2018 Australia Day Awards

January 26, 2018 by J-Wire Staff
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J-Wire extends congratulations to all members of the Jewish community who have been honoured today by their country…and an awardee whose father passed away less than a week ago.

COMPANION (AC) IN THE GENERAL DIVISION OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA

Professor Jeffrey Victor ROSENFELD AM, Caulfield North Vic 3161

For eminent service to medicine, particularly to the discipline of neurosurgery, as an academic and clinician, to medical research and professional organisations, and to the health and welfare of current and former defence force members.

Service includes:

Jeffrey Rosenfeld

Monash University:

Director, Monash Institute of Medical Engineering, since 2014.

Pro Vice-Chancellor Advancement (Major Projects), 2012-2014.

The Alfred Hospital:

Senior Neurosurgeon, Department of Neurosurgery, since 2015.

Professor and Director, 2000-2015.

Honorary Visiting Professor of Neurosurgery, University of Papua New Guinea, since 2000.

Honorary Clinical Research Fellow, Bionics Institute, University of Melbourne, since 2012.

Adjunct Professor in Surgery, F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda Maryland USA, since 2013.

Board Member, Sir Edward ‘Weary’ Dunlop Medical Research Foundation, since 2010.

Adjunct Professor, Centre for Military and Veterans’ Health, University of Queensland, 2006-2014.

Royal Australasian College of Surgeons:

Examiner in Neurosurgery, 2005-2013.

Member, Court of Examiners, 2005-2013.

Member, National Trauma Committee, current.

Colonel Commandant of Victoria, Royal Australian Army Medical Corps, since 2014.

National Vice-President Health, Defence Reserves Association, since 2012.

Member, Defence Employer Support Council, current.

Patron-In-Chief, Victorian Association of Jewish Ex & Servicemen and Women Australia, since 2012 and Federal Patron, since 2013.

Member, Australian Medical Association Defence Health Working Group, current.

Chair, Australian Defence Force Human Research Ethics Committee, 2012-2015.

Surgeon-General, Australian Defence Force Reserves, 2009-2011 and Army Reserve Medical Officer (MAJGEN), since 1984.

Awards and recognition includes:

Inaugural Fellow, Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences, 2015.

Elected International Fellow, American Association of Neurological Surgeons.

Elected Fellow, Academia Eurasiana Neurochirurgica, Eurasian Academy of Neurological Surgery, 2016.

Elected Fellow, Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering (FTSE), 2016.

Recipient, Anzac of the Year Award, Returned and Services League of Australia, 2015.

Appointed a Knight of Grace in the Venerable Order of St John of Jerusalem, 2014.

Awarded the Monash Medal, ‘for Leadership, Integrity and Service’, Rotary Club of Melbourne, 2012.

Appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire, Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2013, nominated by the Government of Papua New Guinea, ‘for services to neurosurgery and to the School of Medicine, University of Papua New Guinea’.

While Jeffrey Rosenfeld is very proud and considers it a big honour to receive his AM, the occasion is tinged with sadness.   His father Joseph (Joe) died last week without knowing about it.

He paid tribute to his wife Deborah (Debbie) Kipen, claiming she deserves the credit for his achievements.

“She sacrificed a lot and sustained and nurtured me, curtailing her career as a paediatrician to rear our three children while I was off studying or soldiering overseas” he said.

Professor Rosenfeld has the distinction of being only the third Jewish General in the Australian Army – after Major John Monash and Major General Paul Alfred Cullen. The latter changed his name from Cohen while stationed in the Middle East during World War II.

He has served in eight theatres of war and his observations in Rwanda brought home to him how a ruling party is able to dehumanise some of its population, parallels he drew with Nazi Germany.

Other overseas postings include East Timor, the Solomon Islands, Bougainville and Iraq in 2005/2006. In 2017 he was in Baghdad during the Battle of Mosul, based at an American Military hospital, caring for Iraqi soldiers.

“It is an honour to serve my country and wear the Australian uniform” he said.

He is proud of his work in SE Asia and developing countries helping to develop neuro surgery services, particularly Papua New Guinea which he says is a country that particularly needs help developing its surgical specialisations.

Apart from helping others acquire specialist skills, he pointed out that he has gained surgical experience in war zones that he would not have had in Australia.

“Bomb blasts and bullets cause damage that we do not usually treat here, thank goodness. I brought home knowledge from working in a war zone that I can pass on so a new generation of doctors will have the skills to treat victims of terrorism should that ever become necessary.

“Management of severe casualties is an art” he said.

At present he is involved at The Monash Institute of Medical Engineering in the development of a prototype for people to regain their sight, or partial sight, through bionic implant implementation. He says that innovation in medical engineering research is an exciting field.

 

OFFICER (AO) IN THE GENERAL DIVISION OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA

Dr Rosalie Pam BALKIN, Nicholls ACT 2913

For distinguished service to maritime law through roles with a range of organisations, to the improvement of global shipping transport safety and standards, and to education as an academic and author.

 

Rosalie Balkin

Service includes:

Comite Maritime International (CMI) (Antwerp, Belgium):

Member Honoris Causa, since 2014.

Secretary-General, since September 2017.

Founding Advisory Board Member, Seafarers’ Rights International (London, England), since 2010.

International Maritime Organization (IMO) (London, England):

Assistant Secretary-General, 2011-2013.

Director of Legal Affairs and External Relations Division, 1998-2013.

Executive Secretary, IMO Legal Committee, Council and Assembly, 1998-2013.

World Maritime University (WMU) (Malmo, Sweden):

Member, Board of Governors, 1997-1998 and since 2014.

Member, Editorial Board, ‘Journal of Maritime Affairs’, since 2005.

Ethics Officer, since 2016.

International Maritime Law Institute (Malta):

Member, Academic Committee, 2002-2013.

Member, Conciliation Commission constituted under Annex V to UNCLOS (to facilitate Timor Leste and Australia reaching agreement over maritime boundaries in the Timor Sea).

Member, Editorial Board, ‘The Tort Law Review’, since 1994.

Co-Author, (with Professor JLR Davis), ‘Law of Torts’, first published 1991, now in 5th edition.

Has published several book chapters and articles on different aspects of the law, including international maritime law, human rights law and public international law.

Member, Advisory Council, Australian and New Zealand Institute of Maritime Law, 1994-1997.

Acting Discrimination Commissioner, ACT Government, 1993-1994.

Counsel and Assistant Secretary, Office of International Law, Attorney-General’s Department, 1987-1998.

Principal Legal Advisor, Office of the Commonwealth Ombudsman, 1982-1987.

Professor, Tulane University Summer School, (Rhodes, Greece), 2014.

Lecturer, Cambridge University and Fellow, Queen’s College, (Cambridge, England), 1991-1992.

Visiting Lecturer, Osgoode Hall Law School, (Toronto, Canada), 1986.

Visiting Lecturer, University College, (Cardiff, Wales), 1985-1986.

Visiting Lecturer, Australian National University, 1982.

Senior Lecturer, University of New South Wales, 1980-1982.

Lecturer, University of Melbourne, 1977-1979.

Lecturer, University of Witwatersrand, (Johannesburg, South Africa), 1973-1976.

 

 

 

David Lawrence BARDAS, South Yarra Vic 3141

For distinguished service to the retail fashion industry, to the Jewish community, and through philanthropic contributions to Indigenous, education, cultural, social welfare, visual arts, and to medical organisations.

Service includes:

Retail Industry:

Owner and Managing Director, Sportsgirl and Sportscraft (including brands such as David Lawrence, Aywon, Crestknit and Elle B.) 1959-1994.

David Bardas     Photo: Elli Bardas

Co-Founder, Bardas Foundation, since 1972.

Worawa Aboriginal College:

Supporter since mid-1980s.

Contributed funds to assist with the establishment of the Sandra Bardas Creative Arts Centre building project, 2012.

Lighthouse Foundation:

Donated funds to assist with the establishment of the Sandra Bardas City Light House Home, 2011.

Donated Melbourne City Councillor salary to the Foundation, 1996-1997.

National Institute of Integrative Medicine (NIIM):

Member, Advisory Board, 2009-2012.

Contributed funds to assist with the establishment of a Hyperthermia Unit for the treatment of cancer, 2011.

National Gallery of Victoria:

Supporter, Bardas Family Sculpture Prize, since 1987.

Supporter, Foundation Annual Dinner, since 2008.

Supporter, Sandra Bardas Studio Grant, since 2009.

Contributed art works from private collection, 2011.

East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation:

Chair, Board of Management, early 2000s.

Major contributor to the restoration and ongoing running costs of the synagogue, since 2000.

Honorary Life Member, 2015.

United Israel Appeal of Victoria:

Co-Chair, Committee, 1982-1990

Philanthropic contributor, 2008.

Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation

Governor, 1989-1992.

Chairman, Building Appeal, 1989.

Contributor to the re-development of the clubhouse, Portsea Surf Life Saving Appeal, since 2015.

Contributor, Cool Australia, since 2011.

Contributor, to assist in the establishment of the Sandra Bardas Meditation Centre, ‘Spiritgrow’, since 2008.

President, Gawler Foundation, 1996-1999.

Patron of a range of organisations including:

The Melbourne International Arts Festival.

The Centre for Contemporary Photography.

The Australian Centre for Contemporary Art.

The Melbourne Theatre Company.

Councillor, Melbourne City Council, 1996-1997.

Founding Member, ‘Life Be In It’ Campaign, The Age, 1975.

David Bardas told J-Wire: “Satisfaction comes from seeing the organisations we support, doing their important work and being able to encourage others.
I am particularly proud of the work Sandra and I became involved with as Co-Chairs of the United Israel Appeal Australia’s Committee leading communal support for Project Renewal in Israel between 1982-1990.
The project  was set up to improve the quality of life and standard of living in depressed and disadvantaged neighbourhoods.
During the 1980’s approximately 20% of the population at the time, significantly benefited from this project which provided critical infrastructure such as housing, roads, sewage, & community centres for children, families and the elderly.
I always thought this was a particularly worthwhile project that Sandra and I were happy to be a part of.

Asked about what the award means to him, David Bardas replied: “As the son of Jewish immigrants its nice to be in a position to help others.  Although recognition isn’t necessary…its nice to receive.”

 

Emeritus Professor Michael David COPER, Farrer ACT 2607

For distinguished service to legal education, and to the law, as an academic, author and administrator, through advisory roles, and to safety standards in the transport industry.

Michael Coper

Service includes:

Australian Academy of Law:

Director, current.

Member, Membership Committee, current.

Foundation Fellow, current.

Attorney-General’s Department:

Member, International Legal Services Advisory Council, 2005-2013.

Member, Advisory Panel on Appointments to the Family Court of Australia, 2012.

International Association of Law Schools:

Vice-President, 2011-2012.

Board Member, 2007-2012.

Executive Member, Australasian Law Teachers’ Association, 2011-2012.

Chair, Council of Australian Law Deans, 2005-2007.

Member, American Law Institute, current.

Australian National University:

Council Member, 2005-2006.

Recipient, Chancellor’s Award for Distinguished Contribution to the University, 2013.

Australian National University College of Law:

Emeritus Professor of Law, since 2017.

Dean and Robert Garran Professor of Law, 1998-2012.

Professor of Constitutional Law, 1995-1998.

University of New South Wales:

Council Member, 1973-1977.

Founding Member, Law School.

Publications:

Co-Editor, ‘The Oxford Companion to the High Court of Australia’, Oxford University Press, 2001.

Co-Editor, ‘Power, Parliament and the People’, Federation Press, 1997.

Co-Editor, ‘Justice Lionel Murphy: influential or merely prescient?’, Federation Press, 1997.

Author, ‘Encounters with the Australian Constitution’, CCH, 1987.

Author, Freedom of interstate trade under the Australian constitution, Butterworths, 1983.

Transport Industry:

Chair, Trucksafe Industry Accreditation Council, Australian Trucking Association, since 1996.

Chair, Special Task Group on Working Hours for Drivers in the Australian Long Distance Road Freight Industry, 1990-1992.

Commissioner, Inter-State Commission, 1988-1990.

Michael Coper told J-Wire: I’m very honoured to have received this award. My father was a refugee from Nazi Germany, and I think he and my mother would have been very proud. His story is told in Albrecht Dümling’s The Vanished Musicians: Jewish Refugees in Australia (Peter Lang, 2016). Apart from his brother, who escaped with him, the rest of his family perished in the Holocaust.

I think my major achievement, in the law, has been to reorient the idea of a legal education, and a legal career, from thinking about it selfishly as an opportunity for material personal reward, to the more altruistic notion of using one’s legal knowledge and legal skills to improve the legal system and (though this always sounds rather corny!) to make the world a better place. That is why at the ANU College of Law we have such a strong focus not just on academic excellence but also on law reform and social justice. So many of our students are inspired to assist the less privileged and also to work with, for example, human rights organisations, nationally and internationally.

 

Professor David Joshua HANDELSMAN, Middle Cove NSW 2068

For distinguished service to medicine, particularly to reproductive endocrinology and andrology, as a clinician, author and researcher, to the science of doping in sport, and to medical education.

David Handelsman

Service includes:

University of Sydney:

Inaugural Director, ANZAC Research Institute, since 1997.

Board Member, ANZAC Health and Medical Research Foundation, current.

Professor in Reproductive Endocrinology and Andrology, Sydney Medical School, since 1996.

Associate Professor, Departments of Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 1989-1996.

Wellcome Australia Senior Research Fellow, 1987-1991.

Concord Repatriation General Hospital:

Inaugural Director, Department of Andrology, since 1999.

Associate Dean, Research Centres, 2007-2015.

Member, Health Medical and Research Committee, World Anti-Doping Agency, since 2011.

Adviser, Australian Sports Drug Medical Advisory Committee, since 1999.

Member, Australian Government’s Anti-Doping Research Panel, 2002-2014.

Member, Advisory Group, Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority, 2011-2013.

Endocrine Society of Australia:

Honorary Life Member, since 2008.

President, 1992-1994.

Member, Advisory Board, Andrology Australia, since 2002.

Secretary, International Society of Andrology, 1997-2001.

Member, Therapeutics Advisory Committee, Royal Australian College of Physicians, 1995-1999.

Life Member, Society for Reproductive Biology, since 2015.

Fellow, Academy of Health and Medical Sciences, since 2015.

Member, Steering Committee, Male Task Force, World Health Organisation Human Reproduction Programme, 1988-1994.

Publications:

Over 1000 scientific contributions including more than 420 papers.

Member, Editorial Board of 12 journals and has been an ad hoc peer reviewer for 141 scientific journals.

Awards and recognition includes:

Recipient, Inaugural Men’s Health Award, Australian Medical Association, 2003.

Recipient, Eric Sussman Prize, Royal Australasian College of Physicians, 1994.

David Handelsman told J-Wire: “This is a day to celebrate. I am grateful to the family which brought you up and to the family I created…and also to my colleagues. My late parents were Holocaust survivors and I remember my mother telling me is the she landed in paradise when she arrived in Australia. I am deeply sorry that they weren’t here to enjoy this day.”

 

 

Professor Jonathan Myer KALMAN, Parkville Vic 3050

Jonathan Kalman

For distinguished service to medicine, particularly to cardiac electrophysiology as a clinician and academic, and through roles with a range of national and international heart rhythm societies.

Service includes:

Director of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Heart Rhythm Department, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, since 2002.

Professor of Medicine, University of Melbourne, since 2002.

Member, Medical Advisory Committee, hearts4heart, current.

Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand:

Scientific Committee Chairman and Board Member, since 2012.

Scientific Co-Chair, World Congress of Cardiology, 2014.

Society Representative, Heart Foundation Cardiovascular Health Advisory Committee, current.

Member, since 1992.

Heart Rhythm Society of North America:

Trustee, since 2017.

Editorial Board Member, current.

Member, Ablation Writing Group, current.

Committee Member, Scientific Program, 2012-2016.

Program Leader, 2015-2016.

Member, several committees, current.

Society Member, since 1998.

Fellow.

Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society:

Vice-President, President-elect and Board Trustee, current.

Scientific Chair, since 2012.

Founding Board Member, since 2006.

Fellow, American College of Cardiology, 1996.

Awards and recognition includes:

Delivered the Paul Wood keynote address, British Cardiovascular Society, 2015.

Recipient, Excellence Award, National Medical and Health Research Council, 2014.

Recipient, Simon Dack Award, Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 2014; Recipient, William Parmley Prize for Mentorship, 2010.

Recipient, Eric Susman Prize, Royal Australasian College of Physicians, 2005.

Recipient, Research and Education Award, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, 2003.

Recipient, R.T. Hall Prize, Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand, 2003.

Jonathan Kalman said that receiving the award is a “great honour and a recognition of a long career in my field.”

He plans to celebrate modestly by seeing his friends on Friday afternoon and having a Shabbat dinner with his family.

 

Dr David Andrew SINCLAIR, Massachusetts, United States of America

For distinguished service to medical research into the biology of ageing and lifespan extension, as a geneticist and academic, to biosecurity initiatives, and as an advocate for the study of science.

 

David Sinclair

Service includes:

Professor, School of Medicine, University of New South Wales, since 2011.

Harvard Medical School:

Co-Director, Paul F. Glenn Laboratories for the Biological Mechanisms of Aging, current.

Tenured Professor, Genetics Department, Harvard Medical School, current.

Associate Professor, Harvard Medical School, 2004-2008.

Founding Director, Paul F. Glenn Labs for Aging Research, 2005.

Assistant Professor, Harvard Medical School, 1999-2004.

Honorary Professor, University of Sydney, current.

Scientific Journal ‘Aging‘:

Co-Chief Editor, current.

Co-Founder, current.

Business:

Co-founder, Sirtris Pharmaceuticals, current.

Co-founder, Genocea Biosciences, current.

Co-founder, OvaScience, current.

Co-founder, Cohbar, current.

Co-founder, MetroBiotech, current.

Consultant, GlaxoSmithKline, 2009-2016.

Consultant, InsideTracker, current.

Co-founder, Arc-Bio, current.

Co-founder, Liberty Biosecurity, current.

Co-founder, Life Biosciences, current.

Awards and recognition includes:

Recipient, Irving S. Wright Award of Distinction, 2017.

Recipient, Pioneer Award, National Institute of Health, 2017.

Recipient, Advance Global Australian Award, 2017.

Recipient, Frontiers in Aging Research Award, 2015.

Recipient, ASMR Medal, Australian Society for Medical Research, 2014.

Recipient, Denham Harman Research Award, 2014.

Recipient, Nathan Shock Award, 2010.

Recipient, Fisher Honorary Lectureship, UCLA, 2010.

Recipient, David Murdock-Dole Lectureship, 2008.

Recipient, Innovator of the Year, Bio Agenda Institute, 2007.

Recipient, Excellence in Teaching, Harvard Medical School, 2006.

Recipient, Genzyme Outstanding Achievement in Biomedical Science Award, 2005

Recipient, Helen Hay Whitney Postdoctoral Fellowship, 1999.

 

David Sinclair told J-Wire: “I’ve learned that if a child has a passion to change the world for the better, and never gives up, anything is possible. I’m humbled by this award and hope to use it as an even higher platform to champion scientific research as a way to solve humankind’s biggest problems. “

 

MEMBER (AM)  IN THE GENERAL DIVISION OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA

 

George Braitberg

Professor George BRAITBERG, Caulfield South Vic 3162

For significant service to medical administration and emergency medicine, to education and health system design, and to the community.

Service includes:

Melbourne Health:

Director of Emergency Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, since 2014.

Member, Medical Safety Committee, current.

Member, Clinical Ethics and Patient Flow Committee, current.

Director of Emergency Medicine, Monash Health, 2008-2013.

Austin Health:

Director of Emergency Medicine, 1996-2008.

Co-Founder and Honorary Toxicologist, Austin Toxicology Service, current.

Consultant Toxicologist, Victorian Poisons Information Centre, since 1998.

Consultant Toxicologist, National Poison Centre, 1998-2007.

Department of Health and Human Services Victoria:

Senior Medical Advisor, Safer Care Victoria, since 2017.

Committee Member, Victorian Clinical Council, since 2017.

Member, Carbon Monoxide Panel, current.

Inaugural Professor of Emergency Medicine, University of Melbourne, since 2014.

Past Inaugural Professor of Emergency Medicine, Southern Clinical School, Monash University.

Australasian College for Emergency Medicine:

Immediate Past Chair of Peer Review Examiners.

Member, Academic Emergency Medicine Special Interest Group, current.

Member, Overseas Trained Doctors Accreditation Committee, current.

Member, Senior Court of Examiners, current.

Member, Standards Committee, current

Fellow, current.

Board Member, St John Ambulance Australia Victoria, since 2015.

Frontline Ambassador, Life Education Victoria, current.

Guide, Jewish Holocaust Museum and Research Centre, since 2010.

Professional memberships:

Fellow, American College of Medical Toxicology, current.

Fellow, Royal Australian College of Medical Administrators, current.

Member, Australian Institute of Company Directors, since 2016.

Member, American Academy of Clinical Toxicology, current.

Past Member, Australasian Society of Clinical and Experimental Pharmacologists and Toxicologists.
George Braitberg told J-wire that he is both honoured and proud to have received an award.

He added: I am planning on celebrating by having a nice Shabbat dinner at home with his family and friends.

 

Leon Victor KEMPLER OAM

For significant service to the community through contributions to national cultural institutions, charitable, education and children’s medical foundations.

Leon Kempler

Service includes:

Chairman, Advisory Council, Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre, since 2004.

Chair, Ducere Foundation, (Africa), from 2014 until retirement.

Director, Wonderment Walk, since 2014.

Director, General Sir John Monash Foundation, since 2011.

Chair, Melbourne International Jazz Festival, 2008-2012.

Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation:

Chair, Audit and Risk Committee, from 2005 until retirement.

Director, from 2000 until retirement.

Business:

Honorary Chairman (Federal), Australia-Israel Chamber of Commerce, since 1989.

Adviser, Israel Innovation Institute, since 2012.

Patron, Australia Africa Business Council, since 2014.

Awards and recognition includes:

Recipient, Vice-Chancellor Professional Fellow, Monash University, 2016.

Recipient, Honorary Fellow, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 2015.

Recipient, Honorary Fellow, Monash University, 2010.

Recipient, The Jerusalem Prize, 2010.

Recipient, Honorary Doctorate of Science, Deakin University.

Recipient, Honorary Vice-Chancellor Distinguished Fellow, Deakin University.

Leon Kempler told J-Wire: ” I have been honoured as a part of a critical mass of people who worked together in an array of fields to improve education, culture and commerce with Australian society. I am happy to have been involved in every thing I have done.”

 

Dr Danny Lamm

Dr Danny LAMM, Malvern East Vic 3145

For significant service to the Jewish community through roles with multicultural, religious, youth and social welfare groups, and to Australia-Israel relations.

Service includes:

Zionist Federation of Australia:

President, since 2014.

Senior Vice President, 2002-2010.

Executive Member, since 1980.

Executive Council of Australian Jewry:

Immediate Past President, 2013-2016

President, 2010-2013.

Immediate Past President, since 2014.

Executive Member, since 1980.

Mizrachi Australia:

President, since 2016 and 1992-1996 and 1998-2003.

Multiple Executive roles since 1978.

Deputy Chairman, World Mizrachi, since 2012.

Life Member, since 2003.

United Israel Appeal:

Executive Member, 2002-2010 and 1967-1974.

Chairman, 20s-30s, 1970-1974.

Chairman, Young Adults, 1967-1970.

Chairman, Kosher Australia (Kashrut), 1995-2000.

Chairman, Melbourne ERUV, current.

World Zionist Organization:

Executive Member, since 2010.

Member, since 1997.

Jewish Agency for Israel – Board of Governors:

Member, Board of Governors, since 2016.

Associate Member, Board of Governors, 2012-2016.

Committee Member, 2007-2012.

Chairman, Aliya and Rescue Committee, since 2012.

Executive Member, Memorial Foundation for Jewish Culture, 2010-2013.

World Jewish Congress:

Vice-President, 2013.

Executive Member, 2010-2013.

Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany:

Director, 2010-2013.

Member, Executive Committee, 2012-2013.

Member of Executive, Jewish National Fund Victoria, 2002-2010.

Zionist Council of Victoria:

President, 2002-2010.

Culture and Education Chairman, 2001-2002.

Chairman, 1999-2000.

Executive Member, Jewish Community Council of Victoria, 2002-2010.

Chairman, Beth Weizmann Jewish Community Centre, 2002-2013.

Co-founder, Lamm Jewish Library of Australia, 2012.

Range of roles, Leibler Yavneh College, since 1980 including Board Member, and Appeal Chairman.

Professional:

Dental Surgeon, Danny Lamm Dental Surgery, current.

Dental Surgeon, since 1977.

Danny Lamm told J-Wire: “I have been doing community work for more than 50 yrs  starting at age 17. I see the award as being recognition of the work I have done for the community…I saw my parents and grandparents doing the same thing.  And now my wife and children give their nod of approval.

I have been approached from so many organisations to work with them and it has been a pleasure to work with  so many others who have made Australia  the best community in the word.

And it means a lot to be recognised by the broader community.”

 

Karen Loblay

Karen Doreen LOBLAY, Pyrmont NSW 2009

For significant service to youth through charitable contributions and support for social welfare programs, and as a supporter of Indigenous students.

Service includes:

Founder and Executive Officer, Matana Foundation for Young People, (a Not-for-Profit Foundation supporting youth organisations, including the Salvation Army’s Oasis Youth Support Network, Australian Children’s Music Foundation and Shopfront Youth Legal Centre), since 2003.

Sponsor, Karen Loblay Scholarship, Shalom Gamarada Indigenous Residential Scholarship Program (provides a scholarship for Indigenous students for education funding to the University of New South Wales and Shalom College), ongoing.

Founder, Vera Loblay House (a refuge for homeless youth), 1991-2015.

Board Director, New Israel Fund Australia Foundation, (a Not-for-Profit foundation that seeks to address social and structural inequality and an end to conflict in Israel).

Supporter, overseas projects involving children, including Project Rozana (training health workers at hospitals in Israel), ongoing.

Rotary Club of Sydney:

Member, since 2003.

Board Director.

Recipient, Paul Harris Fellowship, Rotary International, 2014 and 2012.

“Although I have known about it for a few months, I have not processed it yet and it might take me a little while”, Karen Loblay told J-Wire.

She said that there are many others she meets in the world of philanthropy who deserve this far more than herself and feels conflicted.

“The Award is not an achievement in itself: I do not feel worthy.  If it ultimately means that causes about which I am passionate – such as the Matana Foundation   –  achieve a higher profile and it encourages others to get involved, then that is good” she said.

 

Leah Mann

Leah MANN, Malvern Vic 3144

For significant service to community welfare and youth organisations, to library services and programs, and to public administration.

Service includes:

Chief Executive Director, The Queens Trust for Young Australians, (now the Foundation for Young Australians), 1994-2001.

State Librarian and Chief Executive Officer, State Library of Victoria, 1989-1993.

Board Member, Jewish Museum of Australia, 1994-1999.

Department for Community Welfare, South Australia

Deputy Chief Executive, 1985-1989.

Regional Director, 1982-1985.

Director, Community Planning Services, 1981-1982.

Past Council Member, Hartley College of Advanced Education, (now the University of South Australia), 1981-1985.

Past Board Member of a range of community organisations including:

Queen Victoria Hospital, South Australia, 1984-1987.

Adelaide Hebrew Congregation, 1985-1989.

Nat Solomon Homes for the Aged, South Australia, 1975-1989.

Honorary Social Worker, South Australian Jewish Welfare Society, 1975-1989.

Leah Mann told J-Wire that she valued the recognition the Award  gave to her efforts in a diverse range of areas, all of which were motivated by a strong sense of social justice and/or Jewish identity.

“I had the honour of being elected the first woman on the Board of the Adelaide Hebrew Congregation, after they changed the Constitution to allow women to do so. I was also the first, and possibly only, Jewish head of a State Library. A controversial appointment at the time – not because I was Jewish – but because I was not a librarian.

As a child of pre-war immigrants, I was also keen to be a contributor to the community in appreciation of all the wonderful opportunities Australia has provided” she said.

 

The Honourable Professor Howard Tomaz NATHAN QC, Bendigo Vic 3550

For significant service to the law and to the judiciary through the Supreme Court of Victoria, and to a range of cultural, arts and education institutions.

Howard Nathan

Service includes:

Judge, Supreme Court of Victoria, 1983-1997.

Queen’s Counsel, 1980.

Admitted to the Bar, 1964.

Mayor, City of South Melbourne, 1974 and Councillor, 1971-1974.

President, Temple Beth Israel, 1995-1998.

Past Board Member, Australian Centre of Jewish Civilisation, Monash University.

Patron, Pesach Fundraising Appeal, current.

President, Kehilat S’dot Zahav Community, 2007-2014.

Member, Australia Council for the Arts, 1985-1988.

Board Member, Film Victoria, 1991-1995.

Board Member, Make-A-Wish International, 2008-2010.

Bendigo Art Gallery:

Director, Bendigo Art Gallery Foundation, since 2016.

Life Member.

Member, Friends of Bendigo Art Gallery, since 2013.

Benefactor, Ulumburra Theatre, Bendigo.

Jewish Advisor, Bendigo Hospital.

Supporter, Mia Mia Community Flower Festival.

Member/Volunteer, Mia Mia Brigade, Country Fire Authority of Victoria.

When J-Wire asked Howard Nathan what receiving an award meant to him he replied “It’s bonzer!”

He added that he had been able to keep the news a secret because the penalty for disclosure was 50 lashes.

The 27th January is a more important date as far as he is concerned as it’s the 150th Anniversary of the opening of the Mia Mia Redesdale Bridge and that will be celebration enough for him.

He said that he came from two generations of convicts and the fact that he was no longer a judge meant that “the community has had a rest from me”.

 

Professor Frank OBERKLAID OAM, South Yarra Vic 3141

Frank Oberklaid

For significant service to medicine in the field of clinical paediatrics, child development, and public health policy, as a researcher and academic.

Service includes:

Foundation Director, Centre for Community Child Health, Royal Children’s Hospital, since 1993.

Chair, Victorian Childrens Council, 2010-2016.

Co-Group Leader, Child Health Policy, Equity and Translation at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, current.

Honorary Professor of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, current.

Consultant, World Health Organisation and UNICEF, current.

Former Governor and Executive Member, Australian Youth Foundation.

Author of 2 books and over 150 scientific papers on various aspects of paediatrics.

Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health.

Member of editorial boards of several international paediatric journals.

Awards and recognition includes:

Recipient, Centenary Medal, 2003.

Recipient, The John Sands Medal, Royal Australasian College of Physicians, 2003.

Recipient, The Chairman’s Medal, Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, 2003.

Recipient, Health Lifetime Achievement Award, Victorian Government, 2012.

Recipient, Swedish Paediatric Association and the Swedish Society of Medicine Nils Rosen von Rosnestein Medal, 2014.

The future prosperity of Australia linked to the health of its children. Professor Oberklaid told J-Wire that he viewed the Honour as an acknowledgement of some of the work being done for children’s health, both here and in Israel.

“I am fortunate to be surrounded by wonderful people in community health and by my family. Despite Australia being such a prosperous country, many children are falling by the way and it is preventable” he said.

He believes that a prevention agenda is required whereby governments take the long- term view.

“Research has shown that the early years of a child’s life are the most important. If a child grows to adulthood with chronic ill health it can lead to many social problems.  If   the issues are addressed in childhood and families are helped at the critical stages of development, then this could be the best single investment a country can make for its future.

“It is a very critical strategy and the benefits are not tangible and certainly long term. A healthy population has beneficial results for the whole country” he said.

 

John Schaffer

John Michael SCHAFFER, Claremont WA 6010

For significant service to the community through philanthropic contributions and governance roles with a range of health and cultural foundations.

Service includes:

Ear Science Institute Australia (not-for-profit organisation for ear and hearing health):

Chairman, since 2012.

Has been involved with fundraising and business development since the Institute’s inception in 2000.

Chairman, Board of Governors, United Israel Appeal of Western Australia, since 2006.

Recipient, Yakir Keren Hayesod Award for Outstanding Service, 2016.

Chairman, Phineas Seeligson Charitable Trust (for financially needy people within the Perth Jewish community), current.

Board Member, Wesley College Foundation, current.

Chairman, Korsunski Charitable Trust (providing funding to Carmel School – Jewish day school in Perth), current.

Former Chairman, Carmel School.

Major donor, Ashley Schaffer Early Learning Centre.

Board Member, Australia Israel Chamber of Commerce Western Australia, current.

John Schaffer told J-Wire: “I am thrilled. My father came to Australia to escape the Nazis in 1939. His new home rewarded him with an AM 35 years ago. Of course I support the Jewish community and Israel but the  Ear Science Insitute Australia has a special place. One of my business partner’s son had developed a rare condition in his ear and we founded the institute to help similar cases. Today it employs 100 people and is self-funding.

 

Professor Anthony Steven WEISS, NSW

For significant service to science in the field of biotechnology, as an academic, researcher, author and mentor, and through executive roles with scientific institutions.

Anthony Weiss

Service includes:

University of Sydney:

McCaughey Professor in Biochemistry, since 2015.

Honorary Professor, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, 2010-2015.

Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, current.

Leader, Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Node, Charles Perkins Centre, since 2015.

Chair, Molecular Biotechnology, 2000-2004.

Chair, Institutional Biosafety Committee, since 2002.

Professor, Bosch Institute, since 2007.

Scientific Founder and Advisor, Elastagen Pty Ltd (commercial business to translate research from University of Sydney), since 2008.

Inventor, 35 international patents.

Appointed Member, Assigners Academy, National Health and Medical Research Council, since 2017.

Governing Board Member, Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine International Society, since 2016.

President, Matrix Biology Society of Australia and New Zealand, since 2013.

Chair, College of Experts on Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Australian Research Council, 2010.

Member, National Enabling Technologies Strategy Stakeholder Advisory Council, 2010-2012.

Chair, Gordon Research Conference on Elastin and the Elastic Fiber, USA, 2009.

Member, Federal Australian Biotechnology Advisory Council, 2005-2008.

Member, OECD Steering Group on the Bioeconomy to 2030, 2007-2008.

Chair and Founder, International S-Star Bioinformatics Teaching Alliance (spanning 5 continents), 2001-2003.

Editorial Board Member, ten leading national and international medical journals including ‘Biomaterials Science and Engineering’; ‘BioNanoScience’; and ‘Tissue Engineering’.

Awards and recognition includes:

Fellow, International Union of Societies for Biomaterials Science and Engineering, 2016

Fellow, Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering, 2014.

Fellow, American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering, 2013.

Fellow, Royal Society of Chemistry, 2013.

Fellow, Royal Australian Chemical Institute, 2015.

Innovator of Influence Award, Australian Science and Innovation Forum, 2015.

Member, Australasian Society for Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, since 2013; Award for Research Excellence, 2014.

Entrepreneurship Award, Federation of Asian and Oceanian Biochemists and Molecular Biologists, 2014.

Anthony Weiss told J-Wire: “The reward means a lot to me, it’s a recognition by the Australian community of all the success and hard work that has gone into our biotechnology over many years.

I’m very proud and humbled by it. It’s a wonderful award to receive. It’s a recognition not only of all the hard work that I’ve been doing but of the work that so many people in my area have been doing”.

Weiss will be celebrating receiving the award with his friends and family.

 

MEDAL (OAM) OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA IN THE GENERAL DIVISION

 

Alex Mark ABULAFIA, NSW

Alex Abufalia

For service to the Jewish community, and to business.

Service includes:

JewishCare Foundation Trust, and JewishCare Mental Health Foundation Trust:

President and Founding Member, since 2011.

Chair, JewishCare Foundation, 2009-2011.

Chairman, Capital Appeal, 2009-2010.

Jewish National Fund of Australia:

National Vice-President, and National Board Member, 2010-2015.

Immediate Past President/Board Member, Jewish National Fund NSW, since 2016 and President, 2011-2015.

Jewish Communal Appeal (JCA):

Executive Committee Member and Appeal Chairman, 2006-2008.

Member, Board of Govenors, 2003-2006.

Trustee, Education Endowment Fund, since 2011.

Trustee, Millie Phillips JCA Communal Endowment Fund, 2011-2016.

Trustee/Donor Representative, Y2i – Youth To Isreal, since 2015.

Trustee, Kesser Torah Education Fund, since 2011.

Board Member, Montefiore Home, since 2014.

Trustee, Blake Napier Trust, current.

Emanuel School Board:

President, 2003-2006.

Treasurer, 2001-2003.

Board Member, 1999-2006.

Chairman, Capital Appeal, 2005.

Non-Executive Director, Australian Friends of Hebrew University, 1997-2000.

Past Founding Director, Sydney Aquarium.

Business:

Managing Director, Bells Pure Ice, current.

Former Investment Banker, Byvest, and Morgan Grenfell.

Former Corporate Lawyer, Blake Dawson Waldron.

Alex Abulafia told J-Wire: “To be recognised? So sweet. So nice. So unexpected. I feel very warm and fudgy and taken aback. All I have done was done without expectations.”

 

Agnes Bankier

Adjunct Professor Agnes BANKIER, Vic

For service to medicine as a geneticist, and to medical education.

Service includes:

Chair, Human Research Ethics Committee, The Royal Children’s Hospital, since 2010.

Clinical Geneticist, Austin Health, 2010-2014.

Human Genetics Society of Australasia:

Archivist, since 2015.

President, 1999-2000.

Vice-President, 1997-1998.

Chair, Ethics and Social Issues Sub-committee, 2011-2012.

Chair, Education Committee, 2008-2012.

Member, Ethics and Social Issues Sub-committee, 1996-2009.

Convenor, Clinical Genetics Services Sub-committee, 1994-1997.

Victorian Clinical Genetic Services (VCGS):

Director, 2000-2010.

Deputy Director, 1999.

Director of Clinics, 1995-1998.

Clinical Geneticist, 1985-2010.

Head of Unit, Clinical Genetics, Monash Medical Centre, 1991-2001.

Clinical Director, Genetic Health Services, 1995-1998.

Geneticist, Geelong Hospital, 1987-1997.

Founder, Tay Sachs program.

Monash University:

Adjunct Professor, Department of Medicine, ongoing.

Assistant Geneticist, Monash Medical Centre, 1985-1990.

Examiner in Genetics, Royal Australian College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, 1992-2000.

Geneticist and developer, POSSUM Network, 1985-2010 and Project Manager, 1990-2010.

Honorary Senior Lecturer in Paediatrics, Melbourne University, 1992-2000.

Honorary Senior Lecturer in Paediatrics, Monash University, 1992-1999.

Faculty Member, European School of Human Genetics, Sestri Levante, Italy, 1994.

Faculty Member, European School of Human Genetics, Trieste, Italy, 1992.

Has published approximately 100 journal articles and chapters in 9 medical books.

Past President, Australasian Association of Clinical Geneticists.

Chair, Birth Defects Register Advisory Committee, Department of Health and Human Services Victoria, 2003-2007 and Advisor, 1999-2003.

Representative of the Human Genetics Society of Australasia, Executive of the International Federation of Human Genetics, 1997-2003.

President, Human Genetics Society of Australasia, 1999-2000.

Advisor, Victorian Assisted Reproductive Treatment Authority, since 1996.

Inaugural Chair, Australasian Association of Clinical Geneticists, 1995-1997.

Member, Standing Review and Advisory Committee on Infertility, Health Department Victoria, 1994-1997.

Member, Expert Coordinating Committee on Genetic Services, Department of Human Services (Victoria), 1991-1994.

Royal Australasian College of Physicians:

Fellow, Paediatrics and Child Health Division Council, 2008-2010.

Member, Specialist Advisory Committee in Clinical Genetics, 1994-1998.

Deputy Chair, Australian Friends of Shaare Zedek Hospital, since 2013.

Agnes Bankier said that being awarded an Honour has given her the opportunity to reflect on what she has been able to achieve as part of a team. In her capacity as a clinical geneticist, she has been able to help people on different levels, personal, clinical and organisationally.

“I have been involved with many families that have to deal with children with birth defects, conditions that challenge them. Together with the team we provide diagnoses, counselling and guidance on the way forward for the children.

She was involved in the development of the POSSUM Project, a computerised syndrome information system, now used in more than 50 countries to help diagnose children with birth defects.

“I was also involved in setting up the Tay-Sachs school screening program here in Melbourne. I have been fortunate to work in an area which has excited and engaged me and allowed me to work with amazing people” she said.

 

 

Dr Les Brenner

Dr Les BRENNER, Bellevue Hill NSW 2023

For service to medicine as a general practitioner.

Service includes:

General Practitioner, Edgecliff Medical Centre, current.

Former Visiting Medical Officer, Rheumatology, Prince of Wales Public Hospital, Randwick.

Former Visiting Medical Officer, Royal South Sydney Hospital.

Fellow, Royal Australasian College of Physicians, since 1960.

Medical Practitioner, since 1955.

Dr Les Brenner told J-Wire: “This public accolade is the highlight of my professional career and I feel greatly honoured to be given it.

However  I feel that I did a lot of communal work having done 750 half days of purely Honorary work at Royal South Sydney  and the Prince of Wales Hospitals. I also brought to my General Practice 5 years of post   Graduate Study and experience which I applied to  my patients, giving them Consultant treatment at GP rates. I hope that this justifies my being awarded the OAM.”

 

Suzie Brown

Suzanne Virginia BROWN, Camberwell Vic 3124

For service to the community through fundraising roles.

Service includes:

Music teacher, for many years.

Has been involved with directing and participating in various events and fundraising for organisations including:

The Mercy Hospital.

Eye and Ear Hospital.

Royal Melbourne Hospital.

St Vincent’s Hospital.

The Royal Children’s Hospital.

Fundraiser and Supporter, Opera Scholars Australia, since 2005.

Fundraiser and Supporter, Dame Nellie Melba Opera Trust, current.

Board and Committee Member, Musica Viva Victoria.

Organised 50th Anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel, 1998.

Member, Organising Committee, Holocaust Work, ‘A Voice Not Stilled’, 2000.

St Kilda Hebrew Congregation:

Member, since 1979.

Member, Board of Management, 21 years.

Chair, Activities Committee.

Life Member, since 1998.

President, Ladies’ Auxiliary, 22 years.

Past Secretary.

Past Vice President.

Member, since 1979.

Awards and recognition includes:

Recipient, Eshet Chayil Award (Woman of Valour), St Kilda Synagogue, 2005.

When Suzie Brown was previously offered an honour declined. She accepted this year because she decided it reflected on both herself and her mother, who she said was a wise person who believed that it was good have balance in life.

When she learned at the age of 23 that she could no longer do sports she sought ways to help others, and herself, by giving whatever she took on a 100 percent.

“I didn’t look for accolades but at the same time my life has been fulfilled by all the people I have met and worked with who have become like family”

“I hope to continue doing what I do for others and enjoying it” she said.

Rabbi Ralph Robin GENENDE, North Caulfield Vic 3161

Rabbi Ralph Genende

For service to multi-faith relations, and to the Jewish community of Victoria.

Service includes:

Member, Victorian Premier’s Multi-faith Advisory Council, current.

Past President, Jewish, Christian, Muslim Association of Australia (Victoria).

Caulfield Hebrew Congregation:

Senior Rabbi, since 1997.

Founder, Inker572 (Young Adults) Group.

Initiated the Social Justice and Action Committee.

Editorial Board Member, Australia/Israel and Jewish Affairs Council, current.

Rabbinical Council of Victoria:

Past Vice-President.

Senior Executive Member, for 15 years.

Member, Professional Development Portfolio, ongoing.

Former Executive Member, Council of Christians and Jews.

Australian Defence Force:

Senior Rabbi.

Chair, Religious Advisory Council to the Services, 2013-2015.

Active Member, since 2006.

Ambassador, Stand Up (formerly Jewish Aid Australia), current.

Founder, Yad B’Yad – Jewish Pre Marriage Education Program in Australia.

College Rabbi, Mount Scopus Memorial College, 1987-1997.

Ambassador, White Ribbon and ‘Unchain My Heart’ organisations against domestic abuse and abuse of women and children.

“I have been in Australia 20 years and it’s been my privilege and joy to give back to a country that has given me and my family so very much”, said Rabbi Ralph Genende.

He added: This honour belongs to all I have been honoured to interact with across our Jewish and our wider multicultural and multifaith community. As Tennyson put it ‘I am part of all that I have met’.

This honour also strengthens my resolve to help create a better society and gentler, kinder world.

I am grateful for the gift of life , capacity and energy God has so generously given me.”

 

Roberta GOOT, Double Bay NSW 2028

Roberta Goot

For service to music education.

Service includes:

Moriah War Memorial College:

Member, High School Leadership Team, current.

Director of Music and Co-Curricular, since 2015.

Director of Music K-12, since 1997.

Music Teacher, since 1988.

Member, Music Teachers’ Association of New South Wales, current.

 

There are rarely awards for the world of music. J-Wire asked Roberta Goot  Does the award give an added dimension to the honour

Roberta Goot said: “It certainly does. What it takes to achieve in the world of Music particularly today with young people who have so many other distractions, is often not understood or appreciated. It is very demanding and you have to love it and the children.

When I see students including former students, realise their commitment to and enjoyment of music, by performing well, I feel a great sense of accomplishment, as I know they do.

Roberta Goot started in Moriah 31 years ago. “I started in 1988 as a part time teacher in the Primary School. At that time there was one other music teacher (in the high school) and no instrumental music program. Today there are 600 students in the Moriah Instrumental Music Program; with a Music Department that comprises five classroom music teachers, seven instrumental teachers on staff (apart from me) and 27 contracted music teachers who work in the school during the week.

Asked about what the award means to her, Roberta Goot said: “What makes it so special, is that it is the realisation, in a way they would understand, of the encouragement that my parents gave me.”

Faye HASKIN-DUBROWIN, Caulfield South Vic 3162

Faye Haskin-Dubrowin

For service to inter-faith relations, and to the community.

Service includes:

B’nai B’rith Victoria:

First female President, 2013-2017.

Executive Member, current.

2nd Vice-President, 2005-2013.

Member, for 20 years.

Jewish Christian Muslim Association of Australia (JCMA):

Chairperson, Women’s Committee, 2010-2011.

Committee Member, since 2007.

Board Member, B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission, since 2014.

Social Welfare Worker, Community Welfare Services (now Victorian Department of Health and Human Services) (Child Protection, Family Services and Community Care), 1982-2012.

Co-ordinator, Probation Officers Association of Victoria, 1983.

Co-ordinator, Westernport Youth Justice Probation Program (young offenders), Department of Community Services, 1987-1989.

Faye Haskin-Dubrowin describes receiving the award as “wonderful”. She emphasises that she has always worked in the community, in both a paid and voluntary capacity, for 37 odd years. While the award was an unexpected surprise it is a “recognition for what I’ve been doing, and what I love doing”.

She highlights that the award serves as an “encouragement for people to be involved and to become part of the community”.

The award is particularly meaningful for Haskin-Dubrowin as it is “a way for my family and my children to be proud of me and my achievements”.

Faye Haskin-Dubrowin is celebrating with an afternoon tea for her friends and family.

 

ron Kleinlehrer

Aron KLEINLEHRER, Vaucluse NSW 2030

For service to the community through a range of organisations.

Service includes:

Emanuel School Randwick:

Lifetime Governor, current.

Sponsor, current.

Founding Donor, 1983.

Opera Australia:

Artist Patron, since 1992.

Sponsor and Donor, since 1984.

Sydney Symphony Orchestra:

Sponsor and Donor, current.

The Australian Ballet:

Sponsor and Donor, since 1990.

Aron Kleinlehrer said: “It’s an honour to accept this Award, I am very happy and pleased”.

“I am 96 years old and at my age I do what I can” he told J-Wire.

 

Peter Lewis

Peter Coleman LEWIS, Bellevue Hill NSW 2023

For service to the community through aged care and cultural organisations.

Service includes:

 

Honorary Treasurer, COA Sydney (Care of the Aged Sydney), since 2002.

Meals on Wheels Driver, since 2001.

 

The Central Synagogue Sydney:

Member, Board of Management, 1980-2001.

Honorary Treasurer, 1986-1990

Peter Lewis told J-Wire that learning he was to be a recipient of an Award came as a complete surprise to him.

“I feel honoured and humble.  The 16years I have spent volunteering for COA Sydney has been so special and a reward for me as I enjoy doing it. Encouraging people to take part in COA’s activities is a privilege” he said.

 

Michael LIPSHUTZ, Caulfield North Vic 3161

For service to the community through a range of roles.

Michael Lipshutz

Service includes:

Jewish Community Council of Victoria:

President, 2003-2005.

Past Education Officer.

Member, Zionism Victoria, 2003 and 1973-1980.

Vice-President, Executive Council of Australian Jewry, 2003.

Executive Member, Caulfield Hebrew Congregation, 1980.

Past Honorary Solicitor, Elwood Hebrew Congregation.

City of Glen Eira:

Deputy Mayor, 2014.

Councillor, 2005-2016.

Deputy Chairman, Caulfield Racecourse Reserve Trust, since 2015; Trustee, since 2013.

Lawyer, since 1975; Currently Practising with Berry Family Law.

Member, Institute of Mediators and Arbitrators Australia.

Member, Family Law Section, Law Council of Australia.

President, Melbourne University Jewish Students Society, 1970-1972; Activities Officer, 1970.

Michael Lipshhutz told J-Wire: “I haven’t done what I have done for an award…but to make a change. I am very chuffed. But I am not alone…I  appreciate the efforts of my wife and fellow councillors.’’

 

Margot Melzac

Margot MELZAK, South Yarra VIC 3141

For service to the community of South Yarra.

Service includes:

Creative Circle/Bayside Ladies Ex-Pat Group:

Instigator, 1986.

Member, since 1986.

Past President.

Toorak Branch, Save the Children Fund

President, current.

Member, since 1977.

Donations to Epworth Hospital to create memorial wards for holocaust victims

Donations to Holocaust Museum, Bialik College, Victorian Arts Centre Melbourne, Cranbourne Gardens, Australian Opera, Save the Children Fund.

Margot Melzak told J-wire that she is “quite thrilled” to have received an award and has “accepted it on behalf of the volunteers that work alongside me”.

“We’re getting together as family [to celebrate]… They think it’s for Australia Day but they don’t know there is an extra edge to it. Hardest secret I have kept” she said.

 

David Joseph OCHERT, Toorak Vic 3142

David Ochert

For service to rowing, particularly as a coach.

Service includes:

Rowing coach at Club, State and National levels:

2017 – Interstate Women’s Youth Eight, Victoria – Gold

2012 – Australian Youth Cup, Victoria Men’s squad

2009 – Australian Youth Cup, Victoria Women’s squad

2008 – Interstate Women’s Youth Eight, Victoria – Bronze

2006 – Australian Youth Cup, Victoria Women’s squad

1999 – Interstate Women’s Lightweight Four Championship coach – First

1998 – Interstate Women’s Lightweight Four Championship coach – First

1997 – World Championships, Women’s Lightweight Pair coach – Gold

1997 – Interstate Women’s Lightweight Four Championship coach – First

1996 – World Championship, Women’s Lightweight Pair coach – Fifth

1996 – Interstate Women’s Lightweight Four Championship coach – Second

1989 – Interstate Women’s Youth Four Championship coach

1987 – World Junior Championships, Women’s Coxless Pair coach – Fourth

1987 – Match des Seniors, Women’s Pair coach – Bronze

1987 – Trans Tasman Series, Australia Women’s Junior 4+ – Coach

1983 – Interstate Men’s Youth Eight Championship coach – Sixth

1981 – Interstate Men’s Lightweight Four Championship, Queensland coach – Sixth

Coach, athletes selected in State Crew and 19 athletes selected in National Crews, 1980-2017.

