Australia Day Honours acknowledges University of Canberra community members
21 members of the University of Canberra community have been recognised on the prestigious 2023 Australia Day Honours List.
University of Canberra Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic, Professor Geoff Crisp, said the honours are well-deserved recognition for outstanding members of the UC community.
“We extend our congratulations to the former staff and alumni who have received these awards,” Professor Crisp said.
“UC is home to a diverse community, and while each of us have different backgrounds, and possess different skills and interests – what connects us, is our compassion, dedication and ambition to make a positive impact in our worlds, whether locally, in the ACT, or abroad.
“On behalf of the University, I extend congratulations to those honoured today. Congratulations on your achievements and thank you for your contributions towards building a better Australia for all.”
The Honours are bestowed in recognition of distinguished public service in areas including education, health and the arts, with this year’s cohort of the UC community comprising a mix of alumni, current and former staff.
The Honour List inductees for 2023 are as follows:
Order of Australia – General Division
Mr Thomas Michael Mollenkopf AO, Adjunct Professor in the Faculty of Science and Technology, was recognised for distinguished service to business, particularly through the essential services industry, and to the community.
Emeritus Professor Stephen John Duckett AM, for significant service to public health policy and management, and to tertiary education.
Professor Patricia Lynette Dudgeon, AM, for significant service to Indigenous mental health and wellbeing, and to education.
Dr Jeanette Gai Berman OAM, for service to education. Dr Berman is a former staff member, who worked for the University until 2007.
University alumnus Mr Phillip Vincent Coleman OAM, for his service to the community through the Catholic Church, and to the club industry. Mr Coleman completed his Graduate Diploma in Defence Management in 2005.
Dr Peter John Dowling OAM, is a former staff member of the University and was recognised for service to community history.
Ms Katherine Maka OAM, for service to community health. Ms Maka is a University alumna, having completed a Master of Business Administration in 2021.
Dr Sharon Lorraine Mascall-Dare OAM, is a former staff member of the University, who was recognised for her service to media as a journalist.
Mrs Deborah Masling OAM, is a former staff member of the University, where she worked in the Secondary Teaching Studio. Mrs Masling was recognised for service to secondary music education.
Mr Geoffrey Donald Page OAM, who formerly worked with the University, was recognised for service to literature, through his role as a poet.
Order of Australia – Military Division
Lieutenant General John James Frewen AO is a University alumnus, having completed Master of Defence Studies in 1999. Lieutenant General Frewen was recognised for distinguished service as Commander Defence COVID-19 Task Force and Coordinator General of the National COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force.
Rear Admiral Christopher Erson Smith AM is a University alumnus, having completed a Master of Management in Defence Studies in 2004. Rear Admiral Smith was recognised for exceptional service to the Australian Defence Force in the field of sensitive and strategic personnel case management.
Lieutenant Colonel Glyn David Llanwarne AM is an alumnus of the University, having completed a Master of Management in Defence Studies in 2003. Lieutenant Colonel Llanwarne was recognised for exceptional service to the Australian Defence Force in the field of sensitive and strategic personnel case management.
University alumnus Brigadier Craig Donald Shortt AM completed a Master of Management in Defence Studies in 2005. Brigadier Shortt was recognised for exceptional service as Director General Land, Director General Career Management Army and Commander Special Forces Group.
Military – Gallantry, Distinguished, and Conspicuous
Captain Anne Majella Andrews, CSC, is a UC alumna, having completed her Graduate Diploma in Human Resource Management in 1995 and Master of Management in Defence Studies in 2001. Captain Andrews was recognised for outstanding achievement in the field of Navy human resource management.
Lieutenant Colonel Marek Konrad Janiszewski, CSC, is a UC alumnus and former staff member. Lieutenant Colonel Janiszewski completed a Bachelor of Information Technology in 2000. He has been recognised today for outstanding achievement in modernising land force capability in the Australian Army.
Meritorious
Dr Amanda Jayne Craig PSM is a UC alumna, having completed a Master of Forensic Studies in Forensic Science in 2017. Dr Craig was recognised for outstanding public service in leading significant and complex safety and performance reviews of medical devices.
Ms Leesa Maree Croke PSM is a UC alumna, having completed a Bachelor of Applied Science in Health Education in 1998. Ms Croke was recognised for outstanding public service in social policy and in leading the ACT’s Whole of Government COVID-19 response.
Ms Patricia Ellen Johnston PSM is a UC alumna, having completed a Bachelor of Arts in Communications in 1995. Ms Johnston was recognised for outstanding public service as the Public Information Coordinator during the ACT’s lockdown period.
Mr Toby Michael Keene PSM is a UC alumnus, having attained a Graduate Diploma in Applied Psychology in 2000. Mr Keene was recognised for outstanding public service to public health as the Executive Branch Manager, COVID-19 Response Branch in ACT Health.
Ms Katherine Ruth Wakefield PSM is a UC alumna, having completed a Bachelor of Nursing in 2022. Ms Wakefield was recognised for outstanding public service to public health as the Executive Director in the Division of Cancer and Ambulatory Support.