Australian Capital Territory

Upcoming Events – ACT Branch

 

 

 

 

2024 Events

Thursday 17 October 2024, 10.00am to 11.30am.  Morning tea with David Templeman AM.  Royal Canberra Golf Club.

In Thursday 17 October 2024, about 35 members and guests enjoyed morning tea at the Royal Canberra Golf Club, Yarralumla, and heared from ACT Branch member David Templeman AM on the topic Priorities for Emergency Management and Preventive Health.

David has had long-standing senior executive/CEO and board experience, primarily with a significant focus on community wellbeing, public health and teacher education and was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in January 2023 for significant service to community health administration and governance.  His presentation is available here.

Wednesday 16 October 2024, 5.30 pm to 7.30pm.  The 2024 Australian National University Order of Australia Lecture. ANU Research School of Social Sciences (RSSS), RSSS Auditorium, 146 Ellery Cres, Acton, ACT.

Branch member Professor Kuntala Lahiri-Dutt AO delivered this year’s keynote: A Possible World: Transforming Gender Relations for Sustainability to a booked-out event at the ANU in the evening of Wednesday 16 October 2024 . Professor Lahiri-Dutt was appointed an Officer in the Order in the Australia Day 2023 list for distinguished service to natural resource management research and innovation, to gender equality, and to tertiary education. A video of the lecture is available here and a transcript is available here.

Wednesday 18 September 2024, 6.00pm to 7.30pm.  ACT Branch Spring New Recipients Reception.  Royal Canberra Golf Club.

Around 50 members and guests enjoyed a reception at the Royal Canberra Golf Club to celebrate recipients of honours and awards in the Kings Birthday and Australia Day 2024 lists and their families .

Thursday 29 August 2024, 6.00pm to 7-30pm. ACT Student Citizenship Awards. Royal Canberra Golf Club.

Around 80 members, friends, school children and their families and school officials celebrated the outstanding community service of winners in our 2024 Student Citizenship Awards.

Thursday, 25 July 2024 at 5.30pm.  The 2024 Order of Australia Association – Australian Defence Force Oration. LTGEN Natasha Fox AO, CSC.  Ngunnawal Theatre, Russell.

Around 60 Members and guests attended the 2024 Order of Australia Association – Australian Defence Force Oration with LTGEN Natasha Fox AO, CSC, Chief of Personnel for the ADF.  LTGEN Fox provided members and guests with a very clear view of the personnel opportunities and challenges for the ADF, recruitment in particular.   Her presentation is available here.

Tuesday, 11 June 2024 at 12pm.  The 2024 King’s Birthday Luncheon.  Orion Room of the Canberra Southern Cross Club.

Around 60 members and guests enjoyed our King’s Birthday Luncheon while listening to our special guest speaker, Kate Carnell AO, address what she described as a ‘taboo’ topic in our society, death.  Those who attended came away with more confidence about practical (and flexible) planning for the death of loved ones (and ourselves). Kate’s reflections on her parents’ situation were meaningful for attendees, who also appreciated her common sense and professional and lived-experience in health care.  An outline of Kate’s address is here

Wednesday, 8 May 2024 at 6pm.  The Autumn 2024 Reception for New Recipients. Commonwealth Club.  

We were pleased to celebrate 13 local recipients of honours and awards in the Australia Day 2024 list and shared fellowship with existing members in the ambience of the Commonwealth Club.   

Wednesday, 20 March 2024 at 10am.  Morning Tea at the Royal Canberra Golf Club.

Around 40 members and guests met in the Royal Canberra Golf Club for morning tea and to hear Ebenezer Banful OAM, 2024 ACT Senior Australian of the Year.  Ebenezer, who was awarded a Medal in the Order of Australia in the King’s Birthday 2023 honours list ‘For service to the African community, and to health’, spoke about the countless hours he has dedicated over the 40 years since his arrival in Australia to helping others understand Ghanaian and African values and promoting multiculturalism, while offering advice and assistance to newly arrived communities to help them integrate into Canberra.  Ebenezer’s talk is here.

Wednesday, 14 February 2024 at 6pm.  The 2024 Branch Annual General Meeting. Royal Canberra Golf Club.

The 2024 Branch AGM was held at the Royal Canberra Golf Club on Wednesday 14 February 2024.  The meeting adopted the Branch’s 2023 Annual Report.  Two new Committee Members were elected: Mainul Haque OAM; and David Templeman AM.

Our guest speaker was Dr Michael Moore AM, who spoke about his life-long commitment to improving public health and welfare.  Michael’s presentation is available here.  A Branch member, Michael was appointed a Member in the Order in the Australia Day 2017 list ‘For significant service to community health, particularly to social policy reform, and to the community of the Australian Capital Territory.’

Friday, 26 January 2024, at 8am.  The 2024 Order of Australia Association (ACT Branch) Australia Day Breakfast. Hyatt Hotel Canberra 

We were privileged to have Gary Humphries AO as the guest speaker for the annual Branch Australia Day Breakfast held at the Hyatt Hotel. Gary was a Senator for the ACT from 2003 to 2013, Chief Minister of the ACT from 2000 to 2001 and a member of the ACT Legislative Assembly from its inception in 1989 until 2003. Gary’s presentation was well received by the 82 attendees, most of whom have been keen observers of the ACT self-government process over the years, and they appreciated the detailed insights that Gary was able to relay to them. A branch member, Gary was appointed an Officer of The Order of Australia in January 2019 for distinguished service to the Parliament of Australia, and to the Legislative Assembly of the Australian Capital Territory.

2023 Events

Monday 6 November 2023, at 6pm.  The 2023 ANU Order of Australia Lecture.  T2 lecture theatre, Kambri Cultural Centre, ANU

Professor Kiaran Kirk AM FAHMS, Dean of the ANU College of Science, delivered the 2023 Lecture. In his address Professor Kirk reflected on the significant role the ANU has made, and continues to make, to the development of measures to prevent and treat infectious diseases – demonstrating the quality, scope and extent of those efforts, performed in Canberra but with national and international links and cooperation.  Professor Kirk also cautioned that vaccine-resistant and drug-resistant pathogens are continually emerging, necessitating the ongoing development of new vaccines and new drugs.  The lecture is available here.

Wednesday 20 September 2023, at 6pm.  The Order of Australia Association (ACT Branch) Spring Reception for New Recipients.  Commonwealth Club.

We were pleased to celebrate 22 local recipients of honours and awards in the King’s Birthday 2023 list and shared fellowship with existing members in the ambience of the Commonwealth Club. 

Thursday 24 August 2023, at 6pm.  The Order of Australia Association (ACT Branch) Student Citizenship Awards Presentation. Royal Canberra Golf Club.

The Branch conducted the presentation of its annual Student Citizenship Awards to a number of ACT students whose community service was assessed as outstanding by our judging panel of Dr Bill Maiden PSM OAM, Joe Johnson CSC, OAM AAM, Ms Narelle Hargreaves AM and Ms Lyn Fletcher OAM. Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley was unable to attend, but sent a message which was read at the event.

Tuesday 18 July 2023. The Order of Australia Association (ACT Branch) Mid-Year Luncheon.  Canberra Southern Cross Club Woden.

Around 60 members and guests enjoyed our Mid-Year Luncheon while listening to our special guest speaker, Mr Gregory James HOOD AO.  Greg was appointed an Officer in the Order on Australia Day 2023 for distinguished service to the national transportation and aviation industries, and to the not-for-profit sector.

Greg spoke about his life and career, and focused on his time as Chief Commissioner and CEO of the Australian Transport Safety Bureau, including winding up the search for MH370, the accident at Essendon where the pilot and 4 passengers were killed when their Super King Air aircraft struck the Direct Factory Outlet at Essendon, and the loss of the C130 Hercules Large Aerial Tanker in January 2020.  Greg’s presentation is here.

Wednesday 10 May.  Autumn Reception for New Recipients.  Our Autumn reception was a great opportunity to congratulate 21 recent recipients of honours and awards in the Order of Australia, welcome new members to the Association and share fellowship with existing members in the ambience of the Commonwealth Club.  The ACT Branch gratefully acknowledges the support of the ACT Government for this event.

Tuesday 18 April.  2023 Order of Australia Association – Australian Defence Force Oration: Vice Admiral Mark Hammond AM RAN, Chief of Navy.

Members and guests gathered at Russell on 18 April for the 2023 Order of Australia Association – Australian Defence Force Oration with Vice Admiral Mark Hammond AM RAN.

Vice Admiral Hammond sketched his views on the strategic situation, contemporary issues for his command and the critical role which the Royal Australian Navy will continue to play in the defence of the Nation. His emphasis on submarines drew a wide range of questions.

Vice Admiral Hammond was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2018 for exceptional service to the Australian Defence Force in senior command and staff roles.

(Photo & bio: Defence)

Wednesday 22 March.  Morning Tea with Roxanne Missingham OAM.

