This year Professor Julie Andrews Academic Director of Indigenous Research at La Trobe University has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) (General Division) in the King's Birthday 2023 Honours List.
Professor Andrews is a tireless supporter of Indigenous communities, a distinguished academic and graduate of La Trobe University. She is currently leading the development of the La Trobe University Indigenous Research Centre.
La Trobe University Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Susan Dodds said Professor Andrews’ contribution to her field has been as significant as her ongoing dedication to the University.
“It’s wonderful to be celebrating Professor Andrews’ outstanding contribution to Indigenous studies, to First Nations communities and for her unwavering commitment to cultural education,” Professor Dodds said.
“Professor Andrews is a world-leading academic with deep Aboriginal community connections, sharing and preserving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander identity through her work.”
Professor Julie Andrews said higher education has opened the doors for so many First Nations people.
“It is a great honour to be recognised for my work with my People. Over the years I’ve observed my People go from strength to strength because of education,” Professor Andrews said.
“My Yorta Yorta family have instilled within me the values of education and that is what guides me today. I dedicate this honour to my mother, Leah Andrews (nee Briggs). Not all of our people can succeed in higher education and that’s the key to understanding and developing other pathways for them to advance.”
In the 1970s Professor Andrews’ mother enrolled her at the Black Community School in Townsville, Queensland, established by Eddie (Koiki) and Bonita Mabo.
“I had the privilege of learning about culture and identity in a school environment from Uncle Eddie and Aunty Netta. I’ve carried forward with me all the cultural teachings from my Elders to this day and will continue to do so,” Professor Andrews said.
Professor Andrews completed her PhD in 2015, titled Where’s all the community? Kinship, mobility and identity revisited in Aboriginal Melbourne.
Professor Dodds also acknowledged all the other recipients of this year’s King’s Birthday Honours.
“Congratulations to everyone receiving a King’s Birthday Honour. It’s inspiring to see staff, alumni and friends of La Trobe recognised by these prestigious Commonwealth awards for their national and international contributions to public life,” Professor Dodds said.
We’re proud to recognise and congratulate:
Officer of the Order of Australia (AO)
Gerald F Williams AO Alumni
For distinguished service to critical care nursing, to medical education, to professional organisations, and as a mentor.
Lisa J Wilson AO Alumni
For distinguished service to primary industry, and to the education of refugee and asylum seeker young women.
Professor David J Craik AO Alumni
For distinguished service to science in the field of biological and medicinal chemistry, to tertiary education, and as a mentor.
Dr Misty R Jenkins AO Current Staff Member
For distinguished service to medical science as an immunologist, to the promotion of women in STEM, and to the Indigenous community.
Member of the Order of Australia (AM)
Professor Deborah J Bateson AM Current Staff Member
For significant service to medicine through research and education, and to reproductive health.
Robyn A Batten AM Alumni
For significant service to the not-for-profit, health and aged care sectors.
Stefano de Pier AM Current Staff Member
For significant service to the community of Mildura, and to the hospitality industry.
Antony B Greenwood AM Alumni
For significant service to the Anglican Church, and governance and legal advisory organisations.
Cr Jennifer L Hill AM Alumni
For significant service to local government, and to the community of Townsville.
Associate Professor Louis Roller AM Former Staff Member
For significant service to the pharmacy profession through education and governance.
Professor Carla J Treloar AM Current Staff Member
For significant service to social research, and to tertiary education.
Dr Anna Lavelle AM Alumni
For significant service to science and innovation through a range of roles.
Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM)
Professor Julie Andrews OAM Alumni & Current Staff Member
For service to tertiary education.
Kristin M Stegley AM OAM Alumni
For significant service to heritage advocacy, and to the community.
Sandra L Macneil OAM Alumni
For service to the community of Greensborough through a range of roles.
Dr Carol A Newnham OAM Alumni
For service to community health as a neuropsychologist.
Bernard Ollis OAM Former Staff Member
For service to the visual arts, and to education.
John C Rogerson OAM Alumni
For service to the community through alcohol and drug awareness groups.
Dr Margaret E James OAM Alumni
For service to women through higher education.
Dr Margaret Grigg OAM Former Staff Member
For service to mental health through a range of roles.
Dr Meredith J Freeman OAM Alumni
For service to conservation and the environment.
Anneke Deutsch OAM Alumni
For service to the community through a range of roles.
John Conaghan OAM Alumni
For service to people with Huntington's Disease.
David Clifton OAM Alumni
For service to local government, and to the community of Cairns.
Wanda Kluke OAM Alumni
For service to the community through social welfare organisations.
Rieny Nieuwenhof OAM Alumni
For service to veterans and their families, and to the community.
Dr Julie Edwards OAM Alumni
For service to the community through social welfare organisations
Media: Courtney Carthy-O'Neill, c.carthy-oneill@latrobe.edu.au +61 487 448 734
