Southern Highlands man Anthony Abrahams AM has a long list of achievements to his name including involvement in the ultimate isolation and downfall of apartheid.
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However, it is his service to Australia-France relations, and to the law, that has resulted in him being recognised on the Queen's honours' list.
Mr Abrahams, who lives part of the year in Bundanoon and the other part in Bellevue Hill, was among eight Highlanders to be recognised on Australia Day 2020.
He said he felt "immensely privileged by the honour".
Mr Abrahams served as a member on the State Council NSW French Australia Chamber of Commerce between 1998 - 2016, was the vice president of the Association France-Australia in Paris between 1974 and 1993 and was a member of the Board of Australia France Industrial Round Table. While living abroad he made several trips to Australia and promoted close ties with France through these entities.
The founder and director of Anthony Abrahams Lawyers Pty Ltd from 2003-2016 has, in fact, made extensive and impressive contributions to the legal profession.
He was the manager of Sydney construction and infrastructure group KPMG Legal in Saudi Arabia from 1998-2003.
Mr Abrahams was also managing partner with Clifford Chance (Saudi Arabia), 1978 and 1994-1996, and partner with Clifford Chance (Paris Office) from 1974-1996.
He was the first Australian lawyer to work in private practice in France and was a lawyer to the Australian Embassy in Paris from 1973-1993.
His profession as a lawyer specialised in major infrastructure and construction projects which involved major commercial activity between France and Australia and the South Pacific.
"The interaction between France and Australia was a major part of my legal and general professional life both whilst based in France for 24 years and once back in Australia," Mr Abrahams said.
"As with many people receiving this sort of award for a similar group of activities, one does these things over many years without expecting or wanting recognition.
"But it's nice to have an ongoing reminder of that part of my life. My years in France took place over a period that began in 1970 with what I would call the end of the post World War II era and the beginning of 'Modern France'.
"I witnessed and was involved in many changes. It was an interesting and exciting period to be working in that country and in the international sphere."
Mr Abrahams was also one of several international rugby players who initiated debate over apartheid in 1971 and campaigned for the cessation of all sporting ties with apartheid South Africa.
Selected in the 1967 and 1968 Wallabies team against New Zealand and then the 1969 team against Wales and subsequent tour of South Africa, he was a driving force behind the group best known as the Magnificent Seven. This was made up of international rugby players who initiated debate over apartheid in 1971 and campaigned for the cessation of all sporting ties with apartheid South Africa.
The group also featured representative rugby players James Roxburgh, Jim Boyce, Paul Darvenzia, Terry Forman and the late Barry McDonal and Bruce Taafe.
They played a central part in the opposition to the 1971 Springboks' tour of Australia and to having any sporting or other contacts with the South African regime.
Their public stand contributed significantly to the ultimate isolation and downfall of apartheid.
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