Members and guests met at Royal Canberra Golf Club for morning tea to hear Roxanne Missingham OAM speak on the topic “Saving our memory – new roles of libraries and archives.”  Roxanne talked about how our memories are recorded and the initiatives she has led or been involved with to provide a way to make collections available to Australians and the new challenges we are facing. She also described the work she has  done in Myanmar and the work she is now doing on legislative reform.  Roxanne was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in June 2021 for service to the library and information sciences. (Photo & Bio: Missingham)

Wednesday 15 February 2023.  2023 Branch Annual General Meeting and Professor Robert Care AM. Our AGM saw the election of: Alan Morrison AM as Branch Nominated Director; Andrew Phelan AM as Branch Chair; Robert Altamore OAM as Branch Secretary; and Brian Babington AM, Lynne Duckam OAM, Narelle Hargreaves AM, Coralie Wood OAM and Desmond Woods OAM as Committee members. Congratulations to all! Immediately following the AGM, Branch member and Chair of RedR Australia, Professor Robert Care AM, spoke about “The Humanitarian Challenge Ahead”. Robert painted a compelling picture of the global humanitarian need and sketched the efforts of RedR in response. You can read a transcript of Robert’s address here, and see his slides here.  Robert was appointed a Member of the Order in June 2012 for service to engineering through a range of executive roles, to the business sector, to international humanitarian programs, and to the sport of athletics.  (Photo & Bio: Care)

Thursday 26 January.  2023 Australia Day Breakfast with Professor Tanya Monro AC.

Professor Tanya Monro AC

On 26 January, members and guests gathered at Royal Canberra Golf Club to celebrate our national day and acknowledge the achievements of recipients in the 2023 Australia Day honours list. Our special guest speaker was Professor Tanya Monro AC, who spoke about “Science for Purpose”.  Tanya gave an inspirational address, touching on her own experiences in science, the importance of engaging young people in STEM, and how she is re-shaping the Defence Science and Technology Group. She expressed the joy she feels in applying science to solve problems and noted the happy truth that solving one problem often leads to advances in quite unrelated areas. Tanya was appointed a Companion of the Order In June 2022 for eminent service to scientific and technological development, to research and innovation, to tertiary education, particularly in the field of photonics, and to professional organisations.  (Bio: Defence; Photos: OAA)

Anthony Anderson PAM, Kathy Anderson OAM, John Fricker OAM, Kim Farrant

Liz Scrivener OAM, Russ Richards OAM, Paul Trewartha

John Hardy OAM, Rick Forster

Mike Evans OAM, Trish Keller OAM, Patricia Evans

Robert Altamore OAM, Monica Phelan, Jean Bennett OAM

Paul Hornsby OAM RAN, Tanya Monro AC, Richard Etherington, Dan Etherington AM

2022 Events

Wednesday 7 December.  2022 Order of Australia Association – Australian National University Lecture.

Members and large numbers of guests gathered in the new Research School of Physics auditorium to hear Head of the National Security College, Professor Rory Medcalf AM, deliver the 2022 OAA-ANU Lecture on “Making sense of national security”. Rory outlined the College’s role, challenged the audience to rethink national security, and offered some prescriptions for improving Australia’s national security.  You can watch the Lecture and the Q&A session that followed here. Rory was appointed a Member of the Order in June 2022 for significant service to international relations, and to tertiary education.  (Photo & Bio: ANU)

Monday 31 October: Spring Reception for New Recipients.  More than 70 members and guests met to congratulate new recipients, welcome new members and share fellowship with existing members in the ambience of the Commonwealth Club. We’ll have photos shortly!

Wednesday 7 September: Morning Tea with Emeritus Professor John Hardy OAM.  Members and guests met at Royal Canberra Golf Club for morning tea with Emeritus Professor John Hardy OAM.  John explored  Shakespeare’s play Measure for Measure, arguing that it foreshadows, and is sympathetic with, much in the #MeToo Movement, rather than being a misogynistic work as it is sometime portrayed. You can read John’s text here. John was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in January 2021 for service to tertiary education, particularly to the humanities. (Photo: OAA ACT; Bio: It’s An Honour)

Thursday 25 August: 2022 Student Citizenship Awards. Members and guests joined parents and teachers at Royal Canberra Golf Club to celebrate the achievements of winners in our 2022 Student Citizenship Awards.  Individual awards were presented to Lize van der Walt, Anneliese Smolonogov (both Canberra Girls Grammar School) and Anna Charlton (Radford College). Representatives from the Earlyact Club from Forrest Primary School accepted a group award on behalf of the Club. 12 year old Samuel Nichol from Forrest Primary thanked the Association on behalf of recipients – you can read Sam’s inspirational words here. On 8 September, Branch Chair Michael Crane DSC & Bar AM and Awards Convenors Bill Maiden PSM OAM and Narelle Hargreaves AM attended an assembly at Forrest Primary to present scrolls to all 30 members of the ‘Earlyact’ Club.  Details of previous winners are available on our Student Awards page. (Photo: OAA, used with permission of parents.)

Peta Mantel AM

Forrest Primary School Earlyact Club at School Assembly

Tuesday 14 June: 2022 Queen’s Birthday Luncheon: Dr Brian Babington AM

On Tuesday 14 June, members and guests marked Her Majesty the Queen’s birthday in her Platinum Jubilee year and celebrated the achievements of recipients of honours and awards in the Queen’s Birthday list at the Southern Cross Club, Woden. Our guest speaker was Dr Brian Babington AM, who spoke on the importance of  putting children first. You can read the text of Brian’s address here. Brian was appointed a Member of the Order in June 2021 for significant service to children through safety and well-being initiatives. (Photo & bio: Babington)

 

Thursday 21 April: 2022 Order of Australia Association – Australian Defence Force Oration: Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Rick Burr AO, DSC, MVO

Members and guests gathered at Russell on 21 April for the 2022 Order of Australia Association – Australian Defence Force Oration with Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Rick Burr AO, DSC, MVO. General Burr canvassed a wide range of current issues, focussing on the importance of developing the people capable of delivering an army that is ready now and ready for the future. You can read a transcript of the Oration here. General Burr was appointed an Officer of the Order in January 2018 for distinguished service in the implementation of significant reform and the realisation of strategic capabilities within the Australian Defence Force. (Photo & bio: Defence)

Thursday 10 March: Morning Tea: Dr Peter Pedersen AM

Members and guests enjoyed morning tea with Dr Peter Petersen AM, who spoke about Sir John Monash: the man behind the general. Peter shared deep insights into Monash’s character, what drove him and why he was successful both as a general and in life more broadly. His candid answers during question time helped complete the picture of Australia’s best general. Peter was appointed a member of the Order of Australia in January 2020 for significant service to military history as an author and researcher.  (Photo: Pedersen)

 

Wednesday 16 February: Branch Annual General Meeting & Reception for New Recipients

Our AGM saw the election to the Branch Committee of Joseph Johnson CSC, OAM, AAM and the re-election of Phil Morrall AM, CSC (Treasurer), Bill Maiden PSM, OAM and Andrew Phelan AM (members).  Congratulations to all!  Following the AGM, we welcomed eight new recipients of honours and awards from the 2021 Queen’s Birthday Honours List. We extend our thanks to the ACT Government and the President and members of the Commonwealth Club for their ongoing support to reception for new recipients.

Mary Anne Nelson OAM; Michael Crane DSC & Bar, AM

Peta Mantel AM

Roxanne Missingham OAM; Michael Crane DSC& Bar, AM

Nerida Cullen OAM

Michael Crane DSC & Bar, AM; Jim Waddell OAM

Paul Hornsby OAM, RAN

Mary Anne Nielsen OAM; Michael Crane DSC & Bar, AM

Wednesday 26 January: 2022 Australia Day Breakfast: Genevieve Jacobs AM

On 26 January, members and guests gathered at Royal Canberra Golf Club to celebrate Australia Day and acknowledge the achievements of recipients in the 2022 Australia Day Honours List. Our special guest speaker was former journalist and ABC broadcaster Genevieve Jacobs AM, who spoke on The Media and Challenges to our Democracy. In a compelling address, Genevieve highlighted the impact of the transition to digital media, the pressures on journalists arising from hollowing out of newsrooms and the risks to our society from a less balanced fourth estate. Genevieve was appointed a Member in the Order of Australia on Australia Day 2021 for significant service to the broadcast media, and to the community. (Bio: Jacobs; Photos: OAA)

Joe Johnson CSC, OAM, AAM; Ian Sayers OAM

Simon Cullen AM, CSC; Cecilia Moar; Paul Hornsby OAM, RAN

Abdul Hashim OAM; John Hardy OAM

Rhonda Babington; Brian Babington AM; Sue Packer AO

Stephen Horn; Jim Waddell OAM; Alison Waddell

2021 Events

Thursday 4 November: 2021 Order of Australia Association – Australian National University Lecture: Professor Peter Yu AM

Our annual Order of Australia Association – Australian National University Lecture was established in 2011 with the aim of further recognising the contribution of academic members of the Order of Australia to the fabric of Australian society. The 2021 Lecture was delivered online for the first time, allowing Association members from across Australia to participate. Our Lecturer was Professor Peter Yu AM, whose theme was Looking forward, Looking Back. In a poignant address, Peter reflected on his experiences growing up as an Indigenous person and his hopes for a better future for Indigenous people. You can view the Lecture here. Peter was appointed a Member in the Order of Australia in June 2021 for significant service to the community, particularly to Indigenous cultural and political organisations. The Association is grateful to the Vice-Chancellor of the University for his continuing support to this important community outreach event. (Photo & bio: ANU)

