February 1, 2019

Large cohort of alumni feature in Honours List

Notable achievements recognised

Graduates and honorary alumni from the University of Wollongong featured significantly in the 2019 Australia Day Honours List for their notable achievements. 

They join a prominent group from UOW who also were acknowledged in the awards list including Chancellor Ms Jillian Broadbent who received the highest award of Companion to the Order of Australian (AC) () 

Prominent researchers and academic leaders Senior Professor Julie Steele, Professor Judy Raper and Professor Sarah Miller were also honoured for their dedication, innovation and leadership. Each was named a Member of the Order of Australia (AM). Senior Professor Steele is also a graduate of UOW (Read more...)

UOW alumni, honorary alumni, donors and community stakeholders who made this year’s Australia Day Honours List include:

Mr Philip Clark, (AO) for his distinguished service to education, to research and infrastructure investment, and to the not-for-profit sector. He is Chair of the Early Start Advisory Board, UOW. Early Start is a unique combination of community outreach education and research initiatives aimed at helping children realise their potential and live happy, fulfilling and healthy lives.

Graduate and former UOW Dean Emeritus Professor Sharon Bell (made a Member of the Order of Australia, AM) for her significant service to tertiary education, and as an advocate for gender equity.

Graduate Dr Jeanell Carrigan (AM) for her significant service to music education, particularly piano, and to the performing arts. She gained her Doctor of Creative Arts at UOW. As a professional musician she has been involved in many educational and performance-based activities.

Graduate Professor David Widdowson (AM) for his significant service to higher education in the field of international trade and customs. He is now the CEO of the Centre for Customs and Excise Studies at Charles Sturt University. Professor Widdowson has 40 years’ experience in international trade regulation, including 21 years with the Australian Customs Service.

Graduate and Honorary Doctorate recipient Ms Lynette Williams (AM) for her significant service to the performing arts as an administrator and artistic director. Born in Wollongong, she is the recipient of an Honorary Doctor of Letters from UOW and is the former Chair of the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA).

Community stakeholder Mr Mark Orr (AM) for his significant service to community health through a range of initiatives. He is the CEO of not-for-profit organisation, Flourish Australia, which provides support programs, employment and accommodation for people with mental health issues.

Honorary Fellow Mr Michael Cole (AM) for his significant service to the community of NSW through public funds management initiatives.

Graduate Commodore Michael Miko (AM in the Military Division of the Royal Australian Navy) for his exceptional service to the Royal Australian Navy in the field of maritime logistics.

Graduate Mr Mark Harris, who has been involved in the mining sector for more than 40 years, received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the industry.

Graduate Mrs Marion Meischke, former teacher and long-time resident of Gundaroo, NSW, received an OAM for her service to education.

Graduate Dr Ian Willis, a four-time graduate from UOW, received an OAM for his outstanding service to community history.

Graduate Mrs Elsy Brammesan received the Public Service Medal (PSM) for her outstanding public service in the protection of the health, welfare and interests of people living in aged care facilities.

Graduate Captain Mark Sirois of the Royal Australian Navy received the Conspicuous Service Cross (CSC) for his outstanding achievement in the application of exceptional skills, judgement and dedication as the Commanding Officer of HMAS Newcastle while deployed on Operation MANITOU from July 2017 to November 2017.

Graduate Commander Rachel Elise Jones was awarded the Conspicuous Service Cross for outstanding achievement in the application of exceptional skills as the Command Legal Officer within Headquarters Joint Task Force 633 on Operation ACCORDION from March 2017 to September 2017.

Established in 1975, the Australian Honours List recognises men and women for their outstanding contributions that have made a difference to Australian life and to humanity at large.