Extraordinary VU supporters & alumni received Australia Day honours

Victoria University (VU) is proud to celebrate the outstanding contributions of our alumni, staff, and partners who have been recognised in the 2025 Australia Day Honours. These awards shine a light on the remarkable individuals who are part of the extended VU community.

We are especially delighted to recognise former Chancellor and long-time supporter Gaye Hamilton, who has been awarded the prestigious Member of the Order of Australia. This well-deserved honour acknowledges her significant contributions to tertiary education, community development, and various sectors.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Adam Shoemaker captured her impact best: "Whether it has been her pivotal work with Museums Victoria, her signal contribution to the Western Bulldogs and its Community Foundation, or her unprecedented leadership at Victoria University, Gaye is one of the greats.

A long-time member of the VU Council, a former Chancellor, a dedicated mentor, and an irreplaceable and generous leader—Gaye is a legend of the University.

Reflecting on the broader significance of these honours, Professor Shoemaker added: "The Victoria University family continues to make an enduring impact across Australia in a wide range of critical areas.

We are deeply proud of their accomplishments, which drive meaningful change across sectors like education, legal reform, and gender equality. Their unwavering commitment, values, and influence contribute significantly to building a stronger, more inclusive nation. Seeing these efforts recognised on such a prestigious platform is truly uplifting for us all. Congratulations to all the honourees.

VU is proud to honour the exceptional work of:

• David Briggs (former lecturer)
  Member (AM) of the Order of Australia. For significant service to the performing arts as a guitarist, songwriter and producer.
• Geoffrey Collinson (Bachelor of Business (Accounting), 1984)
  Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia. For service to cricket.
• Jeffrey Floyd (current staff)
  Member (AM) of the Order of Australia. For significant service to the community through a range of executive roles.
• Gaye Hamilton (Former VU Council Member 2013-2023, Chancellor, 2020-2021)
  Member (AM) of the Order of Australia. For significant service to tertiary education, and to the community.
• Stephen Kip (Graduate Diploma in Building Fire Safety and Risk Engineering, 1994; Master of Engineering (Civil and Building Engineering), 1996)
  Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia. For service to the construction industry.
• Selba Luka (Certificate IV in Human Resource Operations, 2000; Bachelor of Nursing, 2005)
  Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia. For service to the African community of Victoria.
• Kleoniki Matziaris-Garay (Certificate IV in Home and Community Care, 2015)
  Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia. For service to the Greek community of Victoria.
• Josephine O’Doherty (Graduate Diploma in Secondary Education, 2009)
  Ambulance Service Medal (ASM).
• Murray Talbot (former staff)
  Australian Fire Service Medal.
• Edward Wright (Graduate Diploma in Intensive Care Paramedicine, 2004)
  Ambulance Service Medal (ASM).

Her Excellency the Honourable Ms. Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of Australia, remarked that: "To read recipient stories is to be reminded that contribution to communities across the country, underpinned by care, kindness, respect and love, is what matters most to all Australians, in every sphere of life."

VU’s Chief Advancement Officer, Patrice O’Brien, expressed her gratitude: "It is incredibly heartening to see members of our alumni, past and present colleagues, and partners acknowledged in this year’s honours. Their dedication to advancing our nation and enhancing our communities is something we deeply admire and appreciate.

At Victoria University, we are guided by our core values of inclusivity, excellence, and social justice. These honourees exemplify these principles through their tireless efforts to create opportunity, champion equity, and strengthen the communities they serve. Their achievements reflect the very spirit of what VU stands for.

A full list of recipients can be found at: Australia Day 2025 Honours List.