Monday 9 August: 2021 Order of Australia Association – Australian Defence Force Oration: Air Marshal Mel Hupfeld AO, DSC

Our annual Order of Australia Association – Australian Defence Force Oration was established in 2011 with the aim of further recognising the contribution made by military members of the Order of Australia to the fabric of Australian society. The 2021 Oration was delivered by the Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Mel Hupfeld AO, DSC. Air Marshal Hupfeld touched briefly on the Air Force’s first 100 years, before turning to current issues and some thoughts on the future. You can read the transcript of the Oration here. Air Marshal Hupfeld was appointed an Officer in the Order of Australia in January 2015 for distinguished service to the Australian Defence Force in senior command and staff appointments. The Association is grateful to the Chief of the Defence Force for his continuing support to this important community outreach event.  (Photo & bio: Defence)

 

Wednesday 14 July: Morning Tea with Ian Mansfield AM, CSC. Ian spoke about his work in global mine action programs over 20 years working with the United Nations and other international organisations. You can find a link to his his book here and the slides from his presentation here. Ian was appointed a Member in the Order of Australia in June 2010 for service to international humanitarian aid through the establishment of global landmine removal, safety and training programs. (Photo: Mansfield)

Ray Griggs AO, CSC

Tuesday 15 June: 2021 Queen’s Birthday Luncheon: Mr Ray Griggs AO, CSC.  Branch members shared fellowship, celebrated Her Majesty the Queen’s birthday and acknowledged the achievements of ACT and region-based recipients of honours and awards in the 2021 Queen’s Birthday list with lunch at the Royal Canberra Golf Club. Our guest speaker was the Chief Executive Officer of the National Indigenous Australians Agency, Mr Ray Griggs AO, CSC, who touched on some of the challenges in his appointment while stressing the many positives.  You can find the text of his address here. Ray was appointed an Officer of the Order in 2012 for distinguished service to the Australian Defence Force as Deputy Head Strategic Reform and Governance, Deputy Chief of Joint Operations, and Chief of the Royal Australian Navy. (Photo & Bio: NIAA)

Wednesday 26 May: Autumn Breakfast for New Recipients. The Branch celebrated the achievements of 11 new recipients from the Queen’s Birthday 2020 and Australia Day 2021 lists and welcomed new members at a breakfast at the Commonwealth Club, Yarralumla. The ACT Branch is grateful to the ACT Government for its support to this event. (Photos: OAA ACT)

Robyn Diener, Chris Diener OAM

John Hardy OAM

Perry Daroesman, Abdul Hashim OAM

Wojciech Horky, Wanda Horky OAM

Lucky Prasad OAM

Roger Wainwright OAM

Janeen Williams, Angela Drayton, William Kelly AM, Allan Williams AM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scott Saddler AM

 

Tuesday 27 April: Morning Tea with Scott Saddler AM. Scott spoke about the development of the National Arboretum since its inception and his vision for its future.  He was appointed a Member in the Order of Australia in June 2020 for significant service to public administration, and as a supporter and mentor of Indigenous youth. (Bio: National Arboretum; photo: OAA ACT)

 

 

Tuesday 16 February.  Annual General Meeting & Andrew Phelan AM. 

Andrew Phelan AM

Our 2021 Annual General Meeting was the first under the Association’s new Constitution. Following the meeting, Branch Committee Member and Queen’s Birthday 2019 recipient, Andrew Phelan AM, spoke about his experiences at the High Court of Australia, where he served for more than a decade as Chief Executive and Principal Registrar. Andrew’s slide deck is a large file, but is available on request to the Branch Chair ([email protected]).

(Bio: Constitution Education Fund; Photo: OAA)

Tuesday 26 January.  Australia Day Breakfast.

Ross Kingsland AM, Laura Walker, Brian Walker AO

On Tuesday 26 January, members and guests gathered at Royal Canberra Golf Club to celebrate Australia Day, acknowledge the achievements of recipients in the 2021 Australia Day Honours List, and hear guest speaker, Dr Brian Walker AO

Brian’s address was entitled “Resilience: what it is, and what it is not”. His very thought-provoking presentation included an explanation of factors that help confer resilience and those that diminish it; he also emphasised that sometimes recognising and accepting the need for transformational change is necessary to promote resilience. You can find his slides here, including the link to the recently published paper from which the address was drawn. Brian was appointed an Officer in the Order of Australia in January 2020 for distinguished service to science, particularly to ecosystem ecology and research, and to professional scientific bodies(Photo: OAA (ACT); Bio: CSIRO)

2020 Events

Tuesday 17 November. 2020 Order of Australia Association – Australian Defence Force Oration. 

LTGEN Greg Bilton AO, CSC

Our annual OAA-ADF Oration was established in 2011 with the aim of further recognising the contribution made by military members of the Order of Australia to the fabric of Australian society. The 2020 Oration was delivered by the Chief of Joint Operations, Lieutenant General Greg Bilton AO, CSC. General Bilton began by explaining something of Joint Operations Command and his role. He next presented a high level review of Australia’s prevailing strategic circumstances before describing how they impact ADF operations. He spoke briefly about the high regard in which he holds the men and women of the Defence Force, and concluded by touching on domestic operations such as the ADF’s contributions to bushfire relief and the COVID-19 crisis. The Oration is available on YouTube here. The ACT Branch is grateful to the Chief of the Defence Force for his continuing support of this event.  (Photo: OAA; Bio: Defence)

 

Wednesday 21 and Wednesday 28 October.  Breakfast receptions for new recipients at the Commonwealth Club. The Branch celebrated the achievements of 24 new recipients from the Australia Day and Queen’s Birthday 2020 lists and welcomed new members at two breakfasts at the Commonwealth Club, Yarralumla. The ACT Branch is grateful to the ACT Government for its support to this event.

Wednesday 4 March: 2020 Order of Australia Association – Australian National University Lecture: Admiral Chris Barrie AC, RAN (Retd)

Admiral Chris Barrie AC, RAN (Retd)

Admiral Chris Barrie AC, RAN (Retd) presented the 2020 OAA-ANU Lecture on the subject “It’s an Honour – Reflections”. He challenged the audience to think critically about the design and execution of our honours and awards system to ensure that it is inclusive and free of the perception of bias, and pointed to the role that the Association has in this important task. Admiral Barrie was appointed a Member in the Order of Australia in 1994 in recognition of service to the Royal Australian Navy, particularly as Deputy Maritime Commander and Chief of Staff, Maritime Headquarters.  He was appointed an Officer in the Order in 1998 for distinguished service to the Australian Defence Force as Deputy Chief of Naval Staff and Vice Chief of the Defence Force. He was appointed a Companion in the Order in 2001 for eminent service to the Australian Defence Force as Chief of the Defence Force. (Photo: OAA; Bio: Barrie)

Wednesday 19 February: Annual General Meeting and Professor Jane Dahlstrom OAM

Professor Jane Dahlstrom OAM with specimens from the Peter Herdson Musuem

Following our 2020 AGM, Professor Jane Dahlstrom OAM spoke about her journey as a pathologist. She underlined the importance of pathology as a discipline and sketched some of the changes she has helped make to the profession in Canberra and internationally. She also touched on the importance of Canberra’s Peter Herdson pathology teaching museum, and illustrated using several specimens from the museum which she had brought along. Jane was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australian June 2019 for service to medical education, and to pathology. (Photo: OAA;  Bio: Dahlstrom)

Sunday 26 January 2020: Australia Day Breakfast

Almost 90 members and guests gathered to celebrate Australia Day and the achievements of recipients in the 2020 Australia Day honours list, and hear our guest speaker, Alex Sloan AM. In a very significant address, Alex spoke passionately about a number of issues confronting contemporary Australia. Alex was appointed a Member in the Order of Australia in January 2019 for significant service to the community of Canberra, and to the broadcast media as a radio presenter. (Photo: Sloan)

 

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2019 Events

Student Awards. In a departure from our usual arrangements, 2019 Student Awards were presented in school communities rather than at a central Association function. This enable us to say something about the Order of Australia, the Association and the Awards to a wider audience of students, parents and teachers. The selection panel once again considered a field of high-quality nominations. The winners were:

  • Sarah Davis, Daramalan College. Awarded a School Plaque for Outstanding Leadership and Achievement.
  • Samual Freeman, Canberra Grammar School. Awarded a Medallion for Outstanding Community Service and Citizenship and School Plaque.
  • Aidan Gunning, Daramalan College. Awarded a School Plaque for Outstanding Community Service and Citizenship.
  • Caleb Hodgson, UC Senior Secondary College, Lake Ginninderra. Awarded a Medallion for Outstanding Leadership and Achievement and School Plaque.
  • Isaac Martin, Gunghalin College. Awarded a Medallion for Outstanding Leadership and Achievement and School Plaque.
  • The LEADAS (Leadership, Engagement, Academia, Development, Athleticism and Service) boys program and the PEARLS (Promoting, Empowerment, Achievement, Resilience, Legacy and Support) girls program, Amaroo School. Awarded A School Plaque.

