Queen’s Birthday Honours – the Jewish list for 2021

Members of the Australian Jewish community have received Queen’s Birthday awards in the fields of philanthropy, medicine, communal involvement and arts. One awardee has been recognised for aiding refugees and joins another one for helping the reduction of smokers. J-Wire wishes them all Mazeltov.

OFFICER [AO] IN THE GENERAL DIVISION OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA

Suzi CARP, Hawthorn VIC 3122

For distinguished service to medical research, to children, and to the community through leadership roles.

Murdoch Children’s Research Institute

• Chair, since 2016.
• Board Director, 2006-2016.
• Chair, MCRI Development Board, 2006-2011, and Board Member, since 2003.
• Member, Melbourne Children’s Campus Council.
• Founding Member, MCRI Women’s Network.
• GenV Ambassador.
• Supporter and advocate, 20 years.

River Capital

• Co-Founder and Executive Director, since 2007.
• Founder, River Capital Foundation.

Mirabel Foundation

• Past Chair.
• Board Member, 2004-2010.
• Member, Mirabel Advisory Group.
• Supporter, since 1998.

Jewish Community Council of Victoria

• Patron, 2008-2018.
• Supporter, Youth Alcohol Program, since 2009.
• Supporter, ongoing.

Igniting Change

• Chair, 2008-2012.
• Board Member, since 2007.

Community 

• Ambassador, One Roof, since 2018.
• Chair, Adara Group, since 2013.
• Founding Director, Smiling Mind, 2013-2015.
• Founding Director, Young and Well Cooperative Research Centre, 2011.
• Board Member, Australian Communities Foundation, 1998-1999.
• Supporter, Asylum Seeker Resource Centre.
• Founder/Creator and Organiser, Art for Science.
• Member, Philanthropy Australia, current.

“It is an incredible honour and I feel very humbled about receiving it. To me it really is about recognising all the inspiring people and organisations I have worked with over the past 30 years…as their purpose and passion are what motivates me” Suzi Carp told J-Wire.

When asked if there is one involvement that stood out for her, she said.

“I think in terms of highlights or a deep connection it would be with Murdoch Children’s Research Institute.

I have been involved there for over 20 years and have learnt and worked with the most extraordinary individuals. To also have been involved with the Institute during this Covid pandemic has been something that I will never forget. The courage, agility, brilliance and empathy of the researchers and team at the Institute will stay with me forever.

There are also some other smaller community trailblazers out there that I am deeply connected to – Homie, Mirabel Foundation, Children’s Ground, ASRC.

To be involved, learn, connect and be part of something that is bigger than myself is what drives me. There is nothing quite like the magic of creating and collaborating with others for a higher purpose.

Now, more than any time in our history, we have to remember our community and support and help the most vulnerable who often don’t have a voice” she said.

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Professor Stephen Misha DAVIS AM, Toorak VIC 3142

For distinguished service to medical education, to stroke research, and to the management of cerebrovascular disease.

Medical education

• Professor of Translational Neuroscience, The University of Melbourne, current.
• Co-Founder, Australian Neurosciences Trials Network.
• Co-Founder, Melbourne Mobile Stroke Unit program, since 2017.
• Leading role in formation of PRESTO Collaboration, since 2018.
• Co-Chair, Australian Stroke Alliance, since 2020.

Royal Melbourne Hospital

• Director, Melbourne Brain Centre, since 2011.
• Former Director of Neurology, 1992-2017.

National Health and Medical Research Organisation

• Member, Program Grants Peer Review Working Committee, 2017, 2016.
• Chief-Investigator, 20 research grants, since 1991.

Other

• Chair, Scientific Advisory Committee, Brain Research New Zealand, 2013-2020.
• Editorial Board Member, Stroke, European Stroke Journal, International Journal of Stroke, Journal of Clinical Neuroscience, Neurological Research and Practice, current.
• Over 550 peer-reviewed papers, 3 books and 45 chapters.

World Stroke Organization

• President, 2012-2016.
• Chair, By Laws Committee, current.
• Board member, Ex Officio, current

Professional Organisations

• Board Member, Neuroscience Victoria, since 2012.
• Trustee, Royal Melbourne Hospital Neuroscience Foundation, since 1992.
• Founding Co-Chair, Australasian Stroke Trials Network, 1996 and ex-officio member, Executive Committee, current.
• Co-Chair, Neurosciences Trials Australia, 2003-2016.
• Member, Steering Committee, International Academic Stroke Trials Archive, Glasgow, current.
• Member, Education Committee, World Federation of Neurology, 2005-2015.

Awards and recognition include:

• Appointed a Member of the Order of Australia, 2013.
• International Cooperation Award, Chinese Stroke Association, 2019.
• C Miller Visiting Professorship, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard University, 2017.
• Chairman’s Award, Melbourne Health, 2016.
• Leadership Award, World Stroke Organization, 2018.
• Inaugural Fellow, Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences, 2015.
• Bhowmick Medal, Welsh Stroke Society, 2014.
• J Wepfer Award, for outstanding work in stroke prevention, European Stroke Organization, 2014.

Stephen Davis told J-Wire:  “I feel very honoured and excited on behalf of a large team of people over many years. It is good to receive recognition and to highlight that stroke is important. It has been a very exciting journey, and have been honoured to have been able to make a meaningful contribution. There have been huge advances to the treatment of stroke.

Stroke its neurological condition has been one if the biggest impacts on society, with major risk factors. Back in the 70s during my training, there were no treatments. Now we have time-critical treatments, which help with blood flow to the brain. We can see the impact and how the outcomes have been enormously improved. I have loved my work, it has been a wonderful journey.

The most underlying discovery has been that there are time-critical treatments for stroke, and what has been important to me, in some small way, is to give back to the world. I feel that my Jewishness has motivated me to do so.

One of the major privileges and a highlight of my career has been the Head of Stroke for the World Stroke Organization.”

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Peter Alexander IVANY AM, Point Piper NSW 2027

For distinguished service to the community as a supporter of sporting, arts, film, not-for-profit, and natural science organisations.

Community

• Chair, Sydney Swans Foundation, since 2005.
• Board Member of the Sydney Cricket Ground Trust, 2017-2020.
• Board Member, Sydney Zoo, current.
• Chairman, Advisory Council, Sydney Film Festival, since 2006.
• Board Member, Events NSW, 2007-2011.
• Chairman, Australian Film, Television and Radio School, 2006-2009.
• Board Member, Museum of Contemporary Art, 2003-2009.
• Life Member, Sydney Swans, since 2016.
• Adjunct Professor, University of Technology, Sydney, since 2003.

National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA)

• Chairman, NIDA Foundation Trust, since 2013.
• Board Member, NIDA, current.

Jewish Community

• Founding Board Member, Australia Israel Cultural Exchange since 2002.
• Board Member, Jewish Film International Festival, since 1990.

Jewish Community Appeal

• Life Governor, current.
• Foundation Chairman, since 1997.

Philanthropy

• Philanthropic contributions to a range of organisations including Mission Australia’s Connections Program in Broken Hill, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Museum of Contemporary Art, and National Institute of Dramatic Art.

Business

• Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Ivany Investment Group, since 1999.
• Co-Owner/Director, IMAX Theatre, Sydney, since 2005.
• Chairman, Momentum Pacific Group, 2004-2014.
• Member, Advisory Board, Kelly Partners Scholars, current.
• Member, Advisory Board, Loftus Peak, current.
• Board Member, Harris Scarfe Aust. Pty Ltd since 2007-2013
• Board Member, Recreational Tourism Ltd since 2003-2013.
• Board Member, Smart Population, 2003.
• Board Member, Tourism Asset Holdings Ltd, 2010-2013.

Awards and recognition include:

• Appointed a Member of the Order of Australia, 2007.

Peter Ivany told J-Wire: “I am very proud of what all the organisations I have been part of have achieved. I have been fortunate and privileged to have worked with them all, follow passions I love. After Hoyts was sold, I wanted to spend half of my time working within the community and in film, and art and all my passions. I’m the lucky one. It is so heart-warming to see where the Jewish community is today compared to 20 or 30 years ago.”

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Professor Geoffrey Lionel METZ AM, Melbourne VIC 3004

For distinguished service to medicine, to medical education both nationally and internationally, and to professional medical organisations.

Academic

• Clinical Professor of Medicine, University of Melbourne, since 2006.
• Clinical Professor of Medicine, Monash University.

Epworth HealthCare and Alfred Hospital

• Director of Medical Education and Dean of Medicine, 2004-2018.
• Member, Medical Advisory Committee, 2004-2018.
• Consultant Physician, Alfred Hospital, 1979-2004.

World Gastroenterology Organisation

• Secretary General, since 2017.
• Chair, Scientific Programs Committee, 2015-2017
• Member, Train the Trainer Committee, since 2002.

Royal Australasian College of Physicians

• Committee of Presidents of Medical Colleges, 2008-2012.
• Member, Research and Education Foundation, since 2010.
• President, 2008-2010.
• Deputy President, 2006-2008.
• Chairman, Continuing Medical Education/Continuing Professional Development, 2002-2006.
• Convenor, Appeals Committee, 2000-2008.
• Convenor, Standards Committee, 2000-2008.
• Member of Council, 1992-2010.

