Seven Lane Cove Council Area Residents Recognised in 2024 Australia Day Honours List

By
Jacky Barker
-

Seven Lane Cove residents have been recognised in this year’s Australia Day honours list.

The Governor-General today announced Honours and Awards for 1,042 Australians, including awards in the Order of Australia (General and Military Divisions), meritorious awards and recognition for distinguished and conspicuous service.

“Congratulations to the outstanding Australians recognised in today’s Honours List. Recipients have made a difference and had an impact at the local, national and/or international level. Individually, they are inspiring and collectively they speak to the strength of our communities,” the Governor-General said.

“Recipients come from all parts of the country.  They have served and had an impact in just about every field you can imagine; their stories and backgrounds are diverse. We value their service, thank them for their hard work and selflessness and, today, celebrate them.

“To each recipient: know that you have the thanks and respect of your nation. In my experience most are humble and often try to deflect attention or praise – please enjoy the moment because your country has decided that you deserve recognition.”

For the second consecutive Honours list, the majority of recipients in the General Division are women.

“To all Australians: our honours system belongs to all of us and the Order of Australia must reflect who we are. We can all nominate someone we admire and respect for recognition. Please consider doing so,” the Governor-General said.

More information about the Order of Australia is available at www.gg.gov.au

Below is a list of recipients in the Lane Cove Council Area.

Member AM in the General Divison

Mr Neil Graeme Bibby AFSM Lane Cove – for significant service to the community through emergency service organisations.

Neil Bibby told ITC it was heartwarming to be recognized for his work and receive the Member of the Order of Australia medal.

Neil has been involved in the emergency services for the last 50 years, becoming Assistant Chief of the Melbourne Fire Brigade and CEO of the Victorian Country Fire Authority, retiring in 2010. Retirement didn’t suit Neil; two main projects are keeping him busy.

The first of which was chairing the Emergency Serviced Foundation (ESF) for the past 9 years.

The ESF is a Melbourne-based organisation looking at the mental health of all emergency services volunteers and career members, which includes all nonmilitary emergency services. The foundation raises money which is then used to utilise world best practices in the area of mental health to help its members. Its current push is to be able to provide a respite facility for emergency services personnel suffering from mental health as a result of their service.

Neil’s second initiative is to assist in the development of innovation throughout the emergency services sector. Neil has been involved in varied projects, including but not limited to, drones, simulated training, instantaneous translation, solar panel safety, community education and electric truck design.

Neil’s position as the editor-in-chief of Asia Pacific Fire Magazine (a quarterly emergency magazine) not only helps with the success of the initiatives above but also allows Neil to keep his finger on the pulse of the emergency service industry.

Neil feels privileged to have been so closely involved in the evolution of such a crucial industry over the decades and is humbled by the recognition this honour represents.

Neil’s achievements include:

  • Emergency and Safety Industry
  • Member, Emergency Leaders for Climate Action, current.
  • Editor, Asia Pacific Fire Magazine, MDM Publishing, since 2015.
  • Chair, Capstone Partners, 2010-2015.
  • Managing Director, VectorCommand Training, 2012-2015.
  • Chair/Founding Director, National Aerial Firefighting Centre (NAFC), 2007-2009.
  • Managing Director, People and Innovation Corporate Advisors Pty Ltd, since 2009.
  • Board Member, International Fire Chief’s Association of Asia, 2006-2009.
  • Member, various Australian Standards Committees, 1995-2003.
  • Former Governor, Warren Centre for Technology and Engineering, University of Sydney.
  • Former Member, Australian Standards Development Board.
  • Former Member, Building Codes Board of Australia.

Emergency Services Foundation 

Chair, 2011-2019, Board Member, 2002-2019, Chair, Scholarship Committee, 1997-2002.
Life Member.

Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council

Executive Council Member, 2002-2009, Chair, Community Safety Strategy Group 1999-2002, Chair, Fire Prevention Council, 1993-1996.

Country Fire Authority Victoria

Chief Executive Officer, 2002-2009 and Director, Community Safety, 1999-2002.

