are all grateful for the service they have given.

One of those is Dr George Merridew, who became a Member of the Order of Australia today.

Dr Merridew said he was shocked to win an award, but was quick to credit his family and peers without whose support he would not have achieved so much.

"It's not just a reflection on me, but on lots of people, especially my family because they've had to have lots of nights out of bed for me," Dr Merridew said.

"In a hospital, it's like a town and everyone is in it together and their work complements everyone else."

A further 221 meritorious and military awards were also included on the list.

Almost 43 per cent of awards (420 in total) were given for outstanding service or achievement in the community.

And at 40 per cent, this year's list had the highest ever percentage of women recipients, which Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove said he hoped would continue.

"It is great that the overall number of nominations and upward trend of Australian women being acknowledged through the Honours system continues to grow. We would all welcome higher recognition of magnificent Australian women," Sir Cosgrove said.

Since 2014 Sir Cosgrove has appointed or awarded more than 6000 Australians in the general division of the Order of Australia, with thousands more honours through other awards programs.

"This is my last honours list as Governor-General. Over the last five years, it has been the greatest honour and privilege to recognise and celebrate over 80,000 recipients through the Honours and Awards System," he said.

If seeing the list of Tasmanian Queen's Birthday Honours winners inspires you, jump online and nominate someone in our community today.