University of Canberra: 13 UC community members recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List
This year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours List has recognised 13 members of the University community for their contributions to the community and the nation.
The University of Canberra’s Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Paddy Nixon, said it was wonderful to see so many of the University’s alumni and community members acknowledged for their work.
“I extend my warmest congratulations to all those recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for 2022 and in particular, congratulate the members of the University of Canberra community who have been honoured,” Professor Nixon said.
“In both professional and personal capacities, and in domains ranging from education to public service to the arts, they have made – and continue to make – great contributions across our capital, region and nation. Their work is truly inspiring, and we are very happy that they have received this recognition.”
ORDER OF AUSTRALIA GENERAL DIVISION
Mrs Barbara Anne Slotemaker De Bruine has been honoured with the Member (OAM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia for significant service to squash as a player, administrator and coach.
Mrs Slotemaker De Bruine, a UC alumna and former teacher, has dedicated herself to volunteering in multiple capacities. She is passionate about squash, with over 50 years of contribution as a player, coach and administrator.
She received a Bachelor of Education in 1976 and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Sports Studies in 1988.
Mr Christopher Peter Latham has been honoured with the Member (OAM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia for his service to the performing arts, particularly to music. Among his many notable contributions in this domain, Mr Latham has been the Inaugural Musical Artist-in-Residence (Musical Director) at the Australian War Memorial (AWM) since 2017.
Mr Latham received an Honorary Degree from the University in 2015.
Ms Emma Siobhan Macdonald has been honoured with the Member (OAM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia for her service to journalism and to women.
Ms Macdonald has worked across numerous journalism institutions and has been = the Associate Director of HerCanberra since 2016.
Ms Macdonald attained a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University in 1995.
Ms Jennifer Avriel Kemarre Martiniello has been honoured with the Member (OAM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia for her service to the creative and visual arts. Mrs Martiniello, a former staff member at the University, is a writer, photographer and visual artist.
Mrs Martinello is a strong advocate for Indigenous artists; she works to break down barriers and combat discrimination. Among the many accomplishments in her career, Mrs Martiniello served as Deputy Chair of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Board for the Australian Council for the Arts and has served as a contributor to Indigenous Arts Development in the ACT Government since 1995.
Order of Australia – Military division
Lieutenant General Gavan John Reynolds AMhas been honoured with the Officer (AO) in the Military Division of the Order of Australia for distinguished service as the Military Representative to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation and European Union, Head Military Strategic Planning and Chief of Defence Intelligence.
Lieutenant General Reynolds has exemplified exceptional leadership in successive significant appointments that have directly contributed to capability and effectiveness in the Department of Defence.
Lieutenant General Reynolds attained a Master of Defence Studies from the University in 1999.
Major General Jason Peter Blain DSC CSChas been honoured with the Officer (AO) in the Military Division of the Order of Australia for exceptional performance of duty as Director General Force Options and Plans, Branch Head National Security Division in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and Commander 7th Brigade.
Major General Blain has led improvements in key capability management, command and force modernisation appointments for the Australian Army and Australian Defence Force.
Major General Blain attained a Master of Management in Defence Studies from the University in 2003.
Group Captain Lindley James Ghee OAMhas been honoured with Member (AM) in the Military Division of the Order of Australia for exceptional service implementing change management in successive postings across the Royal Australian Air Force and joint education and training communities.
Over many postings, he has substantially improved the performance and efficiency of Defence units through outstanding leadership, influence and thoroughness. Recently, he played a key role in the significant restructure of the Australian Defence College, resulting in the formation of the Australian War College.
Group Captain Ghee attained a Master of Management in Defence Studies from the University in 2003.
Major General Paul Andrew Kenny DSC DSM from the Australian Army has been honoured with Member (AM) in the Military Division of the Order of Australia for exceptional service to the Australian Defence Force in the field of Special Operations command and senior staff appointments.
Major General Kenny has provided exceptional service consistently across a number of roles over a prolonged period to Army’s Special Operations capability.
Major General Kenny attained a Master of Management in Defence Studies from the University in 2002.
Rear Admiral Ian Gordon Murray RAN has been honoured as a Member (AM) in the Military Division of the Order Of Australia for exceptional service to the Australian Defence Force in strategic logistics and operations support. Rear Admiral Murray’s leadership, professionalism and dedication to the field of military logistics has rendered a lasting positive impact.
His experience, outstanding knowledge and initiative have been integral in the restructuring of a number of logistic support systems that will increase responsiveness to evolving demands and enhance safety and security of supply. His resolve to develop sovereign explosive ordnance production capability will eventually see increased resilience in the support of Australian Defence Force strategic capabilities.
Rear Admiral Murray attained a Master of Defence Studies from the University in 1999.
Gallantry, Distinguished and Conspicuous
Colonel James Robert Burns CSM has been honoured with the Bar to Conspicuous Service Medal (CSM) for meritorious achievement as Director Veterans Engagement in Defence People Group.
Colonel Burns has demonstrated meritorious achievement by driving initiatives that improve the sharing and flow of information between Defence, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, and the Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation. This significant outcome has advanced the level of support necessary for the wellbeing of Defence members, Veterans, and their families. Colonel Burns’ leadership, judgement, and networking skills have been outstanding and in keeping with the finest traditions of the Australian Army and the Australian Defence Force.
Colonel Burns attained a Master of Defence Studies from the University in 1998.
Captain Matthew Martin Shand RAN has been honoured with the Conspicuous Service Cross (CSC) for outstanding devotion to duty as the Commanding Officer of HMAS Kuttabul.
Captain Shand displayed exceptional leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. He was instrumental in implementing a range of safe work processes for over 5,000 personnel at Garden Island Dockyard. He supervised major infrastructure projects and maintained a positive relationship with the local community, ensuring residents remained informed and the Navy upheld its reputation as a good neighbour.
Captain Shand attained a Master of Management in Defence Studies from the University in 2001.
Meritorious
Ms Samantha Elizabeth Chard has been honoured with a Public Service Medal (PSM) for outstanding public service in establishing Australia’s Radioactive Waste Agency and identifying a suitable site for a permanent radioactive waste management facility. Ms Chard’s leadership has secured significant developments in radioactive waste management in what has been a 40-year policy challenge for government. She conceived and established a dedicated agency to manage Australia’s radioactive waste and delivered and operated the first National Radioactive Waste Management Facility. Her innovative approach to project delivery and community engagement has built trust and a broad understanding of the need for a national solution.
Ms Chard received a Graduate Certificate in Marketing Communication from the University in 2013.
Dr Damian Paul West was honoured with a Public Service Medal (PSM) for outstanding public service and strategic leadership and development of the Australian Capital Territory Public Service.
Dr West has been instrumental in advancing whole of service stewardship and the consolidation and enhancement of work, health, safety and wellbeing across the ACT Public Service.
He has spearheaded changes in policy and practice to support the ACT Public Service through the COVID-19 pandemic, including rolling out initiatives such as hybrid working arrangements that have enabled the service to be flexible and responsive. His leadership transformed workforce planning, performance and capability across the ACT Public Service to improve existing workplace operations and create a workforce that is fit for the future.
Dr West attained a Bachelor of Community Education in 2001, a Bachelor of Community Education (Honours) in 2003 and a Doctor of Philosophy from the University in 2012.