Swinburne celebrates Australia Day 2016

Cait McMahon, a Swinburne PhD student, has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for her leadership on behalf of journalists at risk of post-traumatic stress and other psychological injury.

Ms McMahon, the managing director of Dart Centre Asia Pacific, an organisation which provides training and consulting services to news organisations, began her research into journalism and trauma at Swinburne.   

The Order of Australia is the pre-eminent means by which Australia recognises outstanding and meritorious service by its citizens. It is awarded by the nation’s Governor General to mark Australia Day and the Queen’s Birthday.

Ms McMahon is the only Australian psychologist to be published in the area of journalism and trauma.

Other members from the Swinburne community to receive Australia Day honours include:

Professor Finlay Alistair Macrae, Officer (AO) in the General Division of the Order of Australia

Professor Finlay Alistair Macrae was recognised for distinguished service to medicine in the field of gastroenterology and genomic disorders as a clinician and academic, and to human health through the Human Variome Project.

Professor Macrae is the co-investigator of IBDclinic.org.au, an online psychological treatment service for anxiety and depression associated with irritable bowel syndrome led by Swinburne’s Dr Simon Knowles as Chief Investigator.

Anne Kantor, Professor Finlay Alistair Macrae, Officer (AO) in the General Division of the Order of Australia

Anne Kantor was recognised for distinguished service to the community through philanthropic support for a range of environmental, social welfare, arts and educational organisations, and to psychotherapy.

Ms Kantor completed a Graduate Diploma of Intergrative Medicine (Mind Body Medicine) at Swinburne in 2005.

Dr Brian Campbell McFarlane, Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia in the General Division

Dr Brian Campbell McFarlane was recognised for service to the arts as a teacher, film critic, reviewer and author.

Dr McFarlane has been an Adjunct Professor with Swinburne’s Institute of Social Research since 2012.

Victor Ivan Rudewych, Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia in the General Division

Victor Ivan Rudewych was recognised for service to the Ukrainian community of Victoria.

Mr Rudeqych studied a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) at Swinburne in 1978.

Harpreet Singh Maan, Menzies Australia Day Award

Harpreet Singh Maan was recognised for recognition of his valued contribution to the local community.

Mr Maan’s association with Swinburne started in 2006 when he first came to Australia to study at Swinburne. During his time as a student, he founded the Swinburne Punjabi Club which promotes diversity and cultural understanding among different communities.

Mr Maan also serves as the Secretary of the Sikh Interfaith Council of Victoria. Through this role, he educates people about Sikh culture and regularly organises tours to the Gurdwara on Whitehorse Road for people who would like to learn more about Sikhism.

Mr Maan studied a Master of Information Technology at Swinburne. 

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