Selection panel members Narelle Hargreaves AM and Dr Bill Maiden PSM, OAM with Sam Freeman and the Principal of Canberra Grammar School, Dr Justin Garrick

Aidan Gunning and Sarah Davis with their families

Caleb Hodgson

Tuesday 24 September: Reception for New Recipients.  The Branch celebrated the achievements of 19 new recipients from the Australia Day and Queen’s Birthday 2019 lists and welcomed new members at a reception at the Commonwealth Club, Yarralumla. The ACT Branch is grateful to the ACT Government for its support to this event. (Photos: OAA)

L-R: Andrew Phelan AM; Michael Crane DSC & Bar AM; Neville Exon AM; Vivien Palmer OAM; Louise Mayo AM

Vivien Palmer OAM; Trish Keller OAM

L-R: Tracy Smart AO; Michael Crane DSC & Bar, AM; Collette Mackay OAM; Jane Smyth OAM

L-R: Mary Kirk AM; Eric Thauvette OAM; Margaret Shore OAM; Krishna Nadimpalli OAM; Heather Henderson AM; John Harvey AM; Michael Crane DSC & Bar, AM

L-R: Bruce Calder; Louise Mayo AM; Len Goodman AO

Sunday 18 August: 2019 Multi-Faith Observance. Our 2019 Multi-Faith Observance was held at the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture. It was moderated by the Executive Director of the Centre, Rt Reverend Professor Stephen Pickard, and featured inspirational speakers from a number of faiths. Our theme for this year was Together in Friendship. You can find the program here. This was the final MFO convened by Sam Wong AM, who announced that he will stand down from the Branch Committee at the end of this year.  We thank Sam for his service over many years, particularly in convening the MFO.  (Photo: OAA; bio: ACCC)

Wednesday 24 July: Morning tea with Glenys Patulny OAM.  Glenys spoke about how her interest in supporting the environment drew her into broader community work. Glenys was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in the Queen’s Birthday 2019 list for service to the community of Tuggeranong.

(Photo: Conservation Council)

 

GEN Angus Campbell AO, DSC

Tuesday 25 June: 2019 Order of Australia Association – Australian Defence Force Oration. Our annual Australian Defence Force Oration was established in 2011 with the aim of further recognising the contribution made by military members of the Order of Australia to the fabric of Australian society. The 2019 Oration was delivered by the Chief of the Defence Force, General Angus Campbell AO, DSC, who spoke about security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region in the next 20 years. You can find a transcript of the Oration here. General Campbell was appointed a Member in the Order of Australia on Australia Day 2003 for exceptional service to the Australian Defence Force as the Commanding Officer of the 2nd Battalion Group during operational service in East Timor.  He was appointed an Officer in the Order in the 2017 Queen’s Birthday list for distinguished service as Head Military Strategic Commitments, Deputy Chief of Army, and Chief of Army. (Photo: OAA; Bio: Defence)

 

 

Tuesday 11 June: Queen’s Birthday Luncheon.  Members and guests were treated to an address by Her Excellency Lady Cosgrove at the Royal Canberra Golf Club while commemorating Her Majesty the Queen’s birthday, and celebrating the achievements of ACT-based recipients of honours and awards in the 2019 Queen’s Birthday list.  Lady Cosgrove was accompanied by His Excellency the Governor-General.  She reflected on her experiences at Yarralumla, including: hosting several members of the Royal Family and other eminent international visitors; meeting recipients of honours and awards in the Order of Australia and thousands of other everyday Australians; and representing Australia at significant events both in Australia and overseas.

June O’Donnell, Laurie O’Donnell AC, Lady Cosgrove

Lady Cosgrove, Lois Maiden, John Bullen OAM

 

 

 

 

 

 

Betty Beggs, Lee Llewellyn AM,
Sir Peter Cosgrove AK, AC (Mil), MC

Peter Lawler OAM, Judith Lawler,
Sir Peter Cosgrove AK, AC (Mil), MC

Paul Singer MVO,
Trish Keller OAM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Bio: Govt House; Photos: OAA)

Thursday 2 May: Reception for New Recipients.  The Branch celebrated the achievements of 14 new recipients from the Australia Day 2019 List and welcomed new members at a reception at the Commonwealth Club, Yarralumla. The ACT Branch is grateful to the ACT Government for its support to this event. (Photos: OAA)

L-R: Philip Byrne OAM, John Ive OAM, Susan Healy OAM, Gary Humphries AO, David Richards OAM, Mike Crane DSC & Bar, AM

L-R: David Widdowson AM, Frederick Fawke OAM, Holly Northam OAM, Terence Birtles OAM, Glenys Patulny OAM, Mike Crane DSC & Bar, AM

4 April: Morning Tea with Jenny Bowker AO. More than 30 members and guests gathered at the Royal Canberra Golf Club, Yarralumla, to share fellowship and hear about the experiences of Jenny Bowker AO as diplomat’s wife-turned-textile artist. Jenny gave a lighthearted but thought-provoking account of her journey, describing how she turned to drawing and quilting on finding herself without a job in a foreign country and in the shadows as a diplomat’s wife. She brought along several of her beautiful quilts, including the award winning After the Last Sky. Jenny was appointed an Officer in the Order of Australia in June 2018 for distinguished service to Australia-Middle East cultural relations through the preservation of traditional creative and visual arts, and as a textile artist and educator.

13 February: Annual General Meeting & Evening with Sue Packer AM. Members and guests gathered at the Royal Canberra Golf Club, Yarralumla, to participate in our governance and hear 2019 Senior Australian of the Year, Dr Sue Packer AM, speak about her  Australian of the Year experience.

  • The AGM saw the 2018 Annual Report accepted and a new Branch Committee elected. Our experiment with providing papers in electronic format only was very successful and this approach will be retained, saving considerably on postage costs and volunteer time.
  • Sue began by describing the ‘surreal’ experience of the months and weeks leading up to the announcement of her award, the realities of the presentation night, and the whirlwind of Australia Day in Sydney. She spoke of her delight at being able to share a day with all 34 Australian of the Year finalists and the wonder of a ride around Sydney Harbour with the other winners aboard the ferry Victor Chang. She went on to explain that she has always been passionate about children, even while growing up, and that this had led to her becoming a paediatrician and eventually to her work in the child abuse sector. She shared a range of insights from her experience and exhorted all adults to be more interested in children, more curious them. In response to a question, she even gave advice on successful grand parenting! We are very proud to have Sue as a member of the ACT Branch and wish her every success during her tenure as Senior Australian of the Year.

(Photo: The Canberra Times)

26 January: 2019 Australia Day Breakfast.  Almost 100 members and guests gathered to celebrate Australia Day and the achievements of recipients in the 2019 Australia Day honours list, and hear our guest speaker, Sir Angus Houston AK, AFC. Sir Angus spoke about two significant anniversaries occurring in 2019: he first described the 1919 Great Air Race, won by two Australian pilots, Ross and Keith Smith, and the subsequent development of a commercial air route between London and Australia, before observing that 2019 marks the 20th anniversary of no flying fatalities in the Royal Australian Air Force. While praising the extraordinary achievements of early aviators, he contrasted their approach to risk with the modern culture that has transformed the Air Force’s safety record. (Photos: OAA)

L-R: Derek Robson AM, Sir Angus Houston AK, AFC, Liz Houston, Ann Gration,
and Branch Patron Peter Gration OBE, AC

Narelle Hargreaves AM (2019 recipient)
and Bill Maiden PSM, OAM

Sir Angus Houston AK, AFC
and Ross Dunn OAM (2019 recipient)

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2018 Events

22 November: 2018 Student Awards. Members and guests were joined by families, principals and teachers for the presentation of annual Student Awards by our Patron, General Peter Gration OBE, AC. Student Awards recognise meritorious community service and citizenship by ACT school students. A full report on the presentation and award winners is on our Student Awards page.

