Minister Barr: Canberrans’ achievements celebrated on Queen’s Birthday Honours list
- Written by ACT Government
Released 12/06/2017
A number of prominent Canberrans have been honoured today in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list for their work across our community.
I congratulate the many Canberrans honoured today, including Professor Kenneth Freeman and Professor Phillip Pettit, who have been appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) for their eminent services to astronomy and philosophy.
Former ACT Australian of the Year and Chair of the Canberra Business Chamber, Mr Glenn Keys, has been appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for his distinguished service to the community. Glenn is a passionate advocate for Canberra’s innovation and export sectors, as well as a major contributor to disability support programs across our city.
Two other Canberrans have been honoured with an AO; Dr Phillip McFadden for his distinguished service to earth sciences as a geophysicist and Dr Alexander Zelinsky for his distinguished service to defence science and technology.
A number of Canberrans were appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM), including Mr Garry Watson, who leads the National Capital Educational Tourism Project, which brings more than 160,000 students to Canberra each year. Garry has been at the forefront of Canberra’s educational tourism sector for many years and has been recognised for this.
Also honoured with an AM is ANU Professor Ann McGrath, for her significant service to the social sciences as an academic and researcher in the field of Indigenous history, while Mrs Deborah Rolfe and Mr Richard Rolfe are also honoured for their significant service to the community through medical, social welfare and charitable foundations.
Several Canberrans have been recognised for their contribution to our community through a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM). These include well-known satirical comedians Mr John Shortis and Ms Moya Simpson for their service to the performing arts, Mr William Handke for service to community health and conservation, Assistant Commissioner David John Sharpe APM for service to rugby league and the community, and Ms Fay Skyring for her service to the creative arts and the community.
I would also like to congratulate the two ACT Government Public Servants who have been honoured today. Mr Brian Talbot has been awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) for his leadership and collaboration with industry stakeholders on fire safety projects, and Mr Michael Abigail has been awarded the Ambulance Service Medal (ASM) for his dedicated work as an Intensive Care Flight Paramedic.
Mr Matthew Butters, a volunteer member of the ACT State Emergency Service, has been awarded the Emergency Services Medal (ESM) for his work as a trainer and assessor.
I also acknowledge all those Canberrans who were awarded Military Honours today and congratulate everyone who have been honoured for their contributions to our community.
- Statement ends -
Section: Andrew Barr, MLA | Media Releases
