Exceptional affiliates recognised in 2021 Australia Day Honours
The University of Newcastle congratulates and celebrates all Australians recognised in the 2021 Australia Day Honours, in particular those belonging to the University’s valued community.
Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alex Zelinsky AO, said the awards were an opportunity to reflect on the unparalleled efforts of many exceptional Australians.
“These awards recognise so many incredible contributions being made by staff, students, alumni, donors and other members of our University’s extensive network,” Professor Zelinsky said.
“I extend my congratulations to all those recognised in this year’s honours and thank them for their commitment to improving our nation and our communities.”
The University-affiliated recipients include:
| Name | Honour | Received | Relationship |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professor Alan Cass | OFFICER (AO) IN THE GENERAL DIVISION | For distinguished service to medical research, particularly to the prevention and management of chronic kidney disease, to improved Indigenous clinical care and health outcomes, and as a mentor. | Alumnus |
| Emeritus Professor Christopher Fell AM | OFFICER (AO) IN THE GENERAL DIVISION | For distinguished service to science and engineering, particularly to nanotechnology research and fabrication, and to professional networks. | Alumnus |
| Professor Graham Goodwin | OFFICER (AO) IN THE GENERAL DIVISION | For distinguished service to tertiary education, and to electrical engineering, as an academic and researcher, and to scientific academies. | Staff member |
| Dr Barry Inglis PSM | OFFICER (AO) IN THE GENERAL DIVISION | For distinguished service to science and engineering, particularly to metrology, measurement standards and research, and to professional organisations. | Alumnus and staff member |
| Professor Margaret Alston OAM | MEMBER (AM) IN THE GENERAL DIVISION | For significant service to tertiary education, to social sustainability, and to women. | Staff member |
| Professor Robert Constable | MEMBER (AM) IN THE GENERAL DIVISION | For significant service to music education, to performance, and to composition. | Alumnus |
| Mr Graeme Irwin | MEMBER (AM) IN THE GENERAL DIVISION | For significant service to education, and to Christian schools associations. | Alumnus |
| Mr Peter Gogarty | MEDAL (OAM) IN THE GENERAL DIVISION | For service to the community through support for survivors of childhood abuse. | Alumnus and staff member |
| Mr Gary Mason | MEDAL (OAM) IN THE GENERAL DIVISION | For service to veterans and their families. | Alumnus |
| Mrs Gaynor Reeves | MEDAL (OAM) IN THE GENERAL DIVISION | For service to women, and to the community of Newcastle. | Alumna and donor |
| Dr David Scott | MEDAL (OAM) IN THE GENERAL DIVISION | For service to medicine, particularly to anaesthetics. | Alumnus |
In an additional triumph for the region, the University also recognises:
| Associate Professor Dr Kelvin Kong | 2021 Newcastle Citizenship Awards Citizen of the Year | Renowned Indigenous doctor and Worimi man Dr Kelvin Kong is dedicated to addressing the disparity in health outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous children. | Staff member |
| Dr Helen Tolhurst | 2021 Maitland Citizen of the Year | Dr Tolhurst is a former GP of 18 years and keen artist who, after being diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in January 2019, helped establish networks and support groups for those living with Parkinson's Disease and their families. | Alumna |
| Mr John Chambers | 2021 Port Stephens Citizen of the Year | Since retiring from school teaching, Mr John Chambers has implemented many community programs to support the vulnerable, including a driver training program and a furniture bank for families in need. | Alumnus |
| Ms Elyssia Gasparotto | 2021 Central Coast Young Citizen of the Year | A former Australian Sporting Representative and champion, Ms Gasparotto has successfully fulfilled numerous appointments as an Australian youth representative to the United Nations, including Humanitarian Affairs Peace Ambassador, and contributed to the community as a professional beach and pool lifeguard. | Alumna |
| Ms Sharon Aldrick | 2021 Central Coast Council Arts, Culture and Entertainment | A well-known local photographer and community arts worker, Ms Aldrick was commissioned to take historically important photographs of the Central Coast during the COVID-19 pandemic. She has also dedicated herself to improving arts and culture opportunities on the Central Coast for the community, as well as mentoring emerging artists and artists with disabilities. | Alumna |
| Ms Sarah Wylie | Public Service Medal (PSM) | For outstanding public service to regional New South Wales, particularly to community recovery programs following the 2019-2020 bushfires. As director of the Bushfire Clean-Up Program, Ms Wylie delivered meaningful outcomes for communities affected by the 2019-2020 bushfires. | Alumna |
The Australia Day 2021 Honours List recognises 844 outstanding and inspirational Australians.
For a full list of Australia Day honours and biographies on the recipients, visit the Governor General’s website.
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The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.