Swinburne celebrates Queen’s Birthday honours 2015
In Summary
Seven members of the Swinburne University of Technology community were recognised in this year’s Queen’s Birthday honours list.
The Queen's Birthday honours list recognises Australians for outstanding excellence, achievement or meritorious service.
Swinburne University of Technology Adjunct Professor John Hamilton was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his long and distinguished service to print media.
Professor Hamilton, an award-winning former Herald Sun journalist, has been an Adjunct Professor of Journalism Leadership at the Swinburne Leadership Institute since 2011.
In a career spanning more than 50 years, Professor Hamilton twice won Australia’s top award for journalism, the Walkley Award. In 2011 he retired as Associate Editor of the Herald Sun.
Professor Hamilton is also the author of three best-selling books about Gallipoli: Goodbye Cobber, God Bless You; Gallipoli Sniper and The Price of Valour.
In his journalism career, Professor Hamilton covered the Port Arthur massacre, the funeral of Princess Diana, the Bali bombing and the 2004 tsunami disaster from Thailand.
Other members of the Swinburne community who received honours:
Dr William O’Brien, who is a lecturer at Swinburne, received a Medal of the Order of Australia for significant service to maritime engineering, to the development of innovative marine navigation equipment, and to education.
Distinguished Professor Stuart Cunningham, who is a member of the advisory board at the Swinburne Institute for Social Research, received a Medal of the Order of Australia for significant service to higher education, particularly to the study of media and communications, as an academic and researcher.
Mr Anthony Mackay, a council member for Swinburne, received a Medal of the Order of Australia for significant service to education through reform in the teaching profession, leadership in curriculum development and innovation in assessment and reporting.
Mr Michael Close, who studied a Graduate Certificate in Enterprise Management, received a Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the sport of model aircraft aviation.
Mr Brian Martin, who studied a Master of Arts (Graphic Design), received a Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the community through a range of volunteer roles.
Inspector Neil Cheney, who studied Diploma of Management, received an Australian Police Medal for distinguished service.