Associations

• Member, Gastroenterological Society of Australia, current.
• Member, International Society of Internal Medicine, current.
• Member, Australian Association of Consultant Physicians, current and Council Member, 1990-2008.
• Member, Committee of Presidents of Medical Colleges, 2008-2012.

Awards and recognition include:

• Appointed a Member of the Order of Australia, 2001.

Geoffrey Metz told J-Wire: “It was very exciting and unexpected. It is an honour to be recognised by colleagues and it shows the work we have accomplished. My mother always gave us a strong work ethic. She taught us that we only have one chance in life so work hard. My life has been a legacy of that, a door opens, I had a look and walked through. Life has been interesting and good for me as a result. My father taught me to have a giving rather than a taking personality, which would lead to happiness. These two strong lessons from my parents have guided me. I feel that I have worked hard and allowed opportunities to happen.”

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MEMBER [AM] IN THE GENERAL DIVISION OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA

Carol BERG, Mosman NSW 2088

For significant service to mental health, to social justice, and to the arts.

Black Dog Institute, The University of New South Wales

• Board Member, Black Dog Institute Foundation, since 2018.
• Board Member, Black Dog Institute, 2009-2019.

The Marmalade Foundation

• Chair, 2009-2016.
• Board Member, since 2009.
• Volunteer, Lou’s Place, since 2002.

Australian National Choral Association

• Council Member, 2001-2005.
• Former Chair, ANCA NSW.
• Board Member, ANCA NSW, 1995-2001.

Other

• Board Member, Bundanon Trust, 1999-2008.
• Benefactor to a range of organisations, including Inala, Musica Viva Australia, and the National Gallery of Australia.
• Head, Junior Music Ascham School, 1982-1999.

Carol Berg told J-Wire: “I have been involved with non-profits since once I retired. It gave me an opportunity to do the work, it enabled people to link up with things they were interested in. I was involved with a women’s refuge (I still am) and ran music sessions. The refuge offered avocational and therapeutic treatments. 

As for the Black Dog Institute, I have been involved with them for over 16 years.  As a teacher, a parent, and a member of the public, I was very concerned about mental health. I believe there is a need for greater acceptance and awareness. I was very excited about the work they are doing, and provided my services, and became a member of their board. 

I have been involved with wonderful organisations, and it has been my pleasure to do what I do. I just feel that I love and enjoy what I do. There are so many people doing good things, and it has been an honour to be acknowledged. If you look around, there is an awful lot asking to be done. There are so many opportunities to get involved in communities. 

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Andrew Wayne BLODE, Toorak VIC 3143

For significant service to children as an advocate for protection policy standards.

Australian Council for Children and Youth Organisations

• Founding Chairman, 2001-2010.
• Director, for two years.

Child Wise

• Chairman, 2017.
• Board Member, 2014-2016.

Welfare Other

• Director, Australian Childhood Foundation, 2009-2011.
• Committee Member, Off Your Back, 2004-2011.

Jack and Robert Smorgon Families Foundation

• Chief Executive Officer, since 2000.
• Director, Escor (Jack and Robert Smorgon Families Foundation parent company), since 1995.
• Initiated the Anne and Eric Smorgon Memorial Award, 2001-2011.

Jewish Care Victoria

• Board Member, 2005-2011.
• Member, Development Committee, 2005-2013.
• Member, Annual Gala Dinner Organising Committee, current.
• Life Governorship, 2013.

Jewish – Other

• Chair, Child Protection Reference Group, Jewish Community Council of Victoria, 2012-2015.
• Director, Australian Jewish Funders, 2008-2013.

Awards and recognition include:

• Certificate of Appreciation, Jewish Community Council of Victoria, 2015.
• Services to the Community Award, Jewish Community Council of Victoria, 2008.

“I am certainly delighted to have received this Honour and thank the members of the Community who nominated me, it is extremely humbling,” said Andrew Blode.

“The honour is in recognition of community work around Child Protection which was an enormous oversight at the time by Government, Institutes and the community. Whilst we still have some way to go in this area to protect our children, we have taken enormous steps forward since the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sex Abuse.

I thank my family and members of the community who supported me and joined with me to tackle this issue over many decades” he said.

He is very proud of changing attitudes within the community as more charities, institutes and philanthropists become willing to collaborate to solve problems.

He is also extremely proud to witness the increased involvement of the younger generation who immerse themselves in community work and believes that today’s unsung heroes are the youth movements and their amazing leadership and volunteering which go unnoticed.”

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Rabbi Yaakov GLASMAN, St Kilda East VIC 3183

For significant service to Judaism and interfaith dialogue, to rabbinical bodies, and to the community.

Rabbinical Association of Australasia 

• President, current.

Rabbinical Council of Australia and New Zealand

• President, 2016-2017.
• Former Executive Member.

Rabbinical Council of Victoria

• President, 2009-2012.
• Executive Member, 2005-2008.
• Member, current.

 St Kilda Hebrew Congregation

• Senior Rabbi, since 2011.

Other Service

• Senior Rabbi, North Eastern Jewish War Memorial Centre, 2005-2011.
• Lecturer and Mentor, Ohel Chana Ladies Seminary, since 2003.
• Community Partner, White Ribbon Australia, current and former Ambassador.
• Speaker, various Interfaith Groups, since 2005.
• Ambassador, Unchain My Heart, since 2017.

Rabbi Glasman, told J-Wire: “It’s deeply humbling to be recognised with this award. It certainly makes me feel like the work I have done and will continue to do has made and will continue to make a difference in the community. It’s a very human trait to want to be acknowledged and appreciated so for me this is obviously a very affirming experience. I am extremely grateful to my Rebbetzin Sara who has been an amazing support for me in my work and who, in addition to her own incredible contribution to our beloved St Kilda Shule, has supported me throughout my Rabbinic career even when my various roles demanded more of my time than would reasonably be expected.

There’s no question that having led both the state and federal Rabbinic bodies over a number of years have contributed to this recognition, particularly given the challenges our community faces in the modern era and the important work rabbis do in our community. That’s not to say I have been impervious to mistakes as I’ve certainly made my fair share but we learn from our mistakes and always try to improve going forward. One of the most important aspects of my roles leading the RCV and the RAA has been as a spokesperson for the Rabbinate to the media and wider Victorian and Australian community as well as having facilitated many professional development courses for rabbis in the areas of grief counselling, couples counselling, general counselling, mental health first aid and public speaking.

Australia welcomed all four of my grandparents who were all Holocaust survivors so for that same country to recognise me for the work I have done in giving back to the community is very moving. I feel in a sense that I owe a debt to Australia for the kindness it showed to those in my family who came before me. I am a proud Aussie (I love my footy) and to have been acknowledged within the Order of Australia which is Australia’s highest honour system is incredibly uplifting.

With all the religious extremism prevalent around the world and the division that such extremism foments, it is so important to ensure that the Jewish community locally and federally establish positive relationships with other faith leaders and faith-based communities. My Shule hosts many visits per year from other faith-based schools and organisations and I believe that knowledge and education – an appreciation of the “other” – are critical components to a more peaceful society

I am therefore hopeful that the post-nominals I now have will be a source of goodwill for the Jewish community and will reflect positively on the Jewish faith in the eyes of those with whom I engage in the future.

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Charles JUSTIN, Prahran VIC 3181

For significant service to the museums’ sector, to arts administration, and to architecture.

Justin Art House Museum

• Founder and Director, since 2016.

Melbourne Art Fair

• Chairman, current.
• Member, since 2017.

Jewish Museum of Australia

• President, 2004-2009.
• Vice President, 2000-2004.
• Board Member, 1998-2009.
• Life Member.

Architecture

• Planning and Project Advisor, Caulfield Hebrew Congregation, since 2013.
• Founding Director, Plus Architecture, 1997.
• Founding Director, SJB Architects, circa 1980’s.

Royal Australian Institute of Architects

• Chair, National Membership Division, 1990-1991.
• Member, Architect Management Advisory Committee, 1990.
• Member, National Membership Division, 1989-1992
• President, Victorian Division, 1986-1988.
• Board Member, Victoria Division, 1985.
• Life Fellow, 2008.
• Fellow, 2002.

When discussing his AM, Charles Justin said that it came at a good time as he and his wife, Leah, are just celebrating their 50^thwedding anniversary.

“I suppose that awards do signify that an award is a recognition from peers, that there is value in what one has done, symbolic of a lifetime of community endeavours,” he said.

He told J-Wire that his current collaboration with his wife Leah in the Justin Art House Museum is something they set up together as their retirement project.

They have been keen art collectors for many years and it is their love of art and architecture that led them to open their home to the public.

“This project has allowed our combined strengths to focus on this joint endeavour. Art is about ideas and as we conduct tours of the art in our home, we interact with guests – like a salon” he said.

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Professor Robyn Lesley RICHMOND, Darling Point NSW 2027

For significant service to tertiary medical education, and to public health.