17 October: Morning Tea with Diane Johnstone AM.  Members and their guests enjoyed morning tea at the Royal Canberra Golf Club with Di Johnstone AM, who spoke about Diplomacy, Art and Community Engagement. Di related her experiences as a diplomat in South Africa and later in Australia collecting and promoting the work of South African artists. She went on to talk about her community work in Canberra after her diplomatic career.  Di was appointed a Member in the Order of Australia in January 2015 for significant service to international relations through support for creative arts in South Africa, and to the community of Canberra. (Photo: OAA)

Dr Joan Buchanan AM & Di Johnstone AM

Professor Ann McGrath AM

3 October: 2018 Order of Australia Association – Australian National University Lecture. Professor Ann McGrath AM presented the annual OAA-ANU Lecture on the subject Time Immemorial? Dates, history and the deep human past, opening members and guests to a fascinating alternative view about history and how we think about it. Ann was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2007 for service to education, particularly in the fields of indigenous history, as a teacher, researcher and author, and through leadership roles with a range of history-related organisations. She was appointed a Member in the Order in 2017 for significant service to the social sciences as an academic and researcher in the field of indigenous history, and to tertiary education.” (Photo: ANU)

19 September: Reception for new recipients.  The Branch celebrated the achievements of 6 new recipients from the Queen’s Birthday 2018 List (at right) and welcomed new members at a reception at the Commonwealth Club, Yarralumla. (Photos: OAA)

L-R: Mike Crane DSC & Bar, AM; Jenny Bowker AO; Colin Thomson AM; Robin Creyke AO; Dianne Anderson AM; Kanti Jinna OAM; Frank Owens OAM

L-R: Frank Owens OAM; Dianne Anderson AM; Elizabeth Grant AM

 

Mr Muhammed Asku

19 August: 2018 Multi-Faith Observance. About 40 members and guests attended our 2018 Multi-Faith Observance at the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture to hear a variety of inspirational speakers on the theme “Wisdom for the Common Good” and enjoy fellowship during a light afternoon tea. The Observance was moderated by the Executive Director of the Centre, Rt Reverend Professor Stephen Pickard, and featured Mr Harry Opperman (Jewish Tradition), Mr Muhammed Asku (Muslim tradition), Dr Willie Senanayake (Buddhist Tradition), Mr Kanti Jinna OAM (Hindu Tradition) and Dr Shahnaz Kouhbor (Baha’i Tradition). This event continues to underscore the importance of a focus on the things that bind our community together rather than the things on which we might disagree. (Pickard bio: CSU; Photos: OAA)

12 June: 2018 Queen’s Birthday Luncheon. More than 50 members and guests gathered for luncheon at the Royal Canberra Golf Club to mark the Queen’s Birthday and celebrate the achievements of ACT and regional recipients in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.  Our speaker was Mr Glenn Keys AO, co-founder and co-Executive Director of global health provider, Aspen Medical.  Glenn spoke frankly about his early career in the Australian Army and the difficult decision he and his wife made to leave all that when their son, Ehran, was diagnosed with Down Syndrome.  He described the events that then led to the formation of Aspen, some of the extraordinary things that Aspen has done, and the culture of giving that is built into the company.  He closed by introducing the audience to Project Independence, a new model for provision of social housing for people with an intellectual disability. Glenn was appointed an Officer of The Order of Australia in June 2017 for distinguished service to the community of the Australian Capital Territory through contributions to disability support programs, and to business and commerce as an advocate for corporate social responsibility. (Bio: Aspen)

24 May: 2018 Order of Australia Association – Australian Defence Force Oration. The annual Order of Australia Association – Australian Defence Force Oration was established in 2011 with the aim of further recognising the contribution made by military members of the Order of Australia to the fabric of Australian society. The 2018 Oration was delivered by the Chief of Joint Capabilities, Air Vice Marshal Warren McDonald AM, CSC. You can find an edited transcript of the Oration here. Air Vice-Marshal McDonald was appointed a Member of The Order of Australia in June 2015 for exceptional performance of duty as Officer Commanding Number 92 Wing, Director General Capability Planning – Air Force, and Commander of Air Mobility Group. (Bio: Defence; Photo OAA)

L-R: Bill Henman AM; AVM Warren McDonald AM, CSC; Ian Gollings AM

17 May: Reception for New Recipients. The ACT Branch welcomed 11 new members to the Association at a reception held at the Commonwealth Club, Yarralumla. (Photo: OAA)

L-R: Jan Paula OAM; Peter Ashworth OAM; Alpha Gregory OAM; Jim Quick OAM; Michael Crane DSC & Bar, AM (ACT Chair); David Cossart OAM; Ian Sayers OAM, ED; Robin Eckermann AM; Ingrid Moses AO; Alan Morrison AM; Michael Coper AO; Gordon Gregory OAM

17 April: Morning Tea at the National Arboretum. Members and guests enjoyed morning tea with Ian Sayers OAM, ED, who spoke about his working life and his experiences as a volunteer. Ian was awarded the Medal of the Order in the 2018 Australia Day list for services to veterans and their families, and to the community. (Photo: OAA)

14 March: Tour of NGA Art of War Exhibition. In a rare treat, Dr Anna Gray AM, Emeritus Curator, kindly hosted a tour of the Arthur Streeton: the art of war exhibition for OAA members and guests. The exhibition brought together key works from collections around Australia and overseas. Anna was honoured in 2017 for significant service to the visual arts as a curator, scholar and historian, to Australian artists, and to the promotion of cultural heritage. (Bio: The Canberra Times)

1 March: Memories as National Treasures.  Following our AGM, Bill Stephens OAM regaled members and guests with stories about his experiences in recording more than 200 interviews for the National Library’s Oral History Collection, principally with performing artists. Bill was awarded the Medal of the Order in 2017 for service to the performing arts through a range of roles. (Photo: Stephens)

26 January: 2018 Australia Day Breakfast. Guest speaker Penelope Thwaites AM, Chair of the Order of Australia Association UK/Europe, gave a very personal address to members and guests on her topic Canberra Connections. You can download the text of her address here. Penelope was honoured in 2001 for service to music through the performance and promotion of Australian compositions in the United Kingdom and internationally. (Bio: Wikipedia; Photo: OAA)

 


2017 Events

26 October: 2017 Order of Australia Association – Australian National University Lecture.  Professor Chennupati Jagadish AC presented the annual OAA – ANU lecture on the subject Nanotechnology: Opportunities and Challenges, providing members and guest with fascinating insight into nanotechnology and its increasing impact on our daily lives.  You can watch the lecture here.  Professor Jagadish was honoured in the Australia Day 2016 list for eminent service to physics and engineering, particularly in the field of nanotechnology, to education as a leading academic, researcher, author and mentor, and through executive roles with national and international scientific advisory institutions.  (Photo, bio & video: ANU)

 25 May: 2017 Order of Australia Association – Australian Defence Force Oration.  Our 2017 OAA – ADF Orator was the Vice Chief of the Defence Force, Vice Admiral Ray Griggs AO, CSC, RAN, who spoke on For Society and of Society: Where the ADF sits in modern Australia.  You can read the text of the Oration here. Vice Admiral Griggs was honoured in 2012 for distinguished service to the Australian Defence Force as Deputy Head Strategic Reform and Governance, Deputy Chief of Joint Operations, and Chief of the Royal Australian Navy. (Photo & bio: Defence)

 

26 January: 2017 Australia Day Breakfast.  Our Australia Day guest speaker was National President of the Order of Australia Association, Philip Flood AO. Philip spoke about the challenges for Australia associated with Islam in Indonesia and a divided America. You can read the text of his address here. Philip was appointed an Officer in the Order of Australia in 1992 in recognition of service to international relations.  (Photo & bio: Wikipedia)

 

 

 

Past Events

2023 Events

Tuesday 18 July 2023. The Order of Australia Association (ACT Branch) Mid-Year Luncheon.  Canberra Southern Cross Club Woden.

Around 60 members and guests enjoyed our Mid-Year Luncheon while listening to our special guest speaker, Mr Gregory James HOOD AO.  Greg was appointed an Officer in the Order on Australia Day 2023 for distinguished service to the national transportation and aviation industries, and to the not-for-profit sector.

Greg spoke about his life and career, and focused on his time as Chief Commissioner and CEO of the Australian Transport Safety Bureau, including winding up the search for MH370, the accident at Essendon where the pilot and 4 passengers were killed when their Super King Air aircraft struck the Direct Factory Outlet at Essendon, and the loss of the C130 Hercules Large Aerial Tanker in January 2020.

Wednesday 10 May.  Autumn Reception for New Recipients.  Our Autumn reception was a great opportunity to congratulate 21 recent recipients of honours and awards in the Order of Australia, welcome new members to the Association and share fellowship with existing members in the ambience of the Commonwealth Club.  The ACT Branch gratefully acknowledges the support of the ACT Government for this event.

Tuesday 18 April.  2023 Order of Australia Association – Australian Defence Force Oration: Vice Admiral Mark Hammond AM RAN, Chief of Navy.

Members and guests gathered at Russell on 18 April for the 2023 Order of Australia Association – Australian Defence Force Oration with Vice Admiral Mark Hammond AM RAN.

Vice Admiral Hammond sketched his views on the strategic situation, contemporary issues for his command and the critical role which the Royal Australian Navy will continue to play in the defence of the Nation. His emphasis on submarines drew a wide range of questions.

Vice Admiral Hammond was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2018 for exceptional service to the Australian Defence Force in senior command and staff roles.

(Photo & bio: Defence)

Wednesday 22 March.  Morning Tea with Roxanne Missingham OAM.

