VU celebrates alumni & partners recognised in the 2026 Australia Day Honours

Victoria University is proud to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our alumni, former staff, and partners who have been recognised in the 2026 Australia Day Honours. These honours highlight individuals across the extended VU community whose leadership, service, and impact continue to shape a stronger and more equitable Australia.

Recognising excellence across the VU community

Reflecting on the significance of this year’s honours, Professor Adam Shoemaker, Vice-Chancellor of Victoria University, said:

I offer my warmest congratulations to this year’s Australia Day Honourees – it is wonderful to see members of the VU community being recognised for their efforts and excellence in going above and beyond in service of the public good. Their distinctive accomplishments are nothing short of inspiring, reminding us of the extraordinary impact that compassion, expertise, and genuine collaboration can create.

VU is honoured to acknowledge the exceptional work of these recipients, each of whom reflects the University’s commitment to opportunity, fairness, and lifelong learning:

• Danny Elbaum  – Certificate II in Health Science (Patient Transport Attendant), 2002
  Ambulance Service Medal (ASM)
• Cr Cuc Thi Lam PSM – Partner: Former Mayor, Maribyrnong City Council
  Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM). For service to the community of Maribyrnong.
• Emeritus Professor Nicolette Delphine Lee – former staff
  For significant service to tertiary education, and to curricula policy and practice development. Member of the Order of Australia (AM). For significant service to tertiary education, and to curricula policy and practice development.
• Graeme Robb – Diploma of Paramedical Science (Ambulance), 2006
  Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM). For service to the community through emergency response organisations.
• Emeritus Professor Marcus Wigan – Graduate Diploma in Applied Psychology, 1999
  Member of the Order of Australia (AM). For significant service to engineering, to road safety, and to tertiary education.

National recognition of service

Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, Governor‑General of Australia, remarked on the enduring importance of the honours:

The qualities and accomplishments of this year’s honourees reflect Australia’s values for service, community, kindness, curiosity, tenacity, and care. Congratulations to everyone recognised in the Australia Day 2026 Honours List. As the list so vividly showcases, so many Australians continue to give the best of themselves across many endeavours, in the interest of others. It is rewarding to see an increase in the number of awards, which reflects more nominations and recognition of the many Australians who inspire the best in all of us.

Celebrating VU’s values in action

Patrice O’Brien, Chief Advancement Officer at Victoria University, expressed her appreciation for this year’s recipients:

“It is inspiring to see members of our alumni community, as well as former colleagues and partners, acknowledged for their leadership and service. Their achievements embody the values that shape VU – equity, resilience, and a commitment to supporting others. These individuals remind us of what is possible when passion meets purpose, and they continue to make us proud ambassadors of Victoria University.” 

A full list of recipients can be found at: Australia Day 2026 Honours List.