Natarsha Belling

And so today we have a special episode for you, not with a recipient of one of those awards, but his son.

James Valentine is now James Valentine AM.

The celebrated and much-loved ABC radio broadcaster passed away in April.

He was the long-time host of Afternoons in Sydney as well as an accomplished musician and part of the group The Models back in the 1980s.

He was beloved and James knew before he passed away that he was being honoured as an Order of the Member of Australia.

Today, that honour is official and James, sadly, isn't here to accept it.

But his son, Roy, has been speaking publicly about his dad's spirit and legacy, including a beautiful eulogy he gave at the public memorial for James just a few weeks ago.

He also shares his dad's very special message for others on how we can all live a better and more meaningful life.

We are really thrilled that Roy Valentine joins us for this special public holiday edition of The Briefing.

Roy, thanks so much for joining us on what I would estimate is an incredibly emotional day for you and your family.

Your beautiful dad, James, has received a very special honour.

Tell us about it.

And what did he say when he received that incredible honour, Roy, if you're okay to share that?

And your dad was loved by so many for so many different reasons.

And as we know, he was an extraordinary musician and broadcaster.

But what I think so many of us loved about your dad is the fact that he gave a voice to others.

What do you think made him such an extraordinary broadcaster?

I was very lucky to be able to watch your incredible speech at your dad's public memorial, which how incredibly overwhelming for you and your family to see hundreds and hundreds of people turn up to pay tribute to your incredible dad.

Not only was he much loved by the Australian community, but he was also your dad.

And I loved how you said, of course my dad receives a public memorial because he's my dad.