Members and guests met at Royal Canberra Golf Club for morning tea to hear Roxanne Missingham OAM speak on the topic “Saving our memory – new roles of libraries and archives.”  Roxanne talked about how our memories are recorded and the initiatives she has led or been involved with to provide a way to make collections available to Australians and the new challenges we are facing. She also described the work she has  done in Myanmar and the work she is now doing on legislative reform.  Roxanne was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in June 2021 for service to the library and information sciences. (Photo & Bio: Missingham)

Wednesday 15 February 2023.  2023 Branch Annual General Meeting and Professor Robert Care AM. Our AGM saw the election of: Alan Morrison AM as Branch Nominated Director; Andrew Phelan AM as Branch Chair; Robert Altamore OAM as Branch Secretary; and Brian Babington AM, Lynne Duckam OAM, Narelle Hargreaves AM, Coralie Wood OAM and Desmond Woods OAM as Committee members. Congratulations to all! Immediately following the AGM, Branch member and Chair of RedR Australia, Professor Robert Care AM, spoke about “The Humanitarian Challenge Ahead”. Robert painted a compelling picture of the global humanitarian need and sketched the efforts of RedR in response. You can read a transcript of Robert’s address here, and see his slides here.  Robert was appointed a Member of the Order in June 2012 for service to engineering through a range of executive roles, to the business sector, to international humanitarian programs, and to the sport of athletics.  (Photo & Bio: Care)

Thursday 26 January.  2023 Australia Day Breakfast with Professor Tanya Monro AC.

Professor Tanya Monro AC

On 26 January, members and guests gathered at Royal Canberra Golf Club to celebrate our national day and acknowledge the achievements of recipients in the 2023 Australia Day honours list. Our special guest speaker was Professor Tanya Monro AC, who spoke about “Science for Purpose”.  Tanya gave an inspirational address, touching on her own experiences in science, the importance of engaging young people in STEM, and how she is re-shaping the Defence Science and Technology Group. She expressed the joy she feels in applying science to solve problems and noted the happy truth that solving one problem often leads to advances in quite unrelated areas. Tanya was appointed a Companion of the Order In June 2022 for eminent service to scientific and technological development, to research and innovation, to tertiary education, particularly in the field of photonics, and to professional organisations.  (Bio: Defence; Photos: OAA)

Anthony Anderson PAM, Kathy Anderson OAM, John Fricker OAM, Kim Farrant

Liz Scrivener OAM, Russ Richards OAM, Paul Trewartha

John Hardy OAM, Rick Forster

Mike Evans OAM, Trish Keller OAM, Patricia Evans

Robert Altamore OAM, Monica Phelan, Jean Bennett OAM

Paul Hornsby OAM RAN, Tanya Monro AC, Richard Etherington, Dan Etherington AM

2022 Events

Wednesday 7 December.  2022 Order of Australia Association – Australian National University Lecture.

Members and large numbers of guests gathered in the new Research School of Physics auditorium to hear Head of the National Security College, Professor Rory Medcalf AM, deliver the 2022 OAA-ANU Lecture on “Making sense of national security”. Rory outlined the College’s role, challenged the audience to rethink national security, and offered some prescriptions for improving Australia’s national security.  You can watch the Lecture and the Q&A session that followed here. Rory was appointed a Member of the Order in June 2022 for significant service to international relations, and to tertiary education.  (Photo & Bio: ANU)

Monday 31 October: Spring Reception for New Recipients.  More than 70 members and guests met to congratulate new recipients, welcome new members and share fellowship with existing members in the ambience of the Commonwealth Club. We’ll have photos shortly!

Wednesday 7 September: Morning Tea with Emeritus Professor John Hardy OAM.  Members and guests met at Royal Canberra Golf Club for morning tea with Emeritus Professor John Hardy OAM.  John explored  Shakespeare’s play Measure for Measure, arguing that it foreshadows, and is sympathetic with, much in the #MeToo Movement, rather than being a misogynistic work as it is sometime portrayed. You can read John’s text here. John was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in January 2021 for service to tertiary education, particularly to the humanities. (Photo: OAA ACT; Bio: It’s An Honour)

Thursday 25 August: 2022 Student Citizenship Awards. Members and guests joined parents and teachers at Royal Canberra Golf Club to celebrate the achievements of winners in our 2022 Student Citizenship Awards.  Individual awards were presented to Lize van der Walt, Anneliese Smolonogov (both Canberra Girls Grammar School) and Anna Charlton (Radford College). Representatives from the Earlyact Club from Forrest Primary School accepted a group award on behalf of the Club. 12 year old Samuel Nichol from Forrest Primary thanked the Association on behalf of recipients – you can read Sam’s inspirational words here. On 8 September, Branch Chair Michael Crane DSC & Bar AM and Awards Convenors Bill Maiden PSM OAM and Narelle Hargreaves AM attended an assembly at Forrest Primary to present scrolls to all 30 members of the ‘Earlyact’ Club.  Details of previous winners are available on our Student Awards page. (Photo: OAA, used with permission of parents.)

Peta Mantel AM

Forrest Primary School Earlyact Club at School Assembly

Tuesday 14 June: 2022 Queen’s Birthday Luncheon: Dr Brian Babington AM

On Tuesday 14 June, members and guests marked Her Majesty the Queen’s birthday in her Platinum Jubilee year and celebrated the achievements of recipients of honours and awards in the Queen’s Birthday list at the Southern Cross Club, Woden. Our guest speaker was Dr Brian Babington AM, who spoke on the importance of  putting children first. You can read the text of Brian’s address here. Brian was appointed a Member of the Order in June 2021 for significant service to children through safety and well-being initiatives. (Photo & bio: Babington)

 

Thursday 21 April: 2022 Order of Australia Association – Australian Defence Force Oration: Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Rick Burr AO, DSC, MVO

Members and guests gathered at Russell on 21 April for the 2022 Order of Australia Association – Australian Defence Force Oration with Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Rick Burr AO, DSC, MVO. General Burr canvassed a wide range of current issues, focussing on the importance of developing the people capable of delivering an army that is ready now and ready for the future. You can read a transcript of the Oration here. General Burr was appointed an Officer of the Order in January 2018 for distinguished service in the implementation of significant reform and the realisation of strategic capabilities within the Australian Defence Force. (Photo & bio: Defence)

Thursday 10 March: Morning Tea: Dr Peter Pedersen AM

Members and guests enjoyed morning tea with Dr Peter Petersen AM, who spoke about Sir John Monash: the man behind the general. Peter shared deep insights into Monash’s character, what drove him and why he was successful both as a general and in life more broadly. His candid answers during question time helped complete the picture of Australia’s best general. Peter was appointed a member of the Order of Australia in January 2020 for significant service to military history as an author and researcher.  (Photo: Pedersen)

 

Wednesday 16 February: Branch Annual General Meeting & Reception for New Recipients

Our AGM saw the election to the Branch Committee of Joseph Johnson CSC, OAM, AAM and the re-election of Phil Morrall AM, CSC (Treasurer), Bill Maiden PSM, OAM and Andrew Phelan AM (members).  Congratulations to all!  Following the AGM, we welcomed eight new recipients of honours and awards from the 2021 Queen’s Birthday Honours List. We extend our thanks to the ACT Government and the President and members of the Commonwealth Club for their ongoing support to reception for new recipients.

Mary Anne Nelson OAM; Michael Crane DSC & Bar, AM

Peta Mantel AM

Roxanne Missingham OAM; Michael Crane DSC& Bar, AM

Nerida Cullen OAM

Michael Crane DSC & Bar, AM; Jim Waddell OAM

Paul Hornsby OAM, RAN

Mary Anne Nielsen OAM; Michael Crane DSC & Bar, AM

Wednesday 26 January: 2022 Australia Day Breakfast: Genevieve Jacobs AM

On 26 January, members and guests gathered at Royal Canberra Golf Club to celebrate Australia Day and acknowledge the achievements of recipients in the 2022 Australia Day Honours List. Our special guest speaker was former journalist and ABC broadcaster Genevieve Jacobs AM, who spoke on The Media and Challenges to our Democracy. In a compelling address, Genevieve highlighted the impact of the transition to digital media, the pressures on journalists arising from hollowing out of newsrooms and the risks to our society from a less balanced fourth estate. Genevieve was appointed a Member in the Order of Australia on Australia Day 2021 for significant service to the broadcast media, and to the community. (Bio: Jacobs; Photos: OAA)

Joe Johnson CSC, OAM, AAM; Ian Sayers OAM

Simon Cullen AM, CSC; Cecilia Moar; Paul Hornsby OAM, RAN

Abdul Hashim OAM; John Hardy OAM

Rhonda Babington; Brian Babington AM; Sue Packer AO

Stephen Horn; Jim Waddell OAM; Alison Waddell

2021 Events

Thursday 4 November: 2021 Order of Australia Association – Australian National University Lecture: Professor Peter Yu AM

Our annual Order of Australia Association – Australian National University Lecture was established in 2011 with the aim of further recognising the contribution of academic members of the Order of Australia to the fabric of Australian society. The 2021 Lecture was delivered online for the first time, allowing Association members from across Australia to participate. Our Lecturer was Professor Peter Yu AM, whose theme was Looking forward, Looking Back. In a poignant address, Peter reflected on his experiences growing up as an Indigenous person and his hopes for a better future for Indigenous people. You can view the Lecture here. Peter was appointed a Member in the Order of Australia in June 2021 for significant service to the community, particularly to Indigenous cultural and political organisations. The Association is grateful to the Vice-Chancellor of the University for his continuing support to this important community outreach event. (Photo & bio: ANU)

Monday 9 August: 2021 Order of Australia Association – Australian Defence Force Oration: Air Marshal Mel Hupfeld AO, DSC

