Claudia Doman
26 January 2017: University of Canberra staff, students, affiliates and friends have been recognised as part of the Australia Day Honours.
From the nation’s most senior public servant and Australia’s first female Prime Minister to a Paralympian gold medallist and a renowned architect, a diverse group of distinguished Australians affiliated with the University have been celebrated today.
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UC student and Paralympian champion Scott Reardon awarded an OAM during Australia Day Honours. Photo: Rodney Cowled
Dr Martin Lee Parkinson PSM, secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and adjunct professor at the University’s Institute for Governance and Policy Analysis (IGPA) was named a Companion in the General Division of the Order of Australia (AC).
Dr Parkinson received the award for “eminent service to the Australian community through leadership in public sector roles, to innovative government administration and high level program delivery, to the development of economic policy, and to climate change strategy”.
Australia’s former Prime Minister Julia Gillard, who holds an honorary doctorate from the University of Canberra, also received an AC, Australia’s highest civilian honour.
Ms Gillard was honoured for her “eminent service to the Parliament of Australia, particularly as Prime Minister, through seminal contributions to economic and social development, particularly policy reform in the areas of education, disability care, workplace relations, health, foreign affairs and the environment, and as a role model to women”.
The late Alastair Swayn, professorial fellow at the University of Canberra and the inaugural ACT government architect, was made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) “for his distinguished service to architecture in the AC, through executive roles with professional architectural institutes and to the community”.
University’s Council member Tom Karmel and former alumnus and adjunct professor Michael Moore became Members of the Order of Australia (AM).
Professor of Pharmacy Gabrielle Cooper was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for “service to the pharmacy sector and to tertiary education”.
University of Canberra student and Australian Paralympic leg amputee sprinter and water skier Scott Reardon also received an OAM for his service to sport.
Mr Reardon, who is studying a Bachelor of Secondary Education and a Bachelor of Science at the University, won the gold medal in the Men’s 100m T42 at the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games.
William Maiden, a University of Canberra professorial associate and Frances Rose, donor and friend of the University also were awarded an OAM for service to education in the ACT and service to victims of crime through advocacy and support roles, respectively.
Andrew Kefford, head of the Asbestos Response Taskforce in the ACT Government and an adjunct professor at UC IGPA, was awarded a Public Service Medal for “outstanding public service to the community of the ACT through administrative roles”.
These recognitions followed last night’s announcement of the 2017 Australian of the Year, which featured legendary distance running coach and professorial fellow at the University’s Institute for Sport and Exercise Dick Telford, a finalist in the Senior Australian of the Year category.