Metropolitan Fire and Emergency Services Board

Director, Community Safety, 1999-2002, Assistant Fire Chief, 1999-2002 and Director, Fire and Hazard Safety, 1990-1999.

Fire Protection Association Australia

President, 1998-2000 and 1994-1996 and Board Member, 1989-2003.

Metropolitan Fire Brigade

Director Risk Management, 1993-2000; Director Human Resources, 1997-1998; Deputy Chief Officer / Director Community Safety / Firefighter, 1973-1999.

Professional Affiliations

  • Fellow, Institute of Company Directors.
  • Past Member, Institution of Fire Engineers Australia.

Awards and Recognition include:

  • National Medal, 1st Clasp, 2000 and 1988.
  • Australian Fire Service Medal

 

Adjunct Associate Professor Stephen William Callister, Greenwich – for significant service to the community, particularly men’s health.

Stephen told ITC the following:

“My wife and I have lived in Greenwich for the past 32 years.

I am, of course, honoured and humbled to have been awarded a Member of the Order of Australia.

Having been diagnosed with prostate cancer at 54 in 2004, it is now amazing to look back and be thankful for a successful outcome.

Post my operation, I told my surgeon that if there was anything I could do to assist men and their families diagnosed with prostate cancer, let me know.

He immediately asked if I could moderate the hospital’s Prostate Cancer Support Group. This is where I started helping with the cause. There are now 130 such support groups around Australia.

Today I am National Chair of the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, which is the peak body for men related to prostate cancer. Its major vision is to increase awareness, provide funds for research and support men and their families affected by prostate cancer.

My involvement has been a labour of love, and I have enjoyed every minute of growing the organisation and its effectiveness and reach.

Having been lucky to be diagnosed at an early stage and make a full recovery, I thought it important to try and give back.

I feel very proud to have been recognised for my part in the developments in prostate cancer research over the past 19 years. But I am more proud to have been involved with many others helping the cause and accept the honour in some part as a recognition of the many other volunteers.

Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia National Board Member, Distinguished Emeritus Professor Judith Clements AC, congratulated A/Prof Callister on the award and said:

“A/Prof Callister has made a profound contribution to prostate cancer research, awareness and support over the past 20 years, helping to overcome stigma of the disease and raising significant funds for research and specialist nursing care.

This is a deservedly prestigious recognition of his distinguished service.

Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia has invested around $60 million into Australian- based prostate cancer research since 2008, while growing the organisation’s nursing program from 12 nurses in 2012 to more than 100 today.

A/Prof Callister AM was instrumental in establishing the organisation’s Telenursing Service and Prostate Cancer Counselling Service, as well as the organisation’s Prostate Cancer Future Fund for research.

Stephen’s achievements include:

  • Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia National Chair, since 2018.
  • National Deputy Chair, 2015-2018.
  • Chair, Marketing and Fundraising Committee, 2009.
  • Member, National Support and Advocacy Committee.

Other

  • Member, Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre NSW, Garvin Centre, current.
  • Convenor, St Vincent’s Prostate Cancer Support Group, 2005.

Professional

Managing Director, Paragold Distributors, current.

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia.

  • 70 Australian men are diagnosed each day with prostate cancer.
  • 10 Australian men will die each day from the disease.
  • 250,000 Australian men are alive today after a diagnosis of prostate cancer.
  • Men diagnosed with prostate cancer have a 95% chance of surviving for five years
  • compared to their counterparts in the general Australian population.
  • Between 1982–1987 and 2012–2016, five-year relative survival for prostate cancer improved from 58% to 95%.

There are two proven risk factors that may increase the chance of developing prostate cancer:

Age: The risk of developing prostate cancer increases with age. The risk of getting prostate cancer by the age of 75 is 1 in 7 men. By the age of 85, this increases to 1 in 6 men.

Family history: You have a higher chance of developing prostate cancer if you have a father, brother or son who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. The risk increases again if more than one close relative has prostate cancer. Risks are also higher for men whose relatives were diagnosed when young. A family history of other cancers, like breast and ovarian cancers, may also increase your risk of getting prostate cancer.

