In Summary

  • Emeritus Professor John McLean was among Swinburne honorees recognised in the 2017 Australia Day honours

Emeritus Professor John ‘Jock’ McLean has been recognised as an Officer (AO) in the General Division of the Order of Australia.

Professor McLean was recognised for distinguished service to science as a veterinarian, toxicologist and academic, to engineering education, and to the regulation of agricultural chemicals and veterinary drugs.

Professor McLean has a long history with Swinburne, having been former Pro Vice-Chancellor of Science, Engineering and Design and deputy chairman of the board of a Drug Laboratory which specialised in racing sample analysis. He has been an Emeritus Professor since 1997.

The Order of Australia is the most prestigious means of recognising outstanding members of the community at a national level.

Other members of the Swinburne community to receive Order of Australia honours in 2017 include:

Member (AM) of the Order of Australia in the General Division

  • Claire Elizabeth Dobbin was recognised for significant service to the motion picture industry, particularly to national and international film festivals, through education, and to screenwriting. She completed a Graduate Diploma in Applied Film & Television in 1976.
  • Leon Serry was recognised for significant service to the biotechnology industry, to the development and commercialisation of biomedical science, and as a mentor. He completed a Certificate in Accountancy at Swinburne in 1961 and went on to study biotechnology at Monash University.

Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia in the General Division

  • Dr Meredith Doig was recognised for service to the community, to higher education, and to business. She is a significant contributor to the Science Island project, a Swinburne developed computer game promoting STEM learning to children globally.
  • Keith Lindsay Irvine was recognised for service to community health through a range of volunteer roles, and to social welfare organisations. He completed a Graduate Diploma in Accounting at Swinburne in1981.
  • William Ewe Lye was recognised for his service to the law, to business, and to the promotion of cultural diversity. He completed a Master of Entrepreneurship & Innovation at Swinburne in 2009.
  • Barry Edward Minster was recognised for his service to the community, particularly through support for charitable organisations. He completed a Master of Arts (Media and Communications) at Swinburne in 2009. 
  • Therese Carmel O’Brien was recognised for her service to mental health and social welfare organisations. She completed a Graduate Diploma in Applied Psychology at Swinburne in 1995.
  • John Alexander Shalit was recognised for his service to the community, and to the construction industry. A long-time Swinburne supporter and parent of a Swinburne alumnus, he donates towards scholarships every year.
  • Dr Robert Stanley Webster was recognised for his service to veterans and their families, and to the community of Victoria. He completed a Certificate in Accountancy at Swinburne in 1969. 

Ambulance Service Medal (ASM)

  • Lindley Rose Jones has been an active paramedic, striving to support the isolated communities of East Gippsland in a career spanning 18 years. She completed a Graduate Certificate of Business (Business Admin) at Swinburne in 2016.