University of Canberra: UC community members recognised in Australia Day Honours
Nineteen University of Canberra community members have received recognition at the 2022 Australia Day Honours.
The recipients were recognised across several specialty areas, including public service, service to the arts, military and defence services, advocating for people with a disability, and service to architecture.
University of Canberra Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Geoff Crisp said that the University was – as always – very pleased for all those who were listed.
“The University is immensely proud of all our former staff, alumni and community members who have received Australia Day Honours this year.”
“Our alumni continue to go on to do great things around Australia and the world – and the group that has received these Honours are proof that with a University of Canberra education, anything can be achieved.”
Alumni Meredith Maxwell Hinchcliffe (1977), El Khouri George (1980) and Lynn Joan Fletcher (1980) received an Order of Australia, General Division, for their contributions to the arts.
Also to receive an Order of Australia, General Division, was the late Susan Margaret Salthouse – a former University Council Member from 2012-2020.
Former staff member Davis Jon Williams received an Order of Australia for his significant service to education and people with a disability.
Professor Crisp added that the recognition of members of the University community represents the commitment to industry that is displayed across the alumni network.
“The variety of reasons for which they received awards is testament to the wide range of fields that our alumni are suited to upon graduating.”
“These awards represent the passion and dedication of the entire UC community in their respective fields, and are a great way to kick off 2022.”
Four alumni received an Order of Australia, Military Division. Rear Admiral Jaimie Charles Hetcher was recognised for his distinguished service to the Australian Defence Force (ADF) in senior command roles, and Commodore Donald Leslie Dezentje was recognised for exceptional service to the Royal Australian Navy.
Brigadier Gavin Harrower Duncan was recognised for exceptional service to the ADF in the fields of organisational change and cultural reform, and Air Vice-Marshal Catherine Jane Roberts received her award for distinguished service as Head Aerospace System Division and Head Air Force Capability.
Further military awards were presented to Brigadier Edward John Smeaton, Brigadier Jane Maree Spalding, Captain Simon John Bateman, and Major General Justin Frederick Ellwood – all alumni from 1998 to 2004.
Current University of Canberra Adjunct Professor Major General Kathryn Jane Campbell also received the Military Award.
Five alumni were presented with a Meritorious award including Shona Jane Blewett (2005), Travis William Haslam (2002), Caragh Maria Cassoni (1997), Sara White Burns (1992) and Tracy Creech (2019).