National honours for the extended VU family

Victoria University (VU) is proud to acknowledge our valued alumni, staff and partners recognised in the 2024 Australia Day Honours. The Australia Day honourees is a showcase of the breadth of talented people who make up the extended VU family.

VU Vice-Chancellor Professor Adam Shoemaker said:

The VU community consistently make their mark on Australia and its people across so many vital fields. From the nursing and midwifery professions to the financial and zoological sectors, their achievements have contributed to a more resilient and progressive nation. We are immensely proud of each one of them – sincere congratulations! 

VU would like to celebrate the incredible work of:

• Andrew Albury (Bachelor of Science (Paramedicine)): 
  Ambulance Service Medal
• Barry Clifford Curtain (Bachelor of Health Science (Nursing) 1996):
  Ambulance Service Medal
• Elizabeth Grove (Former Tutor, Academic Study Skills Unit, 1988-1992):
  Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia. For service to the community of Hobsons Bay.
• Dr Jenny Gray (Former VU Council member 2019 – 2023, Deputy-Chancellor, 2022 – 2023):
  Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia. For significant service to wildlife management, and to zoological industry organisations.
• Joanne Crawford (Former VU Lecturer, International Community Development, 2007 and 2009):
  Member (AM) of the Order of Australia. For significant service to women's rights, to gender equality, and to international development.
• Lisa Anne Fitzpatrick (Cert IV in Assessment and Workplace Training 2005):
  Officer (AO) of the Order of Australia. For distinguished service to the nursing and midwifery professions through leadership and advocacy roles.
• Nicole Oborne (Cert III in Business (Office Administration) 2003):
  Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia. For service to the financial sector, and to the community.
• Zeynep Yesilyurt (Bachelor of Social Work 2005, Diploma of Management 2012):
  Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia. For service to multicultural communities, and to women's affairs.

Reflecting on Dr Jenny Gray’s tenure with the VU Council, Professor Shoemaker recognised her as someone who deeply cares about leadership and thriving organisations in Melbourne's west. 

“Dr Gray has long advocated for the inclusion of individuals from all age groups in the pursuit of excellence, which particularly stood out when she led VU graduation ceremonies. Her encouragement for everyone to celebrate their achievements with pride left a lasting impression. Today, we take great delight in applauding Dr Gray for her own outstanding dedication and leadership," he said

VU’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor External Relations & Partnerships the Honourable Wade Noonan 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 2024 Honours List.