26 October 2020: Distinguished service in child safety advocacy, nursing, homelessness and education are some of the areas highlighted amongst the cohort of 21 University of Canberra staff, alumni and former staff recognised in the 2020 Australia Day Honours.
UC Distinguished Alumni finalist (2015), Damian De Marco has been made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to the community as a child safety advocate. A victim of abuse himself, Damian appeared before the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. He has emerged as one of Australia’s leading child protection advocates, being a voice for those seeking justice.
Former UC Deputy Chancellor and Council Member Ms Anne Trimmer was made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service to the law and legal profession, healthcare standards and policy, and education.
Adjunct Professors Craig Purdam and Peter Williams have both been honoured with the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM). Mr Purdam has been recognised for his service to sports administration and physiotherapy; and Dr Williams for his service to community health and medical education.
For his distinguished service to architecture, education and professional organisations, former Adjunct Professor, the late Dr Enrico Taglietti, has been awarded an AO.
Distinguished alumnus Mr Michael Hartung, has been awarded an OAM in recognition of his service to sport for people with a disability.
Mr Mathew Luther has been awarded an OAM for service to nursing. Mr Luther graduated from UC with a Bachelor of Nursing and a Graduate Diploma in Midwifery. He was a Distinguished Alumni Finalist in 2011.
Alumnus Ludo McFerran received an AM for service to women and children, and social justice.
Alumnus Adrian Runmore has been honoured with an OAM for service to homeless youth and physiotherapy.
The late Mrs Jacqueline Warner was awarded an OAM for her service to youth through scouts.
Working to support those who are blind or with low vision through sport, UC alumnus, Edward Ralston received an OAM.
Alumnus Brigadier Michael Ashleigh received an AM in the Military Division for exceptional service as Director Logistics-Army, Director General Strategic Logistics and Commander Australian Army Cadets.
For his exceptional service to the Royal Australian Navy in the field of command and leadership, Alumnus Captain Warren Bairstow CSC RAN has been awarded an AM in the Military Division.
UC Alumnus Major General Andrew Freeman received an AM in the Military Division for exceptional service to the Australian Defence Force as Commander 17th Brigade, Director General Land Operations and Director Logistics-Army.
Commander Benjamin Spurgin RAN, who graduated from UC with a Graduate Diploma in Legal Studies, has been honoured with an OAM in the Military Division for meritorious performance of duty as a Navy legal advisor and instructor.
Alumnus Rear Admiral Jamie Hatcher AM RAN has received a Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) for distinguished command and leadership in warlike operations.
Colonel Stephen Gliddon AM, a UC alumnus, has been honoured with a Commendation for Distinguished Service in the performance of duties in warlike operations.
UC Alumnus, Brigadier Wade Stothart DSC AM CSC also received a Commendation for Distinguished Service in the performance of duties in warlike operations.
Lieutenant Colonel Stuart Hill has been honoured with a Conspicuous Service Cross (CSC) for outstanding achievement as the Staff Officer Cyber Security and Commanding Officer Defence Security Operations Centre. Lieutenant Hill graduated from UC with a Master of Management in Defence Studies.
Brigadier Paul Nothard AM CSC, a UC Alumnus, has been awarded a Conspicuous Service Medal (CSM) for meritorious devotion to duty.
Colonel Simon Palmer, an alumnus with a Master of Management in Defence Studies, has been honoured with a Conspicuous Service Medal (CSM) for meritorious achievement in leading cultural change and governance reform within Reserve and Youth Division, Joint Capabilities Group.
