Congratulations to the following QUT alumni who were recognised for their wide-ranging contributions to Australian life in this year's Australia Day Honours.
Officer (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia
Professor the Honourable Michael Lavarch, (LLB 1983), was recognised for distinguished service to the law and legal education, particularly in the areas of native title, human rights and constitutional law, as an educator, through roles with professional organisations, and to the community. Professor Lavarch has been the Executive Dean in QUT's Faculty of Law since 2004. He was the Federal Attorney General between 1993 and 1996. He established the National Inquiry into the Separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children from their Families in 1995. Read more about Professor Lavarch here.
Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order the Australia
Michael Baumann, (LLM 2000), was recognised for his service to the community of Queensland as a magistrate and through contributions to court procedures and practices, to the legal aid sector, and to sporting organisations. Mr Baumann has been a Federal Magistrate in the Federal Magistrates Court of Australia (Queensland), since 2000. He was Chairman of Legal Aid (Queensland) from 1995 to 2000 and Commissioner of Queensland Legal Aid Commission from 1991 to 1995.
Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia in the General Division
- Holly Brennan, (BEd(Sec) 1994), was awarded for service to the community through organisations promoting the welfare and rights of children. She is currently the manager of research and program development for Family Planning Queensland. She has worked in the child protection area, heading up Queensland Child Protection Week as chair since 2010.
- Judith Ann (Judy) McLean, (CertTeach 1954), was recognised for service to youth, and to the rural community in Tasmania. She has been state administrator of the Rural Youth Organisation of Tasmania since 1982. She has also been involved in establishing and developing Agfest Field Days since 1983. She was a key player in establishing the Rural Financial Counselling Service in Tasmania.
Australian Police Medal (APM)
Detective Senior Sergeant Karyn Murphy, (BA(JusSt) 1995), was honoured for her loyal and dedicated career with the Queensland Police Service. Her professionalism and expertise in the area of investigations, particularly in the protracted investigations of historical armed hold-ups, have led to the conviction of high profile organised crime figures. Her ability to be empathetic to victims, yet deal with the most hardened criminals in a professional manner, is seen as an extraordinary talent.
Ambulance Service Medal (ASM)
Michelle Baxter, (GradCertAmbulanceMgt 2006), worked with the New South Wales Ambulance Service between 1994 and 2001 before joining the Queensland Ambulance Service, working in Blackwater and becoming the Officer-in-Charge there in June 2002. Mrs Baxter has applied the knowledge gained through her extensive studies and instilled ethical principles, resulting in a marked improvement in the ambulance services provided in the Port Curtis/Callide area.
Emergency Services Medal (ESM)
Peter Gould, (GradDipOHS 2010; MHlthSc 2011), has given exceptional service as a member and Deputy Local Controller of the Redland State Emergency Service Unit, Brisbane Region. His devotion to duty, relentless pursuit of excellence, professionalism, commitment to mission accomplishment and technical and tactical expertise have contributed greatly to the training enhancement and operational readiness of the unit.
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