A group of remarkable Griffith University academics and associates past and present has been recognised for their individual contributions to industries and communities alike in this year’s Australia Day honours list.
Nine distinguished individuals with strong connections to Griffith were awarded Australia Day honours in 2019.
“Griffith University is proud of all of its members and associates who have been recognised for their outstanding social, academic and professional contributions to their own communities over an extended period,” Vice Chancellor and President (Acting) Professor Ned Pankhurst said.
“The University has a long history of putting positive effort and impact back into the world around us, and these awards reflect the importance we place on our finding and working with people who so naturally embody the Griffith values in their everyday lives.”
This year’s group of recipients spans the University, with award-winners coming from across schools and disciplines.
Professor of Economics Paul Simshauser— who was awarded the Griffith Business School Outstanding Alumnus award in 2016 — has earned the title of Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia, for “significant service to the energy sector through executive roles, applied economics and policy research”.
Additionally, Griffith Medical School lecturer Dr Dinesh Palipana was honoured for his service to medicine, the Menzies Health Institute QLD Adjunct Research Fellow earning a Medal (OAM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia in this year’s recipients’ list.
Griffith journalist-in-residence Mr Matthew Condon, a long-time writer for The Courier Mail, also earned an OAM, for his general service to the community through his lauded journalism, which has “contributed to public awareness and improved transparency” within the QLD Police Service.
Also earning recognition this year, albeit posthumously, is the late Emeritus Professor (and Honorary Doctorate recipient) Patrick Troy AO, who was awarded the title of a Companion (AC) in the General Division for “eminent service to urban and regional planning, to environmental sustainability and social justice policy, and as a mentor and role model”.
Officer (AO) in the General Division nods went to Ms Ronni Kahn — who received an Honorary Doctorate from the University in 2017 — and Mr Karl Morris, the current Chair of the Griffith University Foundation Board and 2013’s Outstanding Alumnus.
Additional AMs came in honour of the significant service to industry by Emeritus Professor Sharon Bell (tertiary education), Professor Afaf Girgis (medicine) and Menzies Health Institute QLD Board Director Ms Bronwyn Morris (business).
The full list of Australia Day 2019 honours is available at the Office of the Governor-General’s website.