Our annual Order of Australia Association – Australian Defence Force Oration was established in 2011 with the aim of further recognising the contribution made by military members of the Order of Australia to the fabric of Australian society. The 2021 Oration was delivered by the Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Mel Hupfeld AO, DSC. Air Marshal Hupfeld touched briefly on the Air Force’s first 100 years, before turning to current issues and some thoughts on the future. You can read the transcript of the Oration here. Air Marshal Hupfeld was appointed an Officer in the Order of Australia in January 2015 for distinguished service to the Australian Defence Force in senior command and staff appointments. The Association is grateful to the Chief of the Defence Force for his continuing support to this important community outreach event.  (Photo & bio: Defence)

 

Wednesday 14 July: Morning Tea with Ian Mansfield AM, CSC. Ian spoke about his work in global mine action programs over 20 years working with the United Nations and other international organisations. You can find a link to his his book here and the slides from his presentation here. Ian was appointed a Member in the Order of Australia in June 2010 for service to international humanitarian aid through the establishment of global landmine removal, safety and training programs. (Photo: Mansfield)

Ray Griggs AO, CSC

Tuesday 15 June: 2021 Queen’s Birthday Luncheon: Mr Ray Griggs AO, CSC.  Branch members shared fellowship, celebrated Her Majesty the Queen’s birthday and acknowledged the achievements of ACT and region-based recipients of honours and awards in the 2021 Queen’s Birthday list with lunch at the Royal Canberra Golf Club. Our guest speaker was the Chief Executive Officer of the National Indigenous Australians Agency, Mr Ray Griggs AO, CSC, who touched on some of the challenges in his appointment while stressing the many positives.  You can find the text of his address here. Ray was appointed an Officer of the Order in 2012 for distinguished service to the Australian Defence Force as Deputy Head Strategic Reform and Governance, Deputy Chief of Joint Operations, and Chief of the Royal Australian Navy. (Photo & Bio: NIAA)

Wednesday 26 May: Autumn Breakfast for New Recipients. The Branch celebrated the achievements of 11 new recipients from the Queen’s Birthday 2020 and Australia Day 2021 lists and welcomed new members at a breakfast at the Commonwealth Club, Yarralumla. The ACT Branch is grateful to the ACT Government for its support to this event. (Photos: OAA ACT)

Robyn Diener, Chris Diener OAM

John Hardy OAM

Perry Daroesman, Abdul Hashim OAM

Wojciech Horky, Wanda Horky OAM

Lucky Prasad OAM

Roger Wainwright OAM

Janeen Williams, Angela Drayton, William Kelly AM, Allan Williams AM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scott Saddler AM

 

Tuesday 27 April: Morning Tea with Scott Saddler AM. Scott spoke about the development of the National Arboretum since its inception and his vision for its future.  He was appointed a Member in the Order of Australia in June 2020 for significant service to public administration, and as a supporter and mentor of Indigenous youth. (Bio: National Arboretum; photo: OAA ACT)

 

 

Tuesday 16 February.  Annual General Meeting & Andrew Phelan AM. 

Andrew Phelan AM

Our 2021 Annual General Meeting was the first under the Association’s new Constitution. Following the meeting, Branch Committee Member and Queen’s Birthday 2019 recipient, Andrew Phelan AM, spoke about his experiences at the High Court of Australia, where he served for more than a decade as Chief Executive and Principal Registrar. Andrew’s slide deck is a large file, but is available on request to the Branch Chair ([email protected]).

(Bio: Constitution Education Fund; Photo: OAA)

Tuesday 26 January.  Australia Day Breakfast.

Ross Kingsland AM, Laura Walker, Brian Walker AO

On Tuesday 26 January, members and guests gathered at Royal Canberra Golf Club to celebrate Australia Day, acknowledge the achievements of recipients in the 2021 Australia Day Honours List, and hear guest speaker, Dr Brian Walker AO

Brian’s address was entitled “Resilience: what it is, and what it is not”. His very thought-provoking presentation included an explanation of factors that help confer resilience and those that diminish it; he also emphasised that sometimes recognising and accepting the need for transformational change is necessary to promote resilience. You can find his slides here, including the link to the recently published paper from which the address was drawn. Brian was appointed an Officer in the Order of Australia in January 2020 for distinguished service to science, particularly to ecosystem ecology and research, and to professional scientific bodies(Photo: OAA (ACT); Bio: CSIRO)

2020 Events

Tuesday 17 November. 2020 Order of Australia Association – Australian Defence Force Oration. 

LTGEN Greg Bilton AO, CSC

Our annual OAA-ADF Oration was established in 2011 with the aim of further recognising the contribution made by military members of the Order of Australia to the fabric of Australian society. The 2020 Oration was delivered by the Chief of Joint Operations, Lieutenant General Greg Bilton AO, CSC. General Bilton began by explaining something of Joint Operations Command and his role. He next presented a high level review of Australia’s prevailing strategic circumstances before describing how they impact ADF operations. He spoke briefly about the high regard in which he holds the men and women of the Defence Force, and concluded by touching on domestic operations such as the ADF’s contributions to bushfire relief and the COVID-19 crisis. The Oration is available on YouTube here. The ACT Branch is grateful to the Chief of the Defence Force for his continuing support of this event.  (Photo: OAA; Bio: Defence)

 

Wednesday 21 and Wednesday 28 October.  Breakfast receptions for new recipients at the Commonwealth Club. The Branch celebrated the achievements of 24 new recipients from the Australia Day and Queen’s Birthday 2020 lists and welcomed new members at two breakfasts at the Commonwealth Club, Yarralumla. The ACT Branch is grateful to the ACT Government for its support to this event.

Wednesday 4 March: 2020 Order of Australia Association – Australian National University Lecture: Admiral Chris Barrie AC, RAN (Retd)

Admiral Chris Barrie AC, RAN (Retd)

Admiral Chris Barrie AC, RAN (Retd) presented the 2020 OAA-ANU Lecture on the subject “It’s an Honour – Reflections”. He challenged the audience to think critically about the design and execution of our honours and awards system to ensure that it is inclusive and free of the perception of bias, and pointed to the role that the Association has in this important task. Admiral Barrie was appointed a Member in the Order of Australia in 1994 in recognition of service to the Royal Australian Navy, particularly as Deputy Maritime Commander and Chief of Staff, Maritime Headquarters.  He was appointed an Officer in the Order in 1998 for distinguished service to the Australian Defence Force as Deputy Chief of Naval Staff and Vice Chief of the Defence Force. He was appointed a Companion in the Order in 2001 for eminent service to the Australian Defence Force as Chief of the Defence Force. (Photo: OAA; Bio: Barrie)

Wednesday 19 February: Annual General Meeting and Professor Jane Dahlstrom OAM

Professor Jane Dahlstrom OAM with specimens from the Peter Herdson Musuem

Following our 2020 AGM, Professor Jane Dahlstrom OAM spoke about her journey as a pathologist. She underlined the importance of pathology as a discipline and sketched some of the changes she has helped make to the profession in Canberra and internationally. She also touched on the importance of Canberra’s Peter Herdson pathology teaching museum, and illustrated using several specimens from the museum which she had brought along. Jane was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australian June 2019 for service to medical education, and to pathology. (Photo: OAA;  Bio: Dahlstrom)

Sunday 26 January 2020: Australia Day Breakfast

Almost 90 members and guests gathered to celebrate Australia Day and the achievements of recipients in the 2020 Australia Day honours list, and hear our guest speaker, Alex Sloan AM. In a very significant address, Alex spoke passionately about a number of issues confronting contemporary Australia. Alex was appointed a Member in the Order of Australia in January 2019 for significant service to the community of Canberra, and to the broadcast media as a radio presenter. (Photo: Sloan)

 

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2019 Events

Student Awards. In a departure from our usual arrangements, 2019 Student Awards were presented in school communities rather than at a central Association function. This enable us to say something about the Order of Australia, the Association and the Awards to a wider audience of students, parents and teachers. The selection panel once again considered a field of high-quality nominations. The winners were:

  • Sarah Davis, Daramalan College. Awarded a School Plaque for Outstanding Leadership and Achievement.
  • Samual Freeman, Canberra Grammar School. Awarded a Medallion for Outstanding Community Service and Citizenship and School Plaque.
  • Aidan Gunning, Daramalan College. Awarded a School Plaque for Outstanding Community Service and Citizenship.
  • Caleb Hodgson, UC Senior Secondary College, Lake Ginninderra. Awarded a Medallion for Outstanding Leadership and Achievement and School Plaque.
  • Isaac Martin, Gunghalin College. Awarded a Medallion for Outstanding Leadership and Achievement and School Plaque.
  • The LEADAS (Leadership, Engagement, Academia, Development, Athleticism and Service) boys program and the PEARLS (Promoting, Empowerment, Achievement, Resilience, Legacy and Support) girls program, Amaroo School. Awarded A School Plaque.