University of New South Wales

• Professor of Public Health, School of Population Health, since 2003.
• Chair, Research Degree Committee, since 2005.
• Board Member, School of Population Health School Board, since 2009.
• Chair, Judging Panel, Peter Baume Public Impact Award, School of Population Health, since 2010.
• Committee Member, Assessment Committee, Faculty of Medicine, since 2016.
• Committee Member, Teaching and Learning Committee, Faculty of Medicine, since 2016.
• Associate Dean, (postgraduate coursework), Faculty of Medicine and Health, 2016-2019.
• Committee Member, Operations Committee, School of Public Health and Community Medicine, 2008-2018.
• Co-Director, Postgraduate Research Degree Programs, School of Public Health and Community Medicine, 1997-2003 and 2008-2016.
• Committee Member, Higher Degree Committee (representing the School of Public Health and Community Medicine), Faculty of Medicine, 1997-2009 and 2011-2016.
• Associate Professor, 1989-2002.
• Director, Smokescreen Programs, 1985-2006.
• Member, Academic Board, 2002-2004.
• Member, Research Committee, Academic Board, 2002-2004.
• Head, Brief Interventions Promotions Unit, National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, 1989-1996.
• Board Member, Social Science Policy Research Centre, 1990-1995.
• Senior Lecturer, School of Community Medicine, 1986-1989.
• Lecturer, 1984-1986.
• Research Officer and Tutor, 1980-1983.

International Union Against Tobacco and Lung Disease

• Member, Educating Medical and Nursing Students Committee, 2010-2012.
• Australian Representative, Tobacco Prevention Section, 1991-1999.
• Chair, Tobacco Prevention Section, 1996-1999.
• Vice-Chair, Tobacco Prevention Section, 1994-1996.
• Member, since 1991.

Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco

• Member, Global Network on Tobacco, 2005-2015.
• Member, since 1996.

International – Other

• Member, Global Network on Health, since 2005.
• Lead, introducing women’s cancer clinics within health centres, Uganda, since 2019.
• Lead, ‘Transforming Community Health Program’ (involving clinical services delivery, training community and academic leaders, research and education, in conjunction with the Gulu University and community), Uganda, 2016-2018.
• Team Member, Reproductive and sexual health surveying, Kenya, 2012-2014.

St Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney

• Director, Healthy Lifestyle Centre, 1995-1997.
• Director, Lifestyle Unit, 1986-1995.

Community Health and Anti-Tuberculosis Association (now known as the Institute for Respiratory Health)

• Board Member, 1994-2005.
• Chair, International Committee, 1995-2005.

Committee and advisory roles

• Member, Expert Panel, Revised Guidelines, Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing: 2004, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014 and 2019.
• Member, Australian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs (APSAD), 2004-2016.
• Member, Expert Panel, Therapeutic Guidelines, Psycho-tropics: Smoking Cessation, 2012-2013.
• Member, Alcohol and Other Drugs Council of Australia (disbanded 2013), 2003-2013.
• Member, Project Advisory Group, Smoking in Pregnant Aboriginal Women, NSW Health, 2009-2012.
• Member, NSW Research and Scientific Advisory Committee, National Heart Foundation, 1999-2002.
• Member, Chronic Airflow Limitation Group, Australian Lung Foundation, 1999-2001.
• Member, Ministerial Committee on Women’s Health, 1989-1995.
• Convenor and Chair, Non-Smoking Policy Committee, Eastern Sydney Area Health Service, 1987-1989.
• Convenor, Business Against Tobacco (BAT) Lobby Group, 1988-1989.

New South Wales Branch, Public Health Association

• Deputy Chair, 1989-1990.
• Treasurer, 1985-1986.
• Executive Member, 1984-1990.
• Member, 1984-2012.

Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney

• Member, Health Promotion Advisory Committee, 1986-1987.
• Member, Area 3 Drug and Alcohol Committee, 1986-1987.

Research and publications include:

• Research encompasses a broad spectrum of public health issues conducted over three decades.
• Co-Author of 59 books, chapters and conference papers.
• Published 193 papers in peer-reviewed journals.
• Deputy Editor and Tobacco Editor, Drug and Alcohol Review, 2003-2016.
• Assistant Editor, Addiction, 2000-2012
• Assistant Editor, Monaldi Archives for Chest Diseases, 1996-2000.

Awards and recognition include:

• Joint recipient, WHO International Award, Royal Australian College of General Practitioners’ Expert Advisory Group of leading Australian researchers in tobacco control, 2020.
• Mentor of the Year Award, Public Health Association of Australia, 2012.
• Public Health Impact Award, Public Health Association of Australia, 2011.
• Mental Health Award for Research and Evaluation (Prison Research Team), Mental Health Matters, 2012.
• Inducted into National Drug and Alcohol Honour Roll, National Drug and Alcohol Association, 2011.
• Peter Baume Award, for significant international impact and career achievement in public health, University of New South Wales, 2009.
• Mental Health Award for Research and Evaluation (Healthy Lifestyles Program), Mental Health Matters, 2009.
• Senior Scientist Award, Australian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs, 2009.
• Highly Commended, for Strengthening the capacity of individuals, families and communities through effective prevention and health promotion – Healthy Lifestyles Project, Victorian Public Healthcare Awards, 2008.
• Highly Commended, Premier’s Award for Excellence, for tackling chronic disease and improving public health – Healthy Lifestyles Project, Victorian Public Healthcare Awards, 2008.
• Evidence into Action Award, National Institute of Clinical Studies, 2008.
• Research Paper Award, Schizophrenia Research Institute, 2006.
• President’s Award, in recognition of outstanding effort, leadership and achievement in combating the use of tobacco, Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand, 2001.
• Goethe Challenge Trophy, for exemplary activities in tobacco control and extraordinary contributions in the fight against tobacco, Goethe Endowment for Non-Smoking Committee and German Medical Society, 2001.
• Awarded, Sir Anthony Mason Fellowship, 1996.
• National Community Outreach Award, for the ‘Health is Gold’ project among the Vietnamese community in the South Western Sydney Area Health Service, Australian Hospital Association, 1996.

Robyn Richmond told J-Wire: “I am very honoured to receive a Queen’s Birthday Order of Australia award. I am being awarded an AM for my public health work in research, teaching, training and service at the University of New South Wales over the past 40 years.”

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Elana RUBIN, Elwood VIC 3184

For significant service to corporate governance, and to the community.

Professional

• Director, Telstra Ltd, since 2020.
• Director, Slater and Gordon, since 2018.
• Director, Victorian Funds Management Corporation, since 2015.
• Director, Transurban Queensland, since 2014.

AfterPay Touch Group

• Chair, since 2020.
• Director, since 2016.

Victorian Managed Insurance Authority

• Chair, since 2016.
• Director, since 2015.

Previous Appointments

• Board Member, ME Bank, 2016-2020
• Board Member, Mirvac Group, 2010-2019.
• Board Member, RGA Australia, 2017-2019.
• Board Member, MLC Life & Co, 2013-2016.
• Board Member, Mirvac Founds Management Ltd, 2013-2015.
• Board Member, PPB Advisory, 2013-2015.
• Board Member, ICON Parking (USA), 2005-2015.
• Board Member, TAL Ltd, 2007-2013.
• Board Member, Bravura Solutions Ltd, 2007-2008.
• Director, UniSuper Ltd, 2000-2006.
• Director, Hotel Leisure and Tourism Trust Australia, 1999-2008.
• Board Member, Virtual Communities, 1999-2002
• Director, Industry Super Property Trust, 1997-2010.
• Director, Australian Retirement Fund Pty Ltd, 1997-2006.
• Chair, Development Australia Fund Management Ltd, 1998-2003.

Australian Super Pty Ltd

• Chair, 2007-2013.
• Founding Director, 2006-2013.

Government Service

• Board Member, Infrastructure Australia, 2011-2014.
• Member, Climate Change Authority, 2012-2014.
• Board Member, Transport Accident Commission, 2003-2012.

WorkSafe Victoria

• Chair, 2006-2012.
• Director, 2001-2012.

Victorian Rail Track Corporation

• Chair, 2004-2010.
• Director, 2000-2010.

Community

• Director, Teach for Australia, since 2019.
• Board Member, SecondBite, 2009-2016.
• Board Member, Australian Communities Foundation, 2009-2011.

Committee for Melbourne

• Deputy Chair, 2016-2017.
• Board Member, 2014-2017.

Professional – Other

• Board Member, Victorian Division, Australian Institute of Company Directors, 2012-2017.
• Senior Industrial Officer, Australian Council of Trade Unions, 1990-1997.

Awards and recognition include:

• Lifetime Trustee Achievement Award, Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees, 2014.
• Industry Service Award, Selecting Super, 2013.

“It’s very humbling to be recognised in the honours list. I hope I add to the diversity of what constitutes leadership and how one can contribute in different ways, and so inspire others, particularly young women, to know that they belong at the decision-making table.

I have been fortunate to work in organisations with a strong sense of purpose and values, where they seek to have a positive impact on their customers and the communities in which they operate beyond simply the product they produce.

My parents believed in the importance of building strong communities and participation and were actively involved in a wide range of organisations. My sister followed in their footsteps, including volunteering to help children with disabilities and fostering newborn babies.

It has been a privilege to be involved with organisations that touch the lives of people you don’t know and will never meet, and make their life better in some way” said Elana Rubin.

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Gregory Peter SHAND, NSW

For significant service to the Jewish community, and to charitable initiatives.

NSW Jewish Communal Appeal

• Founder and Chair, The Giving Forum, since 2015.
• Member, Planning Committee, 2012-2016.
• Chair, Strategic Workshop on Fundraising, 2015.
• Chair, Building and Capital Committee, 2009-2012.
• Member, Executive Committee, 2007-2012.
• Member, Board of Governors, 2004-2012.
• Chair, Allocations Committee, 2007-2008.
• Member, Allocations Committee, 2004-2007.

Sydney Jewish Museum

• Honorary Chairman, Endowment Fund Foundation, since 2020.
• Benefactor.

Philanthropy

• Platinum Patron, Sydney Writers Festival.
• Benefactor, United Israel Appeal.
• Benefactor, The Central Synagogue.
• Benefactor, Chris O’Brien Life House Foundation.
• Benefactor, Museum of Contemporary Art.
• Benefactor, UNSW National Centre of Cancer Survivorship Fund, 2017-2018.
• Benefactor, Moriah College Capital Appeal.

Professional

• Managing Director, Barana Group Pty Limited, since 2002.
• Chairman/Non-Executive Director, Harrington Property Group, current.
• Joint Managing Director, Brentwood Corporation Limited, 10 years.

“It is clearly an honour to be the recipient of such an award. I have done a lot of work for the community over many years – but so have many others – and I am humbled in my appreciation that I have received it.

There is a job to be done and the challenges are significant, even more so in recent times.

My wife Kathy and I are motivated to contribute as much as possible to the community which is why we do what we do”, Greg Shand told J-Wire.

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Clinical Associate Professor Gary Fred SHOLLER, Rose Bay NSW 2029

For significant service to paediatric medicine, and to tertiary medical education.

University of Sydney

• Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Paediatrics, Sydney Medical School, since 2004.

The Children’s Hospital at Westmead

• Paediatric and Fetal Cardiologist, since 1988.

Heart Centre for Children

• Director, 2005 (inception)-2017.
• Senior Medical Clinical and Research Lead Psychology Clinical and Research Programme, since 2010.
• Senior Researcher, Kids Heart Research, since 2005.
• Lead Fetal Clinical and Research Cardiologist, 1995 -2017.

Sydney Children’s Hospital Network

• Senior Paediatric and Fetal Cardiologist, current.
• Director, Cardiac Services, 2013-2017.
• Member, Clinical Council, 2011-2014.
• Director, Adolph Basser Cardiac Institute, Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children, 1993-2019.

NSW Health

• Head, NSW Children’s Heart Service, 2005-2009.
• Member, Rheumatic Heart Disease and Indigenous Health Committee, since 2012.
• Member, M. Chimaera Committee, since 2015.
• Member, ACHD Review Committee, 2021.

National Taskforce on Childhood Heart Disease

• Co-Chair, Standards of Care for Childhood-onset Heart Disease Project, current.
• Member, Steering Committee, since 2016.
• Chair, Standards of Care Expert Working Group, since 2018.

Medical – Other

• Member, Steering Committee, Congenital Heart Registry, Congenital Heart Alliance of Australia and New Zealand, since 2015.
• Member, Executive Committee, Asia Pacific Pediatric Cardiac Association, since 2008.
• Member, Cardiology, National MBS Review Committee, 2015-2018.
• Coordinator, Interventional Cardiac Catheterisation Register, 1988-1993.
• Chairman, ANZ Paediatric Cardiac Association, 2005-2008.
• Fellow, American College of Cardiology.
• Medical Support, Operation Open Heart, 1990-1998.
• Medical (Honorary) Paediatric Cardiologist, New Caledonia, since 1990.

Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand

• Board Member (Paediatric Representative), 2003-2009.
• Chair, Paediatric and Congenital Council, 1995-1998 and 2005-2009.
• Member, Paediatric and Congenital Council Executive, 2008-2014.
• Member, Continuing Education and Recertification Committee, 2004-2010.
• Member, NSW Regional Committee, 1988-2000.

World Congress of Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery

• Member, Program Committee, Washington DC, USA, 2021.
• Treasurer and Executive Committee Member, Cairns, 2005-2009.
• Member, International Organising Committee, Buenos Aires, 2005.
• Member, Scientific Committee, 2002.

HeartKids

• Patron, NSW Branch, Heartkids, 1994-2000.
• Advisor, advocate, supporter and volunteer, since 1990.
• Member, Whitepaper Committee, 2010.

“I see the Award as an opportunity to bring into focus the challenges faced by many patients and families affected by childhood heart disease (CHD).

Through research and improved services, I hope that we can offer them a brighter and better future.

I also see this as an acknowledgement of my work, together with so many others, on The National Standards of Care for Childhood-onset Heart Disease project which is currently underway, aimed at securing future care excellence for CHD care in Australia.

I can only hope that along with recognition of this work, there will be understanding that all these gains may be squandered if we are unable to urgently address climate change – our legacy to, and the principal worldwide threat to the future health and wellbeing of our children”, Gary Sholler told J-Wire.

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Ricci Edith SWART, VIC

For significant service to the media and film industries, and to the community.

Media Industry

• Chair, Marketing and Development Committee, Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI), since 2015, Board Member, 2006-2015 and Supporter and Donor.
• Former Chief Executive Officer, Multimedia 21 Fund, Victorian Government.
• Member, Digital Media Fund Evaluation and Advisory Committee, Film Victoria. 2004-2006.
• Ambassador, The Natalie Miller Fellowship, 2011-2013.
• Producer, Mission Voices interactive website for Koorie Heritage Trust, 2004.
• Producer, ‘Jews in Australia – A Swag of Stories, CD-ROM.
• Producer, ‘Jews in Australia Interactive Kiosk’ for the Jewish Museum of Australia, 1997.
• Supporter, numerous films made through the Documentary Australia Foundation and the Australian Cultural Fund.

Professional

• Executive Director, Viewgrow Capital, since 2009.
• Owner, Ricci Swart Multimedia, 1999-2009.
• Executive Producer, The Dry (2021), Penguin Bloom (2020), Last Ride (2009).
• Industry, Ride Like a Girl (2019).

Community

• Founder and Executive Director, dotPhilanthropy (consulting firm for philanthropic sector).
• Member, Philanthropy Australia
• Supporter, Melbourne Writers Festival.
• Supporter, National Gallery of Victoria Foundation
• Sponsor, Dugdale Trust for Women and Girls, Victorian Women’s Trust.
• Patron, Museums Victoria, 2004-2005.
• Former Sponsor, Reichstein Foundation.
• Trustee, 6A Foundation, current.
• Founding Melbourne Internationl Film Festival (MIFF) Circle Patron.

Telematics Trust

• Chair, since 2016.
• Trustee, since 2009.

Jewish Community

• Sponsor, Jewish International Film Festival (JIFF).
• Donor, Circle of Women, National Council of Jewish Women Australia (Victoria).
• Board Member, Shir Madness.
• Benefactor, Director’s Chair Endowment Fund, Jewish Museum of Australia, circa 2011.
• Benefactor, Gen08 Project, 2007-2012.
• Patron, Jewish Community Council of Victoria, 2011.
• Donor, various other Jewish organisations including JewishCare Victoria, current.

Advisory Roles

• Board Member, Centre for Adolescent Health, Royal Children’s Hospital, 2007-2017.
• Board Member, Koorie Heritage Trust.
• Former Board Member, Igniting Change (Pilotlight).

For Ricci Swart, being an Award recipient is “overwhelming and extremely humbling”.

“It has been a huge privilege to have been able to work with incredible people and organisations. This award is in recognition of the many wonderful people with whom I have worked. They continue to inspire me with their creativity and contributions to the community.

My passion has always been storytelling and many of the things I have been involved in centre around storytelling. I am Jewish and our culture is about storytelling. Sharing stories impacts on our understanding of who we are in society and gives us the power to make positive social change” she told J-Wire.

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Charlotte VIDOR, NSW

For significant service to the multicultural community, to tourism, and to urban planning.

Multicultural Services include:

• Member advising the Federal Government on Multicultural Affairs, Australian Multicultural Council, since 2014.
• Director, JewishCare Foundation Trust, 1995-2005.

Events New South Wales (formerly Tourism New South Wales)

• Board Member, 2007-2011.
• Board Member, Tourism New South Wales, 1996-2007.

Toga Group of Companies

• Co-Founder and Owner, since 1960.

Memberships include:

• Planning Institute of Australia, New South Wales Division, since 1982.
• Australian Institute of Urban Studies, current.

Awards and recognition include:

• New South Wales Honour Roll, International Women’s Day, 2006.

“I was very surprised to be given this Award. It is very special to be recognised in this way. It’s a long way from leaving Poland as a Holocaust Survivor to living here” Charlotte Vidor told J-Wire.

“It is most unexpected. I am very humbled. It must be recognition for the work I have done over the years for tourism and multiculturism in various capacities.

“My husband and son have Awards so now I will join them. It’s Women’s Liberation” she said.

 

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Adrian Robert BARTAK, Caulfield North VIC 3161

For service to music.

Jewish Choral Community

• Choir Master, St Kilda Hebrew Congregation, 1975-2019.
• Member, Melbourne Jewish Male Voice Choir, 1998-2008.
• Conductor, Hazomir Choir, 1975-1998.

Council of Christians and Jews Victoria

• Member, Executive Committee, 2012-2017.

Professional

• Secondary Teacher, Victorian Department of Education and Catholic Education Office, 1976-2010.

“I suppose the Award is an indication of appreciation for the work I have done for 45 years in arranging liturgical music and conducting the St Kilda Shul choir,” Adrian Bartak told J-Wire.

When discussing his involvement with the Hazomir Choir, he said that choir was made up of mainly Yiddish speaking Holocaust survivors. He enjoyed hearing music he had never heard before and learning about Yiddish culture.

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Lily BRETT, New York USA

For service to literature as a writer.

Literature

• Author, six works of fiction, five essay collections, and nine volumes of poetry, since 1961.
• Publications include You Gotta Have Balls, 2005, Between Mexico and Poland, 2002, Too Many Men, 1999, What God Wants, 1991, Things Could Be Worse, 1990, and The Auschwitz Poems, 1986.

International Relations

• Host, Advance – Global Australian Professionals, and the Australian Consulate in New York.

Awards and recognition include:

• Prix Medicis Etranger (France) for Lola Bensky, 2014.
• Short-listed for Miles Franklin Award for Lola Bensky, 2013, and Too Many Men, 2000.
• Commonwealth Writer’s Prize for Too Many Men, 2000.
• Christina Stead Prize for Fiction for Just Like That, 1995.
• Short-listed for Christina Stead Prize for Fiction for Things Could Be Worse, 1990.
• Steele Rudd Award for What God Wants, 1992.
• C.J. Dennis Prize for Poetry for The Auschwitz Poems, 1987.
• Newcastle Poetry Prize for Poland, 1986.

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Dean Joel COHEN, Caulfield South VIC 3162

For service to people with disability, and to the Jewish community.

Flying Fox

• Founder and Chief Executive Officer, since 2014.

Jewish Community Council of Victoria

• Executive Committee Member, 2017-2020.

Other Community Initiatives

• Founding Director, All Things Equal, since 2020.
• Director and Mentor, Parachute for Kids, since 2019.
• Director, Youth Without Borders, 2017-2018.
• Founder and Mentor, NextStep, Initiative of Australian Jewish Funders, 2014-2015.

Dean Cohen had just finished school when was asked to spend time with someone who needed a friend.

As a member of Habonim, he had attended many holiday camps and realised that there were young people with disabilities who had never had the chance to go to camp.

Rounding up some high school friends, they organised a camp for 19 young people with disabilities and that eventually led to him founding Flying Fox.

Flying Fox offers fun and social opportunities for young people with a disability.

“We are about providing support for both the Jewish and wider community and are proud of that,” he told J-Wire.

“My desire to help young people with disabilities is what drives me. I love helping people become part of their community.

“We want these young people to have the opportunity to have as much fun as possible,” he said.

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Stephen Julian CORDELL, Darling Point NSW 2027

For service to the Jewish community.

United Israel Appeal (United Israel Appeal Refugee Relief Fund)

• Governor, since 2007.
• Honorary Federal Treasurer, 2000-2005.
• Honorary Federal Executive Member, 2000-2005.
• Honorary New South Wales State Treasurer, 1994-2008.
• Volunteer and Leadership, 1976-1993.
• Executive Member, Young Adult Group, 1969-1976.
• Honorary Solicitor, 1998-2001.
• Member, 50 years.
• Active Volunteer, current.

Honorary Solicitor Roles

• New South Wales Jewish Board of Deputies, 2016-2020.
• National Council of Jewish Women Australia, 2010-2018.
• Chai Foundation, circa 1996-2002.
• Maccabi Tennis, New South Wales, 1986-1992.

Professional

• Senior Consultant, Holding Redlich, since 1998.
• Partner, Norton Smith & Co (merged with Einfelds in 1989), 1989-1998.
• Solicitor, Einfelds, 1973-1989, and Partner, 1980-1989.

Stephen Cordell said:  “I feel very honoured and grateful to receive this award.

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Philip Morris FEINSTEIN, Rose Bay NSW 2029

For service to refugees.

Music for Refugees Program

• Founding Chief Executive, since 2009.
• Volunteer Music Teacher, Villawood Detention Centre, Sydney, since 2009.
• Volunteer Music Teacher, Burundian refugees in Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya, since 2009.
• START Special Projects Award, 2014 (for excellence in humanitarian work).

Other

• Columnist, Australasian Muslim Times (AMUST) community newspaper, since 2014.
• Member, Harmony Projects Committee, Moving Forward Together Association, since 2011 (an initiative of the B’nai B’rith New South Wales).
• Board Member and Uncle, Aunties and Uncles Mentoring Program, Wesley Mission, 2005-2011.
• Proprietor, Smokenders (quit smoking program), 1981-2000s.

Awards and recognition include:

• NSW Volunteer of the Year Award, Centre for Volunteering, 2019.
• Outstanding Writer for AMUST Award, Australian Human Rights Commission, 2019.
• Humanitarian Award for Best Project ‘Music for Refugees’, NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors (STARTTS), 2014.

Receiving awards for his humanitarian work is not new for Philip Feinstein. But he told J-Wire: “This one is the crème de la crème. It is a big honour. I was a refugee myself. When I came to Australia,  South Africa was under apartheid and because of what I was doing there was against the regime the police was after me. I had to get out of there.”

Philip Feinstein thought Australia was a wonderful country as there was no apartheid. He continued: ” But when I got here in 1972, I found there was a lot of apartheid against the Aboriginal people. So it wasn’t long before I was doing work to help the Aboriginals.”

When refugees were put into detention facilities, Philip Feinstein offered to help. He said: “Being a musician, I wanted to help the refugees by way of music. This quest began almost 15 years ago.” He is still visiting the Villawood Detention Centre in Sydney and has received many unwanted instruments which he gives to refugees.

Philip Feinstein has worked full-time for the last ten years working with refugees and has visited Christmas Island and detention centres in Perth, Darwin and Darwin. He said: “I now supply musical instruments to all the detention centres including Nauru and Manus Island when they operated and my dining room looks like a second-hand music shop.”

Recently he has been helping Burindi refugees. “I send money every month to a doctor in Kampala. She is the only doctor for 30-40,000 Burundi people.”

When asked if the OAM medal and post-nominal would help his work, Philip Feinstein replied: “If I had a hundred of these badges stuck all over me, I don’t think it would make any difference. People are either pro-refugees or anti-refugees. Only last weekend a Jewish person told me I was helping refugees who, when released from detention, will become terrorists, will become anti-Israel. I find this disgusting.  No badge will change their mind.”

For more than 20 years, Philip Feinstein has worked to help others quit smoking.

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Deborah HALPERN, VIC

For service to the arts.

The Arts

Sculptor, mosaic artist and ceramic artist, over 40 years, with works including:

• Angel (Bicentennial sculpture), at Birrarung Marr, since 2006, formerly at the National Gallery of Victoria moat, 1987-2002.
• Ophelia, The Face of Melbourne, Birrarung Marr, 1996.
• Family, at Highpoint Shopping Centre, Maribyrnong.
• Portal to Another Time and Place, at Port Leo Sculpture Park.
• Mr Big, at Chadstone Shopping Centre.
• Spirit of Enquiry, at Union Court, Australian National University.
• Queen of the Shire, at Shire of Nillumbik.
• Water Creature, Big Cat, Small Cat, at City of Manningham.
• Power of the Community, at Beauty Park, Frankston South, Victoria.
• Dove of Peace, at Luther College, Croydon, Victoria.
• The Four Graces, WestConnex M5 Freeway Linnear Park, New South Wales.

Philanthropy

• Benefactor, Animals Asia, since 2005.
• Benefactor, The Hunger Project Australia, since the late 1980s.
• Benefactor, Amnesty International.
• Benefactor, World Vision.
• Benefactor, Art for Good, Don Dunstan Foundation.

Awards and Recognition include:

• Toyota Community Award, Zoos Victoria and City of Melbourne, 2013.
• Highly Commended Award, The Helen Lempriere National Sculpture Award, 2005.
• Face of Melbourne, for Ophelia, Tourism Victoria, 1996.
• Australian Teachers of Media Award (ATOM), for Angel film, 1996.
• Golden Threads Award, Australian Wool Board, 1994.

Deborah Halpern told J-Wire: “I was very surprised. I grew up surrounded by artists. My father, who was a Polish Jew, came to Australia, met my mother who was in the pottery business and they worked together. There was a small community of local artists, who all knew each other. I grew up seeing people who loved what they did. A lot of people came to the potter’s cottage. It was a school, a café, a place where artists worked, it was all entrepreneurial. People around me were living rich lives. The public sculptures I have done, I wanted to contribute to Melbourne, to the community.

If you are an artist or a creative person of any sort, I believe that your job is to contribute, to give joy, to give back. I just feel that if we can contribute in some way to the planet, if we can help people, animals, in some way, we should. I can support as much as I can. I figure if you can support in any way, it has got to make some sort if difference. It is all about bringing joy, bringing together humans in the world. I learnt all of this from my parents,  my father loved Australia, he really appreciated so many things about this country. He made me feel at home, in the family hood of human beings and I feel that we need to stay in touch with that.

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David Russell HARRIS, VIC

For service to the community through charitable organisations.

 

Community

• President, FareShare, since 2004.
• Board Member, Foodbank Victoria, 2006-2018.

Professional

• Co-Director, TIC Group since 1989.

David Harris told J-Wire: “Since arriving from Manchester in 1967, Australia has certainly been the lucky country for me. Unfortunately, not everyone can have the good luck that I have had. So, in my own way, I’ve had great pleasure and satisfaction in spending time giving back to the community. Providing cooked meals for the needy, and simultaneously reducing food waste, has always been a compelling cause for me. From producing around 40,000 meals a year in 2004, last year we produced 5 million meals– a wonderful achievement made by an exceptional group of committed people.”

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Phillip ISAACS, Leura NSW 2780

For service to the community through a range of roles.

Rotary International

• Member, Rotary Club of Upper Blue Mountains Sunrise, since 2001.
• Director, Foundation Grants and International Activities, Rotary Club of Upper Blue Mountains Sunrise, current.
• Former President and Member, Rotary Club of North Ryde.
• Former President and Member, Rotary Club of Macquarie Park.
• Former District Chair, Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children (ROMAC).

Sea Spurge Remote Area Teams (SPRATS)

• Honorary Treasurer, 2007-2014.
• Foundation Member, since 2007.

Community

• Supporter, The Smith Family, current.
• Volunteer, BlazeAid Tasmania, 2013.
• Volunteer, Friends of Colo, since circa 2000.

Genetic Signatures

• Non-Executive Director, 2003-2019.

Phillip Isaacs commented: “I feel very humbled. I do it all for the enjoyment of it. One of the greatest things we have done through Rotary is to install solar power in remote schools in Vanuatu. We have 10-15 computers in each school. The school runs the power off the batteries, and solar powers, and enables lighting in classrooms. We have been doing this almost every year for the past 10 or so years. We do a lot of work for Friends of the Colo. We are helping to prevent invading weeds in sand dunes and formed a community organisation and it is known as adventure volunteering. With thanks to my late mother who volunteered with The Smith Family, my family and I continue to sponsor children. The aim is to help children break the cycle of poverty.

Our Rotary is currently raising funds for a project in the Blue Mountains. I really enjoy working with and helping these organisations, as Rotary especially focuses on literacy, and advancing and supporting others.

My family does not know about the award, however, I have invited them all up for the long weekend. I am looking forward to sharing the news with them and then celebrating with them.”

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Ronald LOUIS, Yokine WA 6060

For service to the financial sector, and to the community.

Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ)

• Chair, Retired Members Group, since 2016.
• Chair, National Public Practice Advisory Committee, 2015-2019.
• Fellow Chartered Accountant, since 1990.
• Member, since 1980.

Western Australian Region, CA ANZ

• Chairman, 2018.
• Deputy Chair, 2017.
• Councillor, since 2014.
• Chair, WA Public Practice Advisory Committee, 2015-2019.
• Member, Chartered Accountants Advisory Group, current.

Professional

• Director, Kalpumps Pty Ltd, since 2018.
• Partner, Butler Settineri Accounting, Tax and Business Services, 1994-2016.
• Director, Delron Cleaning Pty Ltd, 1999-2010.
• Past Chair and Director, Broad Construction Services Pty Ltd, 10 years.
• Partner, Barrett and Partners, Accounting, Tax and Business Services, 1986-1994.

Zonta House Refuge Association

• Board Member, 2019-2020 (retired).
• Finance Committee, 2019-2020 (retired).

Perth Hebrew Congregation

• Honorary Treasurer, 2012-2015.
• Member, since 1980.

Community

• Trustee, Sangora Education Foundation, 1990-2016.
• Past President, Jewish Welfare Society.
• Past Vice President, Jewish Burial Society.
• Past Executive Member, Council of Western Australian Jewry.

Royal Association of Justices of Western Australia

• Council Member, since 2019.
• Treasurer, since 2019.
• Vice President, Stirling Branch.
• Member, Training and Education Sub-Committee, current.
• Justice of the Peace, since 1983.

Awards and recognition include:

• WA Volunteer Service Award, 2018.
• Certificate of Appreciation Western Australia Police Force, 2017 and 2019.

Ron Louis is grateful to the Fraser Government who admitted Ron, his wife and two baby boys to Perth in 1978 immigrants from South Africa.

“I was very thankful to be in Australia and I sent a letter of thanks to the Government,” he told J-Wire.

He says that being given his award means the world to him.

“It was important to me to give back to this country and that is why I have been involved in different aspects of communal life for the past 43 years.

It is important to embrace all cultures and look at what is going on in the wider community” he said

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Izydor MARMUR, VIC

For service to the Jewish community.

Australian Society of Polish Jews and their Descendants

• Co-Vice President, since 2019.
• President, 2013-2014, 2018-2019.
• Co-President, 2017-2018.
• Vice-President, 2012-2013, 2014-2016.

Community

• Co-Instigator, Friends of Poland Victorian Parliamentary Group.

Awards and recognition include:

• Volunteer Award, Jewish Community Council of Victoria, 2014.

“Getting this award was a total surprise to me. I am a little bit shaken”, Izi Marmur told J-Wire.

“I am very pleased to have it and am grateful to the people who nominated me” he said.

As one of the founders of the Australian Society of Polish Jews and their Descendants 12 years ago, he has been proud to have been involved in the Society.

He has also been involved with the Jewish Holocaust Centre and B’nai B’rith in different capacities.

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Amanda MILLER, Malvern Vic 3144

For service to the community through the philanthropic and impact investing sectors.

Philanthropy Australia

• Co-Chair, since 2019.
• Board Member, since 2017.
• Member, Policy and Research Committee, 2017-2019.
• Member, Governance and Nominations Committee, since 2019.
• Member, Australian Philanthropy Awards Selection Panel, since 2018.
• Chair, New Generation of Giving Group Melbourne, 2015-2016.

Kids in Philanthropy

• Chair, 2015-2019.
• Founding Advisory Board Member, 2012-2015.

Impact Investing

• Co-Founder, Impact Generation Partners, since 2015.
• Deputy Chair Expert Panel, Social Impact Investing Taskforce, Commonwealth Government, since 2019.
• Committee Member, Impact Investment Forum, Responsible Investment Association Australasia, since 2017.

Other Appointments and Roles

• Member, Editorial Advisory Board, Pro Bono Australia, 2020-2021.
• Board Member, Australians Investing in Women (formerly Australian Women Donors Network), 2017-2018.
• Organising Committee Member, Nexus Australia Summit, 2013-2019; Chair 2014 Summit.
• Selection Panel Member, Melbourne Accelerator Program, Melbourne University, since 2018.
• Mentor, Startmate, since 2017.
• Member Facilitation Team, Launchpad, Australian Jewish Funders, 2014-2018.
• Mentor, Young Social Pioneers Program, Foundation for Young Australians, 2016-2018.

Professional Services

• Client and Research Manager, Philanthropic Services, The Myer Family Company Ltd, 2014-2015.
• Operations Manager, Australians Investing in Women (formerly Australian Women Donors Network), 2012-2014.
• Solicitor, Allens (formerly Arthur Robinson Hedderwicks), 1997-2001.

Amanda Miller told us: “I see this as more for the recognition of all the causes I have been involved with. The organisations we have been involved with are trying to increase giving, helping, and impacting.

Being involved with the next generation in giving, has been important to me especially as a parent

I want to help empower people, and to show them how many ways there are to be philanthropic. It is rewarding to see kids and families prioritising and learning to give back.

It also shows the impact to see what is needed, it elevates families and helps them to discuss ways they can help, and it is rewarding to see how people go on their journeys.

All of my pursuits are about encouraging, empowering, supporting, and understanding aspects of philanthropy. It is my way of giving back as well. Being involved has been a privilege. I feel privileged to be able to help. I feel that I am privileged to support the organisations, and I have the deepest respect for all pf the people who are doing the work on the ground. We help create change.”

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Dr Michael NEWMAN, Bellevue Hill NSW 2023

For service to ophthalmology.

Cambodia Vision, Cambodia

• Chief Surgeon, since 2014.
• Volunteer Surgeon, 2010-2014.

Overseas – Other

• Volunteer Surgeon, Eyes on China Program, China, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010.
• Volunteer Surgeon, Papua New Guinea Eyecare Project, 2011.
• Volunteer Surgeon and Trainer, Burma, 2010.

Medical – Other

• Ophthalmologist, Miranda Eye Surgical Centre, Sydney, since 1991.
• Fellow, Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists.
• Ophthalmic Program, Sydney Eye Hospital, late 1980s.
• General Practitioner, Melbourne, 1980s.

Awards and recognition include:

• University Medal, Monash University, 1978.

Michael Newman says that it is nice to get the award and quite unexpected.

“Lots of eye doctors do what I do. The work itself is its own reward and I enjoy doing it.

Most people do it because it is worth doing” he said.

He says he is not someone who likes the limelight but hopes his family and the community get some naches from it.

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James OSTROBURSKI, St Kilda East VIC 3183

For service to the community through charitable organisations.

Philanthropy

• Founder, Ostroburski Family Fund.
• Founding Member, New Generation of Giving Program, Victorian Division, Philanthropy Australia, 2013.
• Deputy Chairman and Co-Founder, Surgeons Impact Fund, since 2018.
• Member, Arts Philanthropy Review Panel, Victorian Ministry for the Arts, 2014

Melbourne Recital Centre

• Patron, since 2013.
• Member, Amplify Program for Emerging Artists, 2015.

Dancehouse

• Chairman, 2014-2017.
• Director, 2013-2018.

The Arts

• BoardBank Volunteer, Australian Business Arts Foundation, 2009-2011.
• Governor, Arts Centre Melbourne Foundation, 2013-2016.
• Trustee, Bundanon Trust, 2014-2016.
• Director, Australian Chamber Orchestra, 2015-2020.
• Director, Institute of Creative Health, since 2016.
• Director, National Theatre, since 2016.
• Director, Festival of Jewish Arts and Music, since 2020.

Other

• Director, Jewish Museum of Australia, 2015-2020.
• Non-Executive Director, Cannvalate, current.
• Chairman, Nexus Global Youth Summit, 2015-2016.

Banking

• Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Kooyong Group, since 2017.
• Head of Medical Finance, Grimsley Wealth, 2015-2016.
• Investec Bank (Australia), 2010-2015.
• Credit Union Australia Ltd, 2009-2010.

James Ostroburski started his philanthropic journey at a young age when a sense of community and making an impact was instilled in him and says that his communal involvement is part of his day-to-day life, not something he does separately.

“I think that it is wonderful to be recognised for something I do out of love of community and it is very humbling. The Awards system is important because it recognises people who quietly, or otherwise, support the communities in their lives.

“I am somewhat surprised to be recognised at my age. It is a great way for other young Australians to see that they can make a difference now and not wait until they retire” he told J-Wire.

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Dug POMEROY, VIC

For service to the community through charitable organisations.

Charitable

• Founder, Scholarship for the Yeshivah-Beth Rivkah Colleges.
• Donor, Peter MacCallum Cancer Institute Appeal.
• Donor, Chabad Early Learning Centre.
• Donor, Emmy Monash Aged Care Centre, Caulfield.
• Major Sponsor, The Asian Executive Charity Gala, since 2013.
• Volunteer fundraiser, United Israel Appeal.

Community

• President, Mount Scopus Memorial College Foundation, 1991-1995.
• Director and Chair, Development Committee, Australia Medical Research and Foundation, Hadassah Hospital.
• Fundraising Committee Member, Peter MacCallum Hospital.
• Foundation Board Member, Australian Jewish Museum, 1991.

Pomeroy Pacific

• Executive Chairman, since 1971.
• Founder, 1971.
• Building
• Member, Master Builders Association, 40 years.

Awards and recognition include:

• President’s Award, Consulting Structural Engineering Excellence Award, 2000.
• The Asian Executive Award, Excellence for Asia Australia Engagement, 2017.
• The International CHT Award, EZ Magazine.

“I am humbled and most appreciative of this honour and it’s a nice way to be recognised.

I have been involved in some sort of philanthropy for almost 50 years” said Dug Pomeroy.

“When you get involved in philanthropic endeavours you have goals and when you achieve those goals, it is most satisfying.  My daughter won an award at the age of 12 so you could say that philanthropy is part of my family. You get a good feeling when you help people” he said.

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Dr Hyam Barry RAWICKI, VIC

For service to medicine as a rehabilitation specialist.

Victorian Brain Injury Recovery Association

• Former President, 1990s.
• Former Board Member, 10 years.

Australasian Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, Royal Australasian College of Physicians

• Chairman, Board of Continuing Education.
• Head of Registrar Training.
• Fellow, 1989.

Epworth Rehabilitation, Brighton

• Head of Rehabilitation, until mid 2020.
• Former Member, Medical Advisory Committee.

Professional

• Medical Director of Paediatric Rehabilitation, Victorian Paediatric Rehabilitation Service, Monash Children’s Hospital, since 2007.
• Paediatric Rehabilitation (Victorian Paediatric Rehabilitation Service) Monash Health, current.
• Medical Head, Southern Health Clinical Gait Analysis Laboratory, Kingston Centre, until mid 2020.
• Former Medical Director, St John of God Healthcare, Nepean Rehabilitation.
• Physician, Rehabilitation Medicine, Masada Consulting Suites, Masada Private Hospital, current.
• Medical Director, Acute Rehabilitation Southern Health Care Network, current.
• Former Medical Director, Brighton Rehabilitation Centre.
• Former Member, Medical Panels, Workcover Victoria.
• Consultant Physician in Rehabilitation Medicine, since 1985.
• General Practitioner, since 1978.

Academia

• Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine, Monash Medical Centre, Department of Medicine, since 1999.

Author

• Author and co-author, 30 papers and two book chapters on botulinum toxin and intrathecal baclofen in spasticity management.

Barry Rawick told J-Wire: “I feel honoured and humbled. I feel touched and thought it was nice to be recognised for the work that I do. I have really enjoyed my career. Having being involved with paediatric rehabilitation and research service has helped children with mostly chronically neurological conditions has been an essential part of my career.

I think that it is really great that that people in rehabilitation medicine are being recognised and are bringing major contributions in society. We help to optimise positive outcomes. I look forward to telling my family and having a family celebration at some stage.”

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Helen Jean SHARDEY, Caulfield North VIC 3161

For service to the Jewish community of Victoria.

Jewish Community

• President, Australian Reform Zionist Association, since 2019.
• Vice President, Union for Progressive Judaism, since 2019.
• President, Jewish National Fund (Victoria), and Vice President Jewish National Fund Australia, 2016.
• Vice President, Progressive Judaism Victoria, 2013-2019.
• Co-Chair, Ziva Shavitsky Foundation, since 2013 – 2020
• Australian Ambassador, Jewish National Fund, since 2000.
• Member National Council for Jewish Women, since 1996.
• Member Women’s International Zionist Organisation, since 1996.
• Australian Delegate to the World Zionist Congress and the Va’ad Hapoel 2019/2020 in Israel.
• Member of the Va’ad Hapoel, the Zionist General Council representing Australia 2020, current.
• Member of the General Assembly of Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael – Jewish National Fund – representing Australia, since 2020.
• Member of the ARZENU Board (International Federation of Reform and Progressive Religious Zionists) as President of ARZA Australia, since 2019.

Temple Beth Israel

• Board Member, 2016-2019.
• Member, Honours Committee , 2013.
• Chair, Fundraising Committee, 2016-2019.
• Member, Adult Education Committee, 2014 – 2020.
• Member Life Long Learning Committee, since 2020.

Community Other

• Chair, Alfred Health Board, 2011-2017.
• Board Member, Victorian Assisted Productive Health Treatment Authority, 2012-2015.
• National Trust Ambassador, 2012-2013.

Political Service

• Member for Caulfield, Parliament of Victoria, 1996-2010.
• Member of the Administrative Committee, Liberal Party (Victorian Division), 1992-1996.
• Vice President, Liberal Party of Australia, Victorian Division, 1995.
• Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Housing, Community Services and Health including Mental Health over the period 1999 until retirement.
• Delegate to Liberal Party State Council Conferences, since 1987.

Awards and recognition include:

• Jerusalem Day Award, 1999.  In recognition of support for the Melbourne Jewish Community and the State of Israel”.

Helen Shardey believes she has had a fortunate life.

“I have been fortunate enough to experience God’s guiding hand in my own small way and this has given me a fortunate life,” she said.

“I was interested in politics and economics and lucky enough to be chosen to represent the electorate of Caulfield.

“I never felt like a politician but a Parliamentarian. I represented everyone in my electorate, not just those who voted for me” she said.

Going to Israel with JNF was a wonderful experience and it had been a pleasure to be the Chair of the Alfred Health Board for six years after retiring from Parliament.

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Adrian Joseph SKURNIK, Rose Bay NSW 2029

For service to the Jewish community.

The Central Synagogue

• Life Governor, since 1998.
• Company Director, current.
• President, 1997-2000, 2004-2007.
• Vice-President, 1994-1997, 2000-2003, 2007-2009.
• Member, Board of Management, 1992-2009.
• Chair, Building and House Committee, 1992-2006.
• Co-Chair, Building and Design Committee, 1994-1998.

Adrian Skurnik and Associates

• Company Director, current.

Adrian Skurnik is humbled by being awarded the OAM. He was the president during the time the Central Synagogue was rebuilt following the tragic fire which destroyed it in 1994. He was the vice-president of the synagogue at that time and became president in 1997. The new synagogue was completed in 1998.

He said: “I have never sought recognition. I have done everything in a quiet way and never sought the limelight. Together with David Lowy and the team, we formed after the fire we built one of the most beautiful synagogues in the world today. This gave me so much personal satisfaction. Furthermore, we also established one of the most outstanding organisations not just in Australia but worldwide. The rabbi, the chazan, the choir, the programs and the leadership. I am really proud and have a deep sense of satisfaction.”

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Max WALD, Port Melbourne VIC 3207

For service to the Jewish community.

The Australian Jewish Genealogical Society Victoria (AJGS)

• Vice-President, since 2019.
• Committee Member, since 2011.
• Volunteer, Jewish Marriage Database.
• Volunteer, School Roots Project, Melbourne Jewish Day Schools, Jewish Museum of Australia, 3 months.

The Jewish Holocaust Centre (JHC)

• Volunteer, since 2006.
• Liaison Officer, In One Voice Jewish Culture Street Festival, since 2017.
• Interviewer, Jewish Holocaust survivors, 1996-1998.

Other Jewish roles

• Committee Member, Australian Jewish Historical Society (Vic), since 2019.
• Volunteer, Jewish Cemeteries Photography Project, current.
• Volunteer, Jewish Records Indexing Poland, since 2009.
• Interviewer, Shoah Foundation, University of Southern California (USC), 1996-1999.

Max Wald told J-Wire that he feels very honoured to receive his award.

“The idea is very simply to help people with their memories because it is important to find your roots and look back.

I get pleasure doing what I do and am humbled as I have never looked for, or expected such publicity” he said.

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Dr Miriam WEISZ, Caulfield North VIC 3161

For service to community health.

Royal Children’s Hospital

• President, Royal Children’s Hospital Auxiliaries, since 2016.
• Board Member, Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation, since 2016.
• Chair, Development Board, Centre for Adolescent Health, 2004-2015.
• Volunteer, since early-2000s.

Health Governance

• Community Member, ACT/TAS/VIC Regional Board, Psychology Board of Australia, since 2017.

Medical Board of Australia

• Community Member, Victorian Board, 2011-2020.
• Board Member, Sexual Boundaries Notification Committee, 2017-2020.

Australian Medical Council

• Council Member, 2012-2017.
• Member, Assessment Executive Committee, 2016-2017.
• Member, Work Based Assessment Development Group, 2016-2017.
• Committee Member, AMC Board of Examiners 2013-2017.

Emmy Monash Aged Care

• Volunteer, collaborating with the ‘Soup, Sandwiches and Chat’ Program, since 2017.
• Founding Member, Weekly Story-Telling Program, since 2007.

Caulfield Shule

• Chair, Child Safety Committee, since 2019.
• Committee Member, Strategy and Governance Committee, since 2019.
• Committee Member, Social Action Committee, since 2014.
• Founding Member, ‘Soup, Sandwiches and Chat’ Program, St Kilda Community Housing, since 2017.

Community

• Board Member, Distribution Committee, Joint Australia, 2013-2017.
• Volunteer, Women’s House, Sacred Heart Mission, 2013-2016.
• Volunteer, Kosher Meals on Wheels, current.

Miriam Weisz sees the Award as a recognition of everyone who works with her and a recognition of contribution to community.

“It is a very humbling experience because my peers have supported the Award.

I think that all my colleagues have been amazing” she told J-Wire.

“We are so blessed to have the Royal Children’s Hospital in our state, where everyone gets the same treatment. Sometimes even a small action can make a difference to the life of a patient” she said.

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Clinical Professor Alan Michael WOLFF, Horsham VIC 3400

For service to medicine.

Wimmera Health Care Group

• Director, Medical Services, 1984-2020.
• Founder, Clinical Pathway Program, 2000.
• Founder, Limited Adverse Occurrence Screening Program, 1989.
• General Practitioner, current.

Department of Health and Human Services Victoria

• Member, Victorian Quality Council, 2001-2008.
• Member, Clinical Risk Management Reference Group, Department of Human Services, 9 years.
• Member, Sentinel Event Review Sub-Committee, 9 years.
• Founding Member, Limited Adverse Occurrence Screening (LAOS).

Professional Appointments

• Clinical Professor, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, current.
• Co-Author, Enhancing Patient Care: a practical guide to improving quality and safety in hospitals (with Sally Taylor), 2009.
• Former Lead, Medical Records Review, Integrated Quality Management Model Program (part of the National Hospital Outcomes Program), Commonwealth Department of Health and Family Services.
• Fellow, Royal Australasian College of Medical Administrators, 2010.
• Fellow, Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.

Community

• Member, Rotary Club Horsham East, current.

Alan Wolff said: “I was a little bit surprised and am very honoured. This is not something that I expected. I feel that this honour is related to the work I have done with safety and quality in healthcare which we tried to improve in hospitals. Most of my work was with rural hospitals. We researched and reviewed medical records to improve delivery of healthcare. The program has been taken up by a number of hospitals. The program itself defines methods for finding ways to improve healthcare. It will be lovely to celebrate this honour with family and friends, I am very grateful for this award.”

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Morri YOUNG, NSW

For service to the community through a range of roles.

Accounting for Good

• Director, since 2016.
• Chief Executive Officer, 2014-2017.
• Owner and Director, Matrix on Board, since 1997.

Governance

• Secretary, Australian Centre for Disability Law, 2019.
• Secretary, Threatened Species Conservancy, current.
• Director, Just Add Purpose, since 2019.
• Treasurer, Great Community Transport, 2017-2019.
• Treasurer, Regional Arts Australia, 2016-2018.
• Member, Audit and Risk Committee, Paediatrio, 2018.
• Treasurer, CoderDojo NSW, 2016-2017.
• Board Member, Jewish Care, 2006.

Child Welfare

• Secretary, Rainbow Families, current.
• Chief Executive Officer, Association of Children’s Welfare Agencies (ACWA), 1986-1997.
• Involved with the formation of CREATE (representing kids in foster care), 1999.
• Helped establish the Aboriginal Child, Family and Community Care State Secretariat (AbSec), 1999.
• Youth Counsellor, New South Wales Department of Health, 1976-1977.

New South Wales Department of Community Services

• Operations Manager, 1981-1983.
• Residential Care Advisor, 1979-1981.
• District Officer, 1975-1976.

Benevolent Society of New South Wales

• Board Member and Life Governor, 1979-1983.
• Manager and Board Member, Scarba House, 1985, and Staff Member, 1979-1985.
• Child Care Worker, 1978.

Jewish Community

• Volunteer with a range of organisations including the Holocaust Museum, Jewish Care, Jewish House, current.

“The Award is a surprise and an honour. I am very chuffed and grateful to the Australian government for this recognition, and, also for the sanctuary and blessed way of life provided by this country to my parents, and therefore to me, my children and now, grandchildren.

I know it’s a cliché, but the Award comes about because I stand on the shoulders of many great people in the nonprofit and charity sectors, in particular social workers, bureaucrats, managers and philanthropists” says Morri Young.

He says that starting out as a field officer for DOCS was the best orientation he could have had. He is proud of setting up the ‘for purpose’ organisation Accounting for Good which has opened the way to bring financial management skills into nonprofit board rooms and to train board members to take control of the financial destiny of their organisations.

“I continue to meet amazing people who give their time and money generously to support individuals, families and communities” he said.

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Dr Karen Joy ZWI, Neutral Bay NSW 2089

For service to paediatric medicine.

Sydney Children’s Hospital Network

• Clinical Director, Priority Populations, since 2016.
• Clinical Director, Community Ambulatory Rehabilitation Population, 2012-2017.
• Consultant Paediatrician, since 2005.
• Registrar, 2000-2005.

Royal Australasian College of Physicians

• Member, Child Community Health, current.
• Member, Health of Asylum Seekers and Refugees Working Party, 2014-2015.
• Member, Child Population Health Reference Group, 2005.
• Member, Child Protection Reference Group, 2005.
• Member, Child Development and Behaviour Reference Group, 2005.
• Member, Specialty Advisory Committee in Community Child Health, 2005-2011.
• Member Congress Paediatric Scientific Program Committee, 2003-2004.
• Fellow, 2001.

University of New South Wales

• Conjoint Professor, School of Women’s & Children’s Health, University of New South Wales, since 2019.
• Has written and co-authored a range of academic papers and peer-reviewed publications.

Other

• Paediatric Adviser, Australian Human Rights Commission Inquiry into Children in Immigration Detention, 2013-2014.

Awards and recognition include:

• Child Protection Champion, Sydney Children’s Hospital Network, 2020.
• Michelle Beets Memorial Award, Humpty Dumpty Foundation, 2019.

When asked about her award, Karen Zvi said it is a great honour.

“It is, more importantly, recognition of the people I have worked with in helping Aboriginal and refugee families and children over the last 20 years in Australia,” she said.

She cites the role she played, together with others, in launching the first Aboriginal Health Strategic Plan for Sydney Children’s Hospital Network as being something of which she is proud.

“I have worked with many children’s health professionals towards getting children out of detention on Nauru and before that, Christmas Island,” she said.

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Have we missed anyone? Please email any omissions to awards@jwire.com.au

Henry Benjamin, Roz Tarszisz, Elana Bowman contributed to this report