Suzanne Lazaroo
16 June 2023: This year’s King’s Birthday Honours List saw 18 members of the University of Canberra community honoured for their contributions to the community and the nation.
The University of Canberra’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paddy Nixon, extended his congratulations to the award recipients.
“It is wonderful to see members of the UC community recognised for their service,” he said. “They have made significant contributions to our capital region and nation in sectors including health, sport and finance, and to the community in particular. Their work creates change in its own right, and serves as a beacon to inspire others to create their own ripples of impact via service.”
This year, 1,192 Australians were recognised for community service and contributions to research, industry, sport, the arts and more, in The King’s Birthday 2023 Honours List.
ORDER OF AUSTRALIA – GENERAL DIVISION
Formerly an Adjunct Professor with the University (2020-2023), Ms Rosemary Huxtable was named anOfficer (AO) in the General Division of the Order of Australia.
She received the award for herdistinguished service to public administration through leadership roles in the areas of health and finance, and to strategic policy reform.
A member of the United Ngunnawal Elders Council and Executive Director of the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS), Aunty Caroline Hughes was honoured as a Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia, for her significant service to the Indigenous community of Canberra. She received an Honorary Degree from the University in 2022.
Dr David Hughes has been honoured with a Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia, for significant service to sports medicine as an administrator and elite athlete
physician. He has been an Adjunct Associate Professor at the University since 2022, and is the Chief Medical Officer at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) and Chair of the Australian Olympic Committee’s Medical Commission.
Ms Katie Roffey was honoured as a Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia, for significant service to sport administration, and to the community.
Ms Roffey attained a Bachelor of Applied Science in Sports Studies from the University in 1990. She is the President of the Melbourne Football Club and Deputy Chancellor of Victoria University.
Mr Peter Strong was honoured as a Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia for significant service to the small business sector, and to the community.
Mr Strong received a Graduate Certificate in Management Studies from the University in 1994, and is currently on the University’s Business School Advisory Board. He is the former Chief Executive Officer of the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA).
Formerly an Adjunct with the University, Professor Gail Whiteford was honoured as a Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia for significant service to tertiary education, and to community health. She is currently Strategic Professor and Conjoint Chair, Allied Health and Community Wellbeing at Charles Sturt University.
Mr Ebenezer Banful received aMedal (OAM) of the Order of Australia in the General Division, for service to the African community, and to health.
Mr Banful is an alumnus of the University, having attained aGraduate Diploma in Legal Studies in 1996, and a Bachelor of Laws in 1998. He is a Founding Member of the African Australian Council ACT, and a former President of the African Australian Association.
Dr Fergus Gardiner received aMedal (OAM) of the Order of Australia in the General Divisionfor service to medicine. Dr Gardiner is an alumnus of the University, having received a Bachelor of Sports Management in 2012, and currently serves as the Director, National Emergency Response, and Public Health and Research Unit of the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Mrs Jennifer Gregory was honoured with a Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia in the General Divisionfor service to veterans and their families. She is currently State President of Australian War Widows Queensland.
Mrs Gregory received a Bachelor of Applied Science in Nursing Science from the University, in 1991.
Mrs Nishi Puri was honoured with a Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia in the General Divisionfor service to the Indian community of Canberra. She is the President, Australian Capital Territory Chapter, Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin, and the Founder and President of the Multicultural Association of Canberra. Mrs Puri is a donor to and supporter of the UCX Food Pantry.
ORDER OF AUSTRALIA – MILITARY DIVISION
Vice Admiral Mark Hammond AM RAN was named an Officer (AO) in the Military Division of the Order of Australiafor distinguished service to the Royal Australian Navy in senior command roles, including as Deputy Chief of Navy and Commander Australian Fleet. He is an alumnus of the University, having received a Master of Management in Defence Studies in 2004.
Major General Natasha Fox AM CSC was honoured with an Officer (AO) in the Military Division of the Order of Australia for distinguished service to the Australian Defence Force people capability as Head People Capability and Deputy Chief of Army. She received a Master of Management in Defence Studies from the University in 2003.
Air Vice-Marshall Stephen Meredith was honoured with an Officer (AO) in the Military Division of the Order of Australia for distinguished service in responsible positions as Commander Aerospace Operational Support Group; Head Joint Capability Management and Integration; and Deputy Chief of the Air Force. He received a Master of Management in Defence Studies from the University in 2002.
MERITORIOUS
Mr Graham Archer received the Public Service Medal (PSM)for outstanding public service through leadership to deliver nationally significant measures and reforms, including leading Services Australia's Information and Communications Technology (ICT) delivery of largescale ICT solutions for social security and welfare programs.
He is an alumnus of the University, where he attained aBachelor of Arts in Administration in 1994.
An alumnus who received a Graduate Certificate in Regional and Local Government from the University in 2002, Mr Brett Stonestreet received the Public Service Medal (PSM) for outstanding public service to the community of Griffith.
Mr Stonestreet has served the community in local government for 43 years, and is the General Manager of Griffith City Council.
Ms Bobby Antoniou was honoured with aPublic Service Medal (PSM)foroutstanding public service to public health, as the Liaison Officer for the ACT COVID-19 Clinic Health Emergency Centre. She is the central point of contact for all ACT academic institutions who have health care students on ACT placements, in matters pertaining to the ACT's COVID-19 response.
Ms Antoniou received a Graduate Diploma in Critical Care Nursing from the University in 1999.
Mr Howard Wren is the Chief Officer of the ACT Ambulance Service, and was honoured with aPublic Service Medal (PSM) foroutstanding public service to public health and leading the ACT Ambulance Service through the COVID-19 pandemic. He attained aDiploma of Teaching in Adult Education from the University, in 1990.
Mrs Daniella Posavec was honoured with the Australian Corrections Medal (ACM) for extensive work in the Offender Reintegration division of ACT Corrective Services (ACTCS), where she is the Director, Clinical Practice with the Supports and Interventions Unit.
Mrs Posavec attained a Bachelor of Science from the University in 2014, and a Master of Occupational Therapy in 2016.
