UNE alumni active across all spheres of public life have been recognized in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours.
Politicians, educators, an oncology nurse, environmentalist and trailblazing activist Wendy McCarthy are among those being celebrated. Wendy, who shared her recollections of UNE during our 70th year, adds a Companion of the Order of Australia to the AO conferred in 1989, acknowledging her eminent service to children and youth, health, the arts, business and the community, as well as to women’s leadership.
A posthumous Medal of the Order of Australia was also awarded to former principal and author Douglas Saxon for his service to education, local history and music.
We also congratulate:
- Catherine Johnson AM – for significant service to oncology, nursing and research;
- Dr Henry Gardiner AM – for significant service to the community through a range of organisations, and to education;
- Gillian Whan OAM – for service to the community of the St George region;
- Dr John Drinan AM – for significant service to the dairy and agriculture industries, to the environment, and to the community;
- John Trowbridge OAM – for service to business, to the risk management sector, and to the actuarial profession;
- Lance Harrigan OAM – for service to the community through a range of organisations;
- Mark Holton OAM – for service to the community through a range of organisations;
- Gerald McCarthy OAM – for service to the Legislative Assembly of the NT; and
- The Honorable Donald Page OAM – for service to the Parliament of NSW, and to the community.
- Commander Christopher Joseph Smith CSC - for outstanding achievement as Commanding Officer 808 Squadron, and in the structural optimisation of the Fleet Air Arm.
- Lieutenant Commander Nicole Sorlie CSC - for meritorious achievement in the field of Navy people management.
