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Stellar year for alumni in Australia Day Honours

With contributions ranging from distinguished service in policing and the fire service to community health, youth and corporate governance, University of Tasmania alumni were well represented amongst the 2023 Australia Day Honours recipients.

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Eighteen University of Tasmania alumni have been celebrated in the 2023 Australia Day Honours, with contributions to society ranging from youth, public service and government to wildlife and land conservation.

Among those awarded were Sarah Merridew AM for significant service to corporate governance, and to the Tasmanian community.

Mrs Merridew (BEc 1973) holds Non Executive Director roles across listed, public sector, not-for-profit and community organisations. Through the Merridew Foundation, she established The Don Gaffney Scholarship in memory of her father, who was a Bachelor of Science Honours graduate of the University in the late 1940s, in addition to supporting significant dementia research at the University’s Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre.

"I am honoured to receive the award and hope that I can continue to serve our community," she said.

Congratulations to University of Tasmania alumni who were recognised:

The Honourable Margaret Reynolds AC for eminent service to the people and Parliament of Australia, to social justice, gender equality and Indigenous rights, to local government, and to the community.

Erin Hunn ACM (BSW 2001) received a civil decoration awarded to Australian correctional service member for distinguished service.

Neil Brooksbank AFSM (GradCertPoliceSt 2017) for distinguished service by a member of an Australian fire service.

Richard Cosstick AFSM (BAdVocEd 1999) for distinguished service by a member of an Australian fire service.

Sally Bryant AM (BSc Hons 1983, PhD 1989) for significant service to wildlife and land conservation in Tasmania.

Geraldine Harwood AM (BA 1988, DipEd1989, GradDipASOS Hons 1993) for significant service to youth, and to the disability sector.

Sarah Merridew AM (BEc 1973) for significant service to corporate governance, and to the Tasmanian community.

Peter Andrew Jennings AO (BA 1984, BA Hons 1985) for distinguished service to the development of strategic and international policy, and to public affairs.

John Toohey APM (BAProfHons(Specialisation) 2019, 2020) for distinguished service by a member of an Australian police force.

Commander Stuart Wilkinson APM (GradCertPoliceSt 2008, BAProfHons(Specialisation) 2019) for distinguished service by a member of an Australian police force.

Kerry Dillon ASM (BParamedPrac(Conv) 2021) for distinguished service by a member of an Australian ambulance service.

Emeritus Professor Peter Curson OAM (PhD 1973) for service to tertiary education.

Gerald Harwood OAM (BA 1988, GradDipSocSc 1993) for service to youth through Scouts.

Katherine Maka OAM (GradCert (Clinical Redesign) 2018) for service to community health.

Glenn Roff OAM (GradCertEdStud 1996) for service to education.

Ellen Travers OAM (DipTeach 1974, Bed 1975, MEdStud 1992) for service to education administration, and to the community.

Commissioner Donna Adams PSM (MPoliceSt 2011, GradCertPoliceSt 2002,
Distinguished Alumni Award 2022) for outstanding public service through leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jessie Holberton PSM (GradCertN(Specialisation) 2015) for outstanding public service to public health as the Clinical Nurse Consultant for the ACT Government COVID-19 vaccination program.

First published in Alumni and Friends eNews.

We love to hear about University of Tasmania graduates who receive awards. Please contact Alumni.Office@utas.edu.au