Selection panel members Narelle Hargreaves AM and Dr Bill Maiden PSM, OAM with Sam Freeman and the Principal of Canberra Grammar School, Dr Justin Garrick

Aidan Gunning and Sarah Davis with their families

Caleb Hodgson

Tuesday 24 September: Reception for New Recipients.  The Branch celebrated the achievements of 19 new recipients from the Australia Day and Queen’s Birthday 2019 lists and welcomed new members at a reception at the Commonwealth Club, Yarralumla. The ACT Branch is grateful to the ACT Government for its support to this event. (Photos: OAA)

L-R: Andrew Phelan AM; Michael Crane DSC & Bar AM; Neville Exon AM; Vivien Palmer OAM; Louise Mayo AM

Vivien Palmer OAM; Trish Keller OAM

L-R: Tracy Smart AO; Michael Crane DSC & Bar, AM; Collette Mackay OAM; Jane Smyth OAM

L-R: Mary Kirk AM; Eric Thauvette OAM; Margaret Shore OAM; Krishna Nadimpalli OAM; Heather Henderson AM; John Harvey AM; Michael Crane DSC & Bar, AM

L-R: Bruce Calder; Louise Mayo AM; Len Goodman AO

Sunday 18 August: 2019 Multi-Faith Observance. Our 2019 Multi-Faith Observance was held at the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture. It was moderated by the Executive Director of the Centre, Rt Reverend Professor Stephen Pickard, and featured inspirational speakers from a number of faiths. Our theme for this year was Together in Friendship. You can find the program here. This was the final MFO convened by Sam Wong AM, who announced that he will stand down from the Branch Committee at the end of this year.  We thank Sam for his service over many years, particularly in convening the MFO.  (Photo: OAA; bio: ACCC)

Wednesday 24 July: Morning tea with Glenys Patulny OAM.  Glenys spoke about how her interest in supporting the environment drew her into broader community work. Glenys was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in the Queen’s Birthday 2019 list for service to the community of Tuggeranong.

(Photo: Conservation Council)

 

GEN Angus Campbell AO, DSC

Tuesday 25 June: 2019 Order of Australia Association – Australian Defence Force Oration. Our annual Australian Defence Force Oration was established in 2011 with the aim of further recognising the contribution made by military members of the Order of Australia to the fabric of Australian society. The 2019 Oration was delivered by the Chief of the Defence Force, General Angus Campbell AO, DSC, who spoke about security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region in the next 20 years. You can find a transcript of the Oration here. General Campbell was appointed a Member in the Order of Australia on Australia Day 2003 for exceptional service to the Australian Defence Force as the Commanding Officer of the 2nd Battalion Group during operational service in East Timor.  He was appointed an Officer in the Order in the 2017 Queen’s Birthday list for distinguished service as Head Military Strategic Commitments, Deputy Chief of Army, and Chief of Army. (Photo: OAA; Bio: Defence)

 

 

Tuesday 11 June: Queen’s Birthday Luncheon.  Members and guests were treated to an address by Her Excellency Lady Cosgrove at the Royal Canberra Golf Club while commemorating Her Majesty the Queen’s birthday, and celebrating the achievements of ACT-based recipients of honours and awards in the 2019 Queen’s Birthday list.  Lady Cosgrove was accompanied by His Excellency the Governor-General.  She reflected on her experiences at Yarralumla, including: hosting several members of the Royal Family and other eminent international visitors; meeting recipients of honours and awards in the Order of Australia and thousands of other everyday Australians; and representing Australia at significant events both in Australia and overseas.

June O’Donnell, Laurie O’Donnell AC, Lady Cosgrove

Lady Cosgrove, Lois Maiden, John Bullen OAM

 

 

 

 

 

 

Betty Beggs, Lee Llewellyn AM,
Sir Peter Cosgrove AK, AC (Mil), MC

Peter Lawler OAM, Judith Lawler,
Sir Peter Cosgrove AK, AC (Mil), MC

Paul Singer MVO,
Trish Keller OAM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Bio: Govt House; Photos: OAA)

Thursday 2 May: Reception for New Recipients.  The Branch celebrated the achievements of 14 new recipients from the Australia Day 2019 List and welcomed new members at a reception at the Commonwealth Club, Yarralumla. The ACT Branch is grateful to the ACT Government for its support to this event. (Photos: OAA)

L-R: Philip Byrne OAM, John Ive OAM, Susan Healy OAM, Gary Humphries AO, David Richards OAM, Mike Crane DSC & Bar, AM

L-R: David Widdowson AM, Frederick Fawke OAM, Holly Northam OAM, Terence Birtles OAM, Glenys Patulny OAM, Mike Crane DSC & Bar, AM

4 April: Morning Tea with Jenny Bowker AO. More than 30 members and guests gathered at the Royal Canberra Golf Club, Yarralumla, to share fellowship and hear about the experiences of Jenny Bowker AO as diplomat’s wife-turned-textile artist. Jenny gave a lighthearted but thought-provoking account of her journey, describing how she turned to drawing and quilting on finding herself without a job in a foreign country and in the shadows as a diplomat’s wife. She brought along several of her beautiful quilts, including the award winning After the Last Sky. Jenny was appointed an Officer in the Order of Australia in June 2018 for distinguished service to Australia-Middle East cultural relations through the preservation of traditional creative and visual arts, and as a textile artist and educator.

13 February: Annual General Meeting & Evening with Sue Packer AM. Members and guests gathered at the Royal Canberra Golf Club, Yarralumla, to participate in our governance and hear 2019 Senior Australian of the Year, Dr Sue Packer AM, speak about her  Australian of the Year experience.

  • The AGM saw the 2018 Annual Report accepted and a new Branch Committee elected. Our experiment with providing papers in electronic format only was very successful and this approach will be retained, saving considerably on postage costs and volunteer time.
  • Sue began by describing the ‘surreal’ experience of the months and weeks leading up to the announcement of her award, the realities of the presentation night, and the whirlwind of Australia Day in Sydney. She spoke of her delight at being able to share a day with all 34 Australian of the Year finalists and the wonder of a ride around Sydney Harbour with the other winners aboard the ferry Victor Chang. She went on to explain that she has always been passionate about children, even while growing up, and that this had led to her becoming a paediatrician and eventually to her work in the child abuse sector. She shared a range of insights from her experience and exhorted all adults to be more interested in children, more curious them. In response to a question, she even gave advice on successful grand parenting! We are very proud to have Sue as a member of the ACT Branch and wish her every success during her tenure as Senior Australian of the Year.

(Photo: The Canberra Times)

26 January: 2019 Australia Day Breakfast.  Almost 100 members and guests gathered to celebrate Australia Day and the achievements of recipients in the 2019 Australia Day honours list, and hear our guest speaker, Sir Angus Houston AK, AFC. Sir Angus spoke about two significant anniversaries occurring in 2019: he first described the 1919 Great Air Race, won by two Australian pilots, Ross and Keith Smith, and the subsequent development of a commercial air route between London and Australia, before observing that 2019 marks the 20th anniversary of no flying fatalities in the Royal Australian Air Force. While praising the extraordinary achievements of early aviators, he contrasted their approach to risk with the modern culture that has transformed the Air Force’s safety record. (Photos: OAA)

L-R: Derek Robson AM, Sir Angus Houston AK, AFC, Liz Houston, Ann Gration,
and Branch Patron Peter Gration OBE, AC

Narelle Hargreaves AM (2019 recipient)
and Bill Maiden PSM, OAM

Sir Angus Houston AK, AFC
and Ross Dunn OAM (2019 recipient)

______________________________________________________________________________

2018 Events

22 November: 2018 Student Awards. Members and guests were joined by families, principals and teachers for the presentation of annual Student Awards by our Patron, General Peter Gration OBE, AC. Student Awards recognise meritorious community service and citizenship by ACT school students. A full report on the presentation and award winners is on our Student Awards page.

17 October: Morning Tea with Diane Johnstone AM.  Members and their guests enjoyed morning tea at the Royal Canberra Golf Club with Di Johnstone AM, who spoke about Diplomacy, Art and Community Engagement. Di related her experiences as a diplomat in South Africa and later in Australia collecting and promoting the work of South African artists. She went on to talk about her community work in Canberra after her diplomatic career.  Di was appointed a Member in the Order of Australia in January 2015 for significant service to international relations through support for creative arts in South Africa, and to the community of Canberra. (Photo: OAA)

Dr Joan Buchanan AM & Di Johnstone AM

Professor Ann McGrath AM

3 October: 2018 Order of Australia Association – Australian National University Lecture. Professor Ann McGrath AM presented the annual OAA-ANU Lecture on the subject Time Immemorial? Dates, history and the deep human past, opening members and guests to a fascinating alternative view about history and how we think about it. Ann was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2007 for service to education, particularly in the fields of indigenous history, as a teacher, researcher and author, and through leadership roles with a range of history-related organisations. She was appointed a Member in the Order in 2017 for significant service to the social sciences as an academic and researcher in the field of indigenous history, and to tertiary education.” (Photo: ANU)

19 September: Reception for new recipients.  The Branch celebrated the achievements of 6 new recipients from the Queen’s Birthday 2018 List (at right) and welcomed new members at a reception at the Commonwealth Club, Yarralumla. (Photos: OAA)

L-R: Mike Crane DSC & Bar, AM; Jenny Bowker AO; Colin Thomson AM; Robin Creyke AO; Dianne Anderson AM; Kanