Australia Day Honours

Tuesday, 28 January 2014

Dr Peter Wakeford, a Clinical Supervisor with the University of Newcastle's Medical School from 1982 to1995, received the Order of Australia medal in the 2014 Australia Day honours list, for service to medicine, and to the community.

Australia Day

Known as a passionate advocate for health facilities in regional areas and a strong supporter of the University's medical students, Dr Wakeford was a driving force behind the delivery and support of the University Department of Rural Health's program in Tamworth.

As the coordinator for students who commenced placements at Tamworth Base Hospital in 1980, Dr Wakeford not only provided clinical training and support but showcased to students the many benefits of living in a regional area.

Dr Wakeford's career achievements are extensive, including honorary gastroenterologist at Tamworth hospital until his retirement in 2001, physician-in-charge of nuclear medicine at the hospital and honorary consultant physician at a raft of smaller regional hospitals.

Even though Dr Wakeford retired from practice, he continued to teach the University's students and was also heavily involved in the consultation around the commencement of the Joint Medical Program (JMP).

A member of the Australian Medical Association (AMA) for 50 years, Dr Wakeford was presented with a contribution to teaching award from the University's Faculty of Health in 2003.

Mr Luke Marsden

Mr Luke Marsden, a current member of the University's Curriculum Advisory Board for Podiatry, received the Order of Australia Medal for service to the field of podiatry.

Currently the proprietor of Maroubra Podiatry, Mr Marsden also teaches at the University of Western Sydney. He is a current board member of the Podiatry Council of New South Wales and a member of the Professional Currency Committee, which implemented the Continuing Podiatric Professional Education Program.

Mrs Gael Davies

Mrs Gael Davies, an inaugural member of the Newcastle Art Society when it was founded in 1969, received the Order of Australia Medal for service to the arts, and to the community.

Mrs Davies has served as secretary of the art society for three decades and has catalogued collections for the University.

She was also manager and curator of the Von Bertouch Galleries from the 1970s to 2003.

Contact

  • Carmen Swadling, Media and Public Relations
  • Phone: +61 2 4985 4276.