3AW announcer Denis Walter has been awarded a Member of the Order of Australia for services to the performing arts and broadcast media in yesterday’s Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

Walter has hosted the 3AW Afternoon program since 2008 and has been a singer and entertainer for 45 years. He was Chief Newsreader of the WIN Television Network for 16 years and was a regular presenter on the Nine Network from 1990 to 2002.

In addition to his dedication to the broadcast industry, he has always been active in the wider community with 30 years of performances at Carols by Candlelight and support for Carols by the Bay in Geelong.

Walter has been ambassador for a range of organisations, including The Austin Hospital, the Make a Wish Foundation, Geelong’s Barwon Health Foundation, Neighbourhood Watch and a patron and supporter of numerous others.

Walter said he was very humbled by the honour. “I am proud and more than a little humbled by this honour after 45 years in the industry. I’ve been fortunate to work across many areas of media and entertainment, from television news to my music career and now the treasured role as 3AW’s Afternoon host,” he said.

3AW operations director Stephen Beers said the station was thrilled Walter had been recognised for his dedication and services to the industry.

“Denis Walter has been involved in the 3AW family for decades, he works tirelessly on his program and on his passions and interests such as the carols. It’s wonderful to see one of our own honoured in such a way. Well deserved, ” he said.