June 15, 2023

UOW graduates recognised in King’s Birthday Honours

Outstanding defence leaders and world-class scientist among list of recipients

Graduates from the University of Wollongong (UOW) were among hundreds of inspiring Australians recognised in the prestigious 2023 King’s Birthday Honours List, announced on Monday (12 June).

The recipients were honoured for their outstanding contributions to their professions and to their communities.

Distinguished Professor Sharon Robinson, from UOW’s School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her significant service to science, particularly the study of Antarctic environmental change.

UOW Vice-Chancellor Professor and President Patricia M. Davidson congratulated the UOW graduates for their unflagging contributions to their communities.

“Being recognised on the King’s Birthday Honours List is an immense honour and one that is not given lightly. It is a reflection of their hard work, tenacity, and commitment to others,” Professor Davidson said.

“The University is proud of the UOW alumni who have received this prestigious honour and congratulate them on their achievements, which include service to science, to charities, to the Illawarra, and to the Royal Australian Navy.”

Three UOW graduates received a Medal of the Order of Australia in the General Division (OAM), which is given to Australians who have demonstrated outstanding service or exceptional achievement.

UOW graduate Carolyn Townsend, who completed a Bachelor of Commerce in 2002, received an OAM, for her service to the community through charitable organisations.

Giovanna Cardamone, who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from UOW in 1989, was honoured with an OAM for her service to the Italian community of the Illawarra.

Lawyer Craig Osborne, who was granted a University Fellowship in 2016 for his contribution to UOW’s School of Law, received an OAM for his service to the Illawarra community.

Virginia Leitch received a Public Service Medal, which recognises outstanding service by employees of the Australian Government. Ms Leitch, who received a Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Health from UOW in 2006, was honoured for developing the business case for rehabilitation of the former Rum Jungle uranium mine.

Two UOW graduates were also honoured for their service to the Royal Australian Navy. Vice Admiral Mark David Hammond AM RAN was made an Officer (AO) in the Military Division of the Order of Australia. He graduated from UOW with a Master of Maritime Studies in 2005.

Commodore Dr Nicole Curtis RAN was appointed a Member in the Military Division of the Order of Australia for her exceptional service to the Australian Defence Force in operational health, policy, and capability.

Commodore Curtis, who received a Graduate Certificate in Maritime Studies from UOW in 2007, was honoured for her inspirational leadership, which has resulted in lasting reforms to policy, capability coordination and the safety and quality of health services provided to Australian Defence Force members both in Australia and when deployed on operations and major exercises.