Competed at all levels of rowing:

1978 – Interstate Men’s Eight Championship (Queensland) emergency

1979 – Interstate Men’s Eight Championship (Queensland), 5 seat – Fifth

Toowong Rowing Club:

Life Member, 1989.

Former Club Captain.

Former Secretary.

New boat named after him, 1992.

Awards and recognition includes:

Inductee, Hall of Fame, Rowing Victoria, 2013.

David Ochert has been involved in rowing for 38 years and says he “is still going strong”.

Being a recipient of an Honour means a lot to him.

“It’s a recognition of all the years I have put in as a volunteer coach and the successes of the teams. It has been fantastic” he said.

He is not planning a special celebration but it is possible that something will take place over the holiday weekend.

 

 

Alan Samuel

Alan Merton SAMUEL, Caulfield North Vic 3161

For service to the community of Glen Eira through a range of organisations.

Service includes:

Executive Director, Temple Beth Israel, 1994-2009.

Treasurer, Progressive Judaism Victoria Inc, since 2010.

Impact for Women

Treasurer, since 2006.

Founding Member.

Public Officer and Treasurer, Keshet Australia, Inc, since 2009.

Advisor, Council for Jewish Education in Schools, since 2012.

Member, National Association of Temple Administrators, (America), 1990s

Rotary Club of Glen Eira:

Secretary, current.

President, 2013-2015.

Member, since 2010.

Justice of the Peace, since 1999.

Awards and recognition includes:

Recipient, Royce Abbey Award, Rotary Club of Glen Eira.

Recipient, Service to Community Award, National Association of Temple Administrators, (America), 2005.

 

As Treasurer of Temple Beth Israel, Alan Samuel regularly scans Honours Lists for names of the congregation’s members, but never imagined that his name would feature one day.

“I’ve been pinching myself for the past four months. I am sure there are others who deserve it more” he said.

“Like my father before me, I have carried out voluntary work with no thought of recognition and feel extremely humbled” he told J-Wire.

 

Marilyn Singer

Marilyn Anne SINGER, Epping NSW 2121

For service to people with Scleroderma.

 

Service includes:

Scleroderma Association of NSW Inc:

President, Secretary and Public Officer, current.

Active Member, since 1992.

Marilyn Singer said that receiving the award is a “great honour which recognises the charity that I work for and gives awareness to the Scleroderma Association of NSW”. She adds that she’s “thrilled” to have received it.

She told J-wire that she will be celebrating with a family lunch and surprising them with the news on Australia day.

 

Karen Wayne

Dr Karen Susan WAYNE, Toorak Vic 3142

For service to the community of Victoria through a range of organisations.

Service includes:

Co-founder, Australian Communities Foundation (Wayne Family Fund), ongoing. The Foundation is a supporter of a range of organisations including:

The Australian Chamber Orchestra.

The Melbourne Chamber Orchestra.

Melbourne Recital Centre.

Orchestra Victoria.

Melbourne Festival.

Musica Viva.

Castlemaine Festival.

Mount Scopus College Foundation.

Australian Medical Association:

Volunteer, Victoria Peer Support Program and Victoria Peer Visitor Program, since 2013. Member, since 1973.

Visiting Medical Officer, Royal Freemasons Homes, for 33 years.

Emmy Monash Aged Care:

Board Member, 2002-2013.

Life Member, since 2013.

Temple Beth Israel:

Board Member, 1997-2012.

Volunteer Guide, ongoing.

Friday Night School:

Volunteer Teacher, 1990s-2000s.

Active Supporter, ongoing.

Past Board Member, National Council of Jewish Women and Member, Circle of Women Patrons’ Group.

Past Board Member, The King David School and Supporter, ongoing.

Karen Wayne told J-Wire: “It was a lovely surprise receiving such an honour. I am truly fortunate to have the opportunity to volunteer and be philanthropic in this wonderful country.

There are many special moments, but memorable ones include tutoring new immigrant children with my husband and daughters.”

Anthony Weldon

Dr Anthony Paul WELDON, Melbourne Vic 3004

For service to the community, and to paediatric medicine.

Service includes:

B’nai B’rith ‘Courage to Care’ – Victoria: (An outreach program and exhibition that educates people about racism and bigotry and promotes respect for diversity and the importance of standing up against prejudice and bullying).

Chairman, since 2005.

Member, since 2004.

B’nai B’rith Unit Mitzvah, Victoria:

President, 2001-2002.

Founding Committee Member 1985.

Member, Annual Oration Planning Committee, Anti-Defamation Commission, 2003-2005.

National President, B’nai B’rith Youth, 1960s.

Member, Leo Baeck Centre, since 2012.

Victorian Department of Community Services:

Paediatric Representative, Victorian Child Death Review Committee, 1996-2003 and Deputy Chair, 2002-2003.

Royal Australasian College of Physicians:

Past Member, Victorian Committee, Paediatric Division.

Fellow, since 1975.

Member, since 1970.

Consultant Paediatrician, Frankston Hospital and private practice, 1947-2007.

Sessional Paediatrician, Monash Medical Centre, 2002-2003.

Sessional Paediatrician, Royal Children’s Hospital, 1974-1975.

Examiner in Paediatrics, Australian Medical Council, since 2007.

Dr Anthony Weldon told J-Wire: “I am very appreciative of the recognition but at the same time, it is uncalled for.

I have been very fortunate that I have enjoyed my working career, at both a personal and professional level.

Working with Courage to Care is something about which he is passionate. He believes the exhibition delivers an important and essential message about taking a stand against discrimination.

“We read every day about how people are demonised.  When I see a spark of understanding in a student’s eyes and know that they have made the connection from the past to the present, it is most fulfilling.

Observing students getting things in perspective is the reward.

My parents got out of Austria after the Anschluss.  I consider myself fortunate to have grown up in Australia in a free society, able to become a doctor for which I am grateful.

History has proved that democracy is something that can be readily lost” he said.

 

If we have made omissions, please email us the details at [email protected]

 

Report prepared by Roz Tarszisz, Hila Tsor and Henry Benjamin

 

Comments

4 Responses to “2018 Australia Day Awards”
  1. Anthony Lowy says:

    The achievements of award recipients is really impressive and correctly honors years of community service and dedication ; my personal congratulations to each man and woman. I’m waiting for one recipient to be frank and say “about bloody time…I deserve it…in spades…” Anthony Lowy

  2. Adrian Jackson says:

    About 30 Jewish were honoured out of about 900 awardees. That is a ratio of 1:30.

    However the ratio of 100,000 Jews to 25,000,000 Australian is 1:250. Jews did well out of the honours system once again.

  3. Morri Young says:

    Thank you for compiling this list and I am so impressed by the achievements of people in our community.
    An interesting aspect of the compilation is the overwhelming proportion of Victorians. Either NSW heroes are more rare or more shy about either their achievements or their identity!
    Mazel tov to them all!

    • Adrian Jackson says:

      Yes half are not only from Victoria but most are from two federal electorates, Higgins and Melbourne Ports, too.

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