VU family shines in Australia Day Honours

Victoria University is proud to acknowledge our valued alumni, staff and partners recognised in the 2023 Australia Day Honours. The Australia Day Awards remind us of the breadth of talented people who have been part of VU over many years, as students, staff, supporters or professional partners.

“The Victoria University community consistently has an impact upon Australia and its people – and in so many important fields," says Vice-Chancellor Professor Adam Shoemaker.

“We are incredibly proud of their efforts to make a difference, from educational and legal reform to gender equality. Their commitment, values and actions have led to a stronger, more progressive nation. To see these contributions recognised at the highest level is an inspiration for us all. Congratulations to all recipients.”

The late Emeritus Professor Peter John Noonan in particular, who was awarded member (AM) in the general division of the Order of Australia, left a profound legacy on tertiary education policy in Australia, spending more than 40 years as a policy adviser, researcher, and powerful advocate to government. In the 1980s he advised the Hawke government, and he remained active until the end of his life, advising government and authoring insightful policy papers as an Emeritus Professor at VU.

VU would also like to celebrate the incredible work of:

• Peter Clifford Burns (Graduate Diploma in Exercise for Rehabilitation 1985):
  Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia. For service to the community, and to youth.
• Julie De Hennin (Certificate IV in Training And Assessment 2007):
  Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia. For service to the community of northern Victoria.
• David Hope Denton RFD KC:
  Member (AM) of the Order of Australia. For significant service to the law.
• Marcia Devlin:
  Member (AM) of the Order of Australia. For significant service to higher education, and to women.
• Patrick Joseph Flannigan (Bachelor of Business 1988):
  Member (AM) of the Order of Australia. For significant service to sports administration, and to corporate governance.
• The Honourable Emilios John Kyrou (Graduate Diploma in Notarial Practice 2003):
  Officer (AO) of the Order of Australia. For distinguished service to the judiciary and to the law, to professional associations, and to the community.
• Guy Thomas McCrorie (Graduate Certificate in Management 2012):
  Australian Fire Service Medal.
• Benjamin Meadley (Graduate Diploma in Intensive Care Paramedicine 2003):
  Ambulance Service Medal.
• Matthew John Ponsford (Bachelor of Health, Paramedic, 2005):
  Emergency Services Medal.
• Janet Leanne Stevenson (Graduate Certificate in Management 2012):
  Australian Police Medal.

The Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd), Governor-General of Australia said that the outstanding Australians recognised in this year's Honours List “go above and beyond, are from all over the country, and contribute every day in every way imaginable. These are the people who see us through good times and bad. They’re almost always humble to a fault, but I urge recipients, for today, to put aside that humility - it’s important they know how much they are valued.”

VU’s Dr Ross Coller, Executive Director, Engagement and Advancement said, "[I am] heartened to see our alumni, colleagues past and present, and partners recognised in this year’s honours and we thank them for their commitment to improving our nation and our communities.”

A full list of recipients can be found at: Australia Day 2023 Honours List.