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An internationally renowned professor and asbestos diseases specialist from The University of Western Australia has been recognised in the 2013 Australia Day honours for his outstanding commitment both to medicine and the community.

Winthrop Professor of Medicine Bruce Robinson was made a member (AM) in the general division of the Order of Australia in recognition of his ‘significant service to medicine in the area of research into asbestos-related cancers, and to the community, particularly through support to fathers'.

Professor Robinson, of the School of Medicine and Pharmacology Sir Charles Gairdner Unit, co-leads a large research team studying cancer immunology and asbestos diseases.  The team has made many discoveries, including the first blood test for mesothelioma, and has conducted many world-first treatments including Australia's first cancer gene therapy trial.

Professor Robinson, also the director of the National Centre for Asbestos-related Diseases, pioneered the world's first effective chemotherapy treatment for mesothelioma.

In addition to his work in the medical field, he has consistently contributed to the community by supporting men in their roles as fathers.  He is the co-founder of The Fathering Foundation and the best-selling author of a series of books on fatherhood - Daughters and their Dads , Fathering from the Fast Lane , and The Blue Book of Tips for Fathers and Father-Figures .

Australia Day also saw UWA law, science and arts student Akram Azimi named 2013 Young Australian of the Year .

In addition, a host of UWA alumni received Australia Day honours.  They are:

Awarded an AO:

Dr Richard Goyder, AO (BCom 1983; HonDComm 2011) Managing Director, Wesfarmers Limited: For distinguished service to business through executive roles and through the promotion of corporate sponsorship of the arts and Indigenous programs, and to the community.

Professor Ralph Martins, AO, CitWA   (BS(Hons) 1981; PhD 1987) Head of the McCusker Alzheimer's Research Foundation: For distinguished service to medicine in the field of psychiatry through leadership in the research into Alzheimer's disease and the development of early diagnosis and treatment programs, and to the community of Perth.

The Hon Dr Christine Wheeler, AO, QC  (BJuris 1976; LLB 1980; HonDLaws 2007) Former WA Supreme Court judge and inaugural judge of the Court of Appeal: For distinguished service to the judiciary and the law, through leadership in the administration of justice and contributions to legal education, as a mentor to women, and to the community of Western Australia.

Awarded an AM:

Dr Alan Duncan, AM   (MB BS 1970) Current Medical Director, Clinical Governance, Child and Adolescent Health Service, Department of Health (WA): For significant service to medicine in the field of paediatric intensive care as a clinician and educator.

Dr Anne Fogarty, AM   (BA 1981; HonDLetters 2008) Co-Founder and Executive Chairperson, Fogarty Foundation: For significant service to equity, access and advancement of education in WA.  Since its inception and in partnership with a range of organisations, the Fogarty Foundation has distributed funds and worked to establish educational projects and initiatives through avenues including UWA, via scholarship, leadership and educational excellence programs.

Mr Malcolm Long, AM    (LLB 1970) Chair of the National Institute of Dramatic Art, since 2007: For significant service to the performing arts and to the broadcasting and communications industries.

Awarded an OAM:

Professor Vincent Caruso, OAM (MB BS 1973; MBA 1990) Past President, Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia: For service to medicine in the field of pathology.

Mr Geoffrey Garnett, OAM (BEd 1959; BA 1965) Long-time track referee and former Vice-President, Athletics Western Australia: For service to the sport of athletics as an official and administrator.

Mr Duncan Ord, OAM (GradCertMgt 2001; GradDip BA 2003; MBA 2005) Former General Manager and Chief Executive Officer, Black Swan State Theatre Company, former General Manager, Western Australia Theatre company: For service to the performing arts as an administrator.

Mr David Parkin, OAM (BPE 1976) Ambassador and mentor, Australian Rules Football (AFL) and President of the AFL Coaches Association, since 2011: For service to the sport of Australian rules football as an administrator, coach and player.

Awarded a Public Service Medal:

Mr Mark Webb, PSM (BSc(Agric) 1979) CEO, Botanic Gardens & Park Authority, WA: For outstanding public service to the Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority in Perth.

Media references

Michael Sinclair-Jones (UWA Public Affairs)  (+61 8)  6488 3229  /  (+61 4) 00 700 783