Members of the UNE community – near and far – who have excelled across a range of fields were recognised in the 2024 Australia Day Honours list.
Among them were alumnus Dr Grahame Webb, who was made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service to environmental conservation and wildlife preservation. Dr Webb, who completed his undergraduate science studies and a PhD at UNE in the late 1960s and early 1970s, has made the research and protection of crocodiles his life’s work, establishing Crocodylus Park in the Northern Territory and contributing internationally to efforts to find a balance between crocodile conservation and management.
“I have always worked for outcomes rather than accolades,” said Grahame. “Crocodile conservation has always been a challenge because, if it’s successful, croc numbers build up and they end up eating people. You need incentives for people to tolerate crocodiles. In the north, we did that through a sustainable industry – and science has always been the mainstay behind that. It’s been a bit of a bio-political nightmare, but we have enabled people to benefit from having crocs around.”
“UNE enthusiast” Susie Dunn was also acknowledged with a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for community service to the New England region. A strong advocate and supporter of the university, Susie said she has simply “helped when asked and appropriate ”.
“I am very interested in and passionate about the district, generally, and Armidale and the university more particularly,” said Susie, who has been a long-time champion of Armidale and reconciliation. “I have been especially pleased to contribute in a small way to parts of UNE.”
Other UNE alumni and friends awarded Australia Day Honours included :
- Dr Paul Browning OAM: For service to education.
- Kerry Clancy OAM: For service to lifesaving.
- Emeritus Professor Dudley Creagh AM: For significant service to science and tertiary education.
- Karen Doran PSM: For outstanding public service to community safety through leadership, policy advice and program administration.
- Eric Flood OAM: For service for veterans and their families.
- Dr Margaret Folkard OAM: For service to gnomonics [the study of sun dials] and to the community.
- Lisa Freeman PSM: For outstanding public service to the NSW District Court, particularly across the COVID-19 pandemic response.
- Eris Gleeson OAM: For service to the community of the Hilltops region.
- Anthony Harris AM: For significant service to mental health as a clinician and academic.
- The late Roy Hazlewood OAM: For service to the Anglican Church of Australia.
- Gregory Johnson AM: For significant service to community health through diabetes governance, reform and education.
- Emeritus Professor Gisela Kaplan AM: For significant service to science education through research into animal behaviour.
- Professor Donna Pendergast AM: For significant service to tertiary education.
- Mark Stickells AM: For significant service to science, particularly information technology and to the community.
- Dr Muriel Watt AM: For significant service to the photovoltaic and renewable energy sector.
