Western Bulldogs Vice President Susan Alberti has been bestowed with the prestigious Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) in Tuesday's Australia Day Honours.

The conference of the AC is made to a select group each year, in recognition of eminent achievement and merit of the highest degree in service to Australia or humanity at large.

Previously a recipient of two Order of Australia awards — a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 1997 and an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 2007 —  Alberti was recognised for eminent service to the community through philanthropic and fundraising support for a range of medical research, education and sporting organisations, as an advocate for improved health care services for the disadvantaged and to young women as a role model and mentor.

Alberti has served as a member of the Club’s board since 2004, as Vice President since 2012 and has played critical roles in the the start-up of the Western Bulldogs women’s side, as well as serving as Director of the Club’s Forever Foundation.

"I'm just so honoured to receive this award," Alberti told westernbulldogs.com.au

"It's not about the award, it's about elevating women in sport and everything else that I have done over the years."

Alberti has also been at the forefront of philanthropic work for medical research as the chair of the St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research Foundation since its inception in 2004.

“There is no doubt that Susan’s passion and commitment to funding medical research, particularly in the area of type 1 diabetes, has had a long-term and positive impact on the quality of life for people living with the disease not only here in Australia, but across the globe,” SVI Director Professor Tom Kay said.

Order of Australia awards are traditionally presented twice annually by the Australian Government, via the Council for the Order of Australia, on Australia Day (26 January) and the Queen's Birthday public holiday (late June).