Find out more about prostate cancer here.

The late Emeritus Professor Adrian Lee, Lane Cove – For significant service to tertiary education, to microbiology, and to professional organisations

Photo Source: The Village Observer

Professor Adrian Lee passed away in 2023. ITC was lucky enough to know him due to his passion for singing and the LaVoce Choir.  We wrote this tribute in June 2023.

Professor Lee’s achievements include:

The University of New South Wales

  • Former Emeritus Professor of Microbiology.
  • Pro Vice-Chancellor, Education and Quality Improvement, 2003-2006.
  • Pro Vice-Chancellor, Education, 2000-2002.
  • Member, Academic Board’s Education Committee, six years.
  • Professor, Medical Microbiology, 1990-2000.
  • Head of School, Microbiology and Immunology, 1990-1999.
  • Associate Professor, 1979-1990.
  • Senior Lecturer, Medical Microbiology, 1973-1978.
  • Lecturer, 1969-1972.

Australian Universities Quality Agency (AUQA)

  • Auditor, six years.
  • Former Chair, AUQA Panel, The University of Queensland, Deakin University, Monash University, and Swinburne University.
  • Former Member, AUQA Panel, Australian National University.

Education – Other

  • Former Chair, Academic Board, Torrens University.
  • Chair, Academic Board, Think Education Group, 2009-2017.
  • President’s Lecturer, Australian Society for Infectious Diseases, 1999.
  • Consultant in Medical Education, Regional Teacher Training Centre, West Pacific Region, World Health Organization, 1972-1986.

Australian Society for Microbiology

  • Founding Member, National Examination Board.
  • Former Member, Conference Organising Committees.
  • Former Life Member.

Research and Publications

  • Former Chief Investigator, 13 funded grants, National Health and Medical Research Council
  • Author, five books, 59 book chapters, and journal articles, 188.
  • Holder of four patents.
  • Total Citations (Science Citation Index -2004) 7832.
  • H index 2009 57.

LaVoce Community Choir

  • Former President.
  • Former Member.

Awards and Recognition include:

  • Citizenship Award, Lane Cove Council, 2016.
  • Honorary Doctor of Science, Deakin University, 2010.
  • Distinguished Service Award, Australian Learning and Teaching Council, 2008.
  • Honorary Life Member, Australian Society for Microbiology, 2004.
  • Honorary Member, European Helicobacter and Microbiota Study Group, 2003.
  • Kincaid Smith Medal, Royal Australasian College of Medicine, 1995.
  • New South Wales Goldsworthy Lecturer, Australian Society of Microbiology, 1990.
  • Distinguished Teaching Award, Australian Society for Microbiology, 1989

 

Professor Paul Roach, St Leonards  – For significant service to nuclear medicine and medical research.

Professor Paul Roach has been the Director of Nuclear Medicine and PET (Positron Emission Tomography) at Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney for nearly 25 years as well as being appointed a Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of Sydney.  Under his leadership, the service at RNSH has become one of Australia’s pre-eminent Nuclear Medicine centres, with an international reputation in areas such as lung imaging as well as cancer diagnosis and management.

He has played a leading role in national professional associations and is a past President of the Australasian Association of Nuclear Medicine Specialists (AANMS) as well as being a previous board member of the Australian and New Zealand Society of Nuclear Medicine (ANZSNM). He played a key role in securing Medicare funding for PET/CT scans for patients with breast cancer as well as those with neuroendocrine tumours. He was also instrumental in securing funding for LuTate therapy in NSW to treat patients with neuroendocrine tumours.

He has also had a national profile in training programs for medical registrars, has served on various State and Federal committees, and helped to establish a national clinical trials network in Nuclear Medicine.

He has published over 125 peer-reviewed articles, convened numerous national and international conferences, and is frequently an invited speaker at major medical meetings both locally and overseas.

