Renowned Australian concert pianist David Helfgott has been awarded an Order of Australia Medal for his service to the performing arts following a career spanning seven decades.
Helfgott, who lives in New South Wales' Bellinger Valley, was the subject of the Academy award-winning 1996 biopic Shine.
His wife Gillian said he was over the moon with the recognition.
"It's an extraordinary honour for David," she said.
Helfgott's childhood, his prodigious musical talent, and ongoing battle with mental illness was immortalised in the movie Shine, which put Australian filmmaking on an international stage.
Ms Helfgott said the honour aligns with the anniversary of the film.
"It's 25 years since Shine was made and his journey from there, and all the charity work he's done in mental health — and mainly in the musical field — is now being recognised," she said.
"I'm so proud of him because he's overcome so many battles."
Ms Helfgott said the coronavirus pandemic has allowed her husband some musical liberties.
"We've been at home and David has got his music room, and in so many ways he has a freedom to play whatever appeals to him," she said.
"So he's had that joy."
Ms Helfgott said her husband was looking forward to performing again this year with the easing of coronavirus restrictions.
"He did give a performance with the Bellinger Youth Orchestra in December and it's one of his great passions to play with the young ones. He's been a great role model to them," she said.
"To be able to play in December, because he hadn't played since February, was the start of it all again.
"Now we're looking forward to the musical world opening up for him."
