VU congratulates King's Birthday Honours' recipients

Victoria University is proud to share the news that the hard work and dedication of several alumni, friends, supporters and former and current staff members, has been recognised in the King's Birthday 2023 Honours List.

The University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adam Shoemaker, congratulated the recipients, who reflect the University’s commitment to making a difference in the communities served.

“It is inspiring to see the VU community’s deep impact across the Australian community - and in many important fields. Each recipient has made significant contributions, and recognition at this level is a testament to the breadth of their initiative and generosity,” said Professor Shoemaker.

Congratulations go to the following individuals for receiving King’s Birthday Honours List recognition:

Alumni

• Mr Gerard Vincent Mansour, Master of Arts (Research) (1995) – Public Service Medal for outstanding public service in leading and managing Victoria's Youth Justice Centres and driving their recovery and redevelopment.
• Mrs Margaret Bernice Markovic OAM, Diploma of Teaching (Primary Teaching) (1992) – Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to road trauma, and safety initiatives.
• Mr Mark Antony Stracey, Bachelor of Arts (Urban Studies) (1993) – Public Service Medal for outstanding public service to the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Ella Angarane (Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Arts) (2006) – Medal of the Order of Australia for service to women's Australian Rules football.
• Senior Sergeant Dermot Patrick Avon (Master of Business) (2005) – Australian Police Medal for his distinguished service as a member of Victoria Police.

Current & former VU Council Members

• Ms Kate Louise Roffey AM – Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to sport administration, and to the community.
• Mr Antony Baron Greenwood AM - Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to the Anglican Church, and governance and legal advisory organisations.

Current & former staff

• The Right Reverend Alison Menzies Taylor AM – Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to the Anglican Church, and to conservation.
• Professor Emerita Berwyn Clayton AM – Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to the vocational education and training sector.
• Ms Barbara Mary Champion AM – Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to children through play advocacy, to local government, and to education.
• Dr Peter Michael Dann AM - Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to conservation, and the preservation of sea birds.
• Professor Michele Bianca Grossman AM – Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to tertiary education, particularly to research, and to social welfare initiatives.
• Mr Bruce James Morley OAM – Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the community through a range of organisations.
• Ms Margaret Haggart OAM – Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the performing arts, and to the community.

Partnering organisations

• Ms Joanna Robinson AM – Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to community health, through suicide prevention awareness and support.
• Dr Forbes McGain AM – Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for service to medicine. (Western Health)
• Ms Robyn Ann Batten AM – Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to the not-for-profit, health and aged care sectors.
• Dr Andrew William Barling AM – Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for service to community health.

The Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd), Governor-General of Australia said that this year’s recipients have made substantial contributions and had a significant impact at the local, national or international level. Some are volunteers, others have had a remarkable impact in professional roles – many have done both. They are all inspiring and their service is valued by us all.

VU's Dr Ross Coller, Executive Director, Engagement & Advancement said:

Recognition of the members of the VU community – our alumni, staff and Council members past and present – shows just how much their work and community mindedness is valued by Australian society as a whole.  We are very proud of this year’s award recipients.

View the full list of recipients on the King's Birthday 2023 Honours List.