Professor Roach told ITC:

“I’m very honoured to receive this award and am proud of what has been achieved over the years, not only at Royal North Shore Hospital, but also for the specialty of Nuclear Medicine at a national level”

“Nuclear Medicine is expanding significantly in Australia, particularly for patients with cancer, and it is satisfying to know that I have played a part in helping to facilitate that”

“I have been fortunate to work with a great team at Royal North Shore Hospital as well as with many collaborators and other eminent medical professionals and colleagues both nationally and internationally”

Professor Roach’s achievements include:

Nuclear Medicine

  • Head of Nuclear Medicine and Positron Emission Tomography (PET), Royal North Shore Hospital, since 2000, and Specialist in Nuclear Medicine, since 1994.
  • Clinical Director, Nuclear Medicine, Northern Sydney Local Health District, current.
  • Nuclear Medicine Physician, North Shore Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, since 1998.
  • Clinical Professor, Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, since 2005.

Australasian Association of Nuclear Medicine Specialists

President, 2012-2014.
Board Member, since 2010.
Chair, Curriculum Development Committee for Nuclear Medicine, 1996-2006.
Member, Training Site Accreditation Committee, 2002.
Fellow.

Australian and New Zealand Society of Nuclear Medicine

Former Council Member.
Executive Head, National Clinical Trial Network for Nuclear Medicine (ARTNet – collaboration with Australasian Association of Nuclear Medicine Specialists), 2013-2016.

Government Roles

Member of Commonwealth MBS Review Committee since 2016.
Member, New South Wales Lutate Governance Committee, since 2015.
Member, New South Wales PET Tender Committee, 2010-2012.

Paul’s wife, Vicki Roach, received an Order of Australia in 2021 – you can read about Vicki here.

 

Mrs Lenore Elizabeth Robertson, Longueville –  for significant service to the community and to the arts.

Lenore Robertson told ITC:

“I am deeply humbled and extremely honoured to be recognised for my contribution to the arts and to our community more broadly.

I consider myself very fortunate to have had the opportunity to contribute to some wonderful organisations and to work alongside some truly outstanding people.

Over the course of many years, I have seen the enormous capacity of the arts to enrich individual lives, foster diversity, and enhance equality in our community.

In Australia, the arts also has a critical role to play in helping us to tell our many unique stories and I encourage everyone to seek out and support local arts organisations.

In 2024, I look forward to doing that in the Lane Cove area, and am excited about working with Lane Cove Council to find a local performance space for the Lane Cove Theatre Company and other local arts groups to call home.”

Lenore Robertson’s achievements include:

  • Robertson Family Foundation Chair since 2012 and Director since 2006.
  • Partner/Supporter, Social Ventures Australia, Dementia Australia, Indigenous Literacy Foundation, The Social Outfit and Human Rights Watch.
  • Benefactor to a range of organisations.
  • Mentor, Citylink Mentor Program, since 2022.

Theatre

  • Board Member and Chair, Griffin Capital Appeal, Griffin Theatre Company, since 2016.
  • Freelance Producer, Red Line Productions Ltd, since 2019.
  • Board Member, Milk Crate Theatre, 2013-2022.
  • Director, Nautanki Theatre Company, 2013-2016.
  • Producer, Oriel Group Associate, 2015.
  • Festival Director, Short Sweet Voices, 2015.
  • Artistic Director, Epicentre Theatre Company, 2007-2013.
  • Performer and Director, Dougherty Entertainers, 1991-2012

Human Rights Watch

Member, Sydney Committee, 2018.
Chair and/or Member of Fundraising Committee since 2017.

Saint Ignatius’ College, Riverview

Former President, Parents and Friends Association.
Drama Director and/or Volunteer, 1998-2005.
Director, 2009.

Education – Other

Writer and Director, Musical Production, Australian Catholic University, 2011.
Teacher, Mathematics and French, St Ursula’s College, 1978-1984.

Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM)

Mrs Christine Florence Butters, Northwood – For services to the community through music and sport.

ITC first met Christine Butters when she was 2016 Lane Cove Citizen of the Year – read more about Christine here.  Since that time, Christine has been in regular contact with ITC, promoting the Longueville Tennis Club, Lane Cove Music and events at St Andrew’s Longueville.

Christine told ITC:

“It is a surprise and a great honour to receive this public acknowledgement for what I feel is a natural part of being a member of your local community.  It has always been a pleasure meeting people with similar interests,  working as a team and learning more about your common interests. The special friends you make, the fun you experience and the return you receive for doing something you enjoy much outweighs any input.

Volunteering has been part of my life since I was encouraged by my parents to help wherever possible if help was needed and if I was able to do so. I thank them for their wisdom.

I also thank the many good people I’ve ‘worked’ with over the years and the great friends I’ve met. Thank you to my husband for his support for my activities and thank you to my referees. I always felt it important to carry on the community groups that our forebears found important to start in the first place.  The Award is a bonus.”

Christine Butter’s achievements include:

Lane Cove Music

  • President, since 2001.
  • Secretary, 1998-2001.
  • Treasurer, 1984-2001.
  • Life Member, 2014.

The Federated Music Clubs of Australia NSW Council Inc.

  • Deputy President, since 2012.
  • President, 2008-2012.

Sydney Eisteddfod

  • Committee Member, Friends of Sydney Eisteddfod.
  • Event Volunteer, Annual Festival.
  • Co-Sponsor, Piano Solo Event, Annual Festival, since 2012.
  • Family Established and Funded, Alf and Pearl Pollard Awards for Performance Excellence, 2001.

Longueville Tennis Club

  • Committee Member, since 1991.
  • Former Junior Vice-President.
  • Life Member, 2016.

 

Dr Glendon Betts Farrow, Riverview –  for service to military medicine and patient safety

 

Dr Farrow told ITC:

“The award of the OAM was a surprise and I feel very honoured to be recognised in this way. I’ve tried to make a positive difference in all my roles over the years, but I’ve only been able to do this with the support of colleagues and most importantly my family. They have had to deal with my frequent travels and the impact of my difficult work in patient safety. I am grateful to them beyond measure.”

Dr Farrow’s achievements:

Medical

  • Honorary Associate Professor, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, current.
  • Director of Clinical Governance and Medical Administration, Sydney Children’s Hospital Network, 2012-2019.
  • Director of Medical Services, Royal North Shore Hospital, Northern Sydney Local Health District, 2010-2012.
  • Director of Medical Services Greater Southern Area Health Service, 2009-2010.
  • Director of Clinical Services, St Vincent’s Hospital, 2005-2009.
  • Deputy Director Trauma, Children’s Hospital Westmead, 2001-2005.

Australian Defence Force

  • Commanding Officer, Sydney Area Health Service, Australian Defence Force, 2002-2005.
  • Officer Commanding, Primary Casualty Resuscitation Facility, HMAS Kanimbla, Indian Ocean Tsunami, 2004-2005.
  • Officer Commanding, Medical Contingent, Op Anode initial deployment, Regional Assistance Mission Solomon Islands, 2003.
  • General Surgeon, Op Tanager, East Timor, 2000.
  • General Surgeon, Op Helpem Fren, Bougainville, 1999-2000.
  • General Surgeon, UN Mission Rwanda, 1995.
  • Specialist Service Officer, 1981-2022.

How Do You Nominate Someone For An Order of Australia?

The Order of Australia recognises Australians who have demonstrated outstanding service or exceptional achievement.

Anyone can nominate any Australian for an award in the Order of Australia. If you know someone worthy, nominate them now at gg.gov.au.

The Order of Australia also has a Military Division. Awards in the Military Division are recommended to the Governor-General by the Minister for Defence.

There are four levels of award:

  • AC: Companion of the Order of Australia, for eminent achievement and merit of the highest degree in service to Australia or to humanity at large
  • AO: Officer of the Order of Australia, for distinguished service of a high degree to Australia or to humanity at large
  • AM: Member of the Order of Australia, for service in a particular locality or field of activity, or to a particular group
  • OAM: Medal of the Order of Australia, for service worthy of particular recognition