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The University of Western Australia's Vice-Chancellor Professor Alan Robson has congratulated UWA staff and graduates who have been honoured in the 2009 Australia Day Awards.

"This is a tremendous acknowledgement of the outstanding work done by UWA staff and graduates and recognition of the importance of Australia's universities to the nation's future," Professor Robson said.

UWA graduate, Kim Beazley, who has been a professorial fellow in politics and international relations at The University of Western Australia for the past year, received the highest honour, a Companion in the Order of Australia (AC) for his service to the Australian Parliament.

"The UWA community is delighted to have maintained a close relationship with Kim Beazley and we congratulate him on receiving such deserved recognition for his services to the nation," Professor Robson said.

"On behalf of the University I also extend my wholehearted congratulations to WA Chief Scientist, Professor Lyn Beazley, for her commitment to raising the profile of science in the community; Adjunct Professor Jim Gill for his commitment to education and water resource management; and UWA graduates Mr Kevin Hammond and Professor Robert Sanson-Fisher on being awarded an AO."

Professor Robson also acknowledged the exceptional work of UWA graduates; Ms Jan Stewart, Ms Claire Thomas and Ms Raelene Vivian who received the Public Service Medal for outstanding service by a government employee.

In total there were 17 honours bestowed on former and serving members of UWA - three staff, 16 graduates and one who holds an Honorary Doctorate.

UWA HONOURS RECIPIENTS

COMPANION (AC) IN THE GENERAL DIVISION

Professor Kim Beazley (UWA Staff/Graduate) - For service to the Parliament of Australia through contributions to the development of government policies in relation to defence and international relations, as an advocate for Indigenous people, and to the community.

OFFICER (AO) IN THE GENERAL DIVISION

Professor Lyn Beazley (UWA Staff) - For service to medical science, particularly in the field of brain-related research both nationally and internationally, and as a contributor to the development of science policy in Western Australia.

Adjunct Professor Jim Gill (UWA Staff/Graduate) - For service to water resource management and administration in Western Australia, to the transport industry, and to education.

Mr Kevin Hammond (UWA Graduate) - For service to the law, particularly in relation to criminal trial procedures and corruption investigation through judicial roles, review and administration.

Professor Robert Sanson-Fisher (UWA Graduate) - For service to improving public health outcomes through research and education in the areas of behavioural science, cancer control and Indigenous health.

MEMBER (AM) IN THE GENERAL DIVISION

Mr Ian Carter (UWA Graduate) - For service to the community, particularly through Anglicare WA and through executive roles in a range of social justice and community organisations.

Dr Alan Dodge (UWA Honorary Doctorate) - For service to arts organisations through management, administrative and advisory roles, through the continuing development of the Art Gallery of Western Australia, and to the community.

Dr Patrick Henry (UWA Graduate) - For service to dentistry as a clinician, researcher and educator contributing to the advancement of implant dental techniques.

Professor Warren Kerr (UWA Graduate) - For service to architecture through leadership roles in a range of professional organisations and contributions to the planning and design of major health facilities.

MEMBER (AM) IN THE MILITARY DIVISION

Group Captain Alexander Cato RFD (UWA Graduate) - For exceptional service to the Royal Australian Air Force Specialist Reserve as the Director of Air Force Health Reserves - Personnel and Senior General Surgeon - deployable surgical elements within the Australian Defence Force.

MEDAL (OAM) IN THE GENERAL DIVISION

Mr Justin Eveson (UWA Graduate) - For service to sport as a Gold Medallist at the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games.

Dr Gary Hewett (UWA Graduate) - For service to the development of cross-cultural educational exchanges between Western Australia and Cambodia, and the establishment of services for children orphaned by HIV/AIDS.

Mr Harry Leaver (UWA Graduate) - For service to the community, particularly through historical research of early explorers in the Western Australia region.

Dr Michael McAuliffe (UWA Graduate) - For service to the community of the Cairns region as a general practitioner and Government Medical Officer.

PUBLIC SERVICE MEDAL (PSM)

Ms Jan Stewart (UWA Graduate) - For outstanding public service as the Chief Executive Officer of Lotterywest.

Ms Claire Thomas (UWA Graduate) - For outstanding public service in the provision of advice on important economic, environmental and social policy issues affecting Victoria.

Ms Raelene Vivian (UWA Graduate) - For outstanding public service in the development and implementation of significant reforms to the taxation arrangements governing superannuation.

Media references

Sally-Ann Jones (UWA Public Affairs) (+61 8) 6488 7975 / (+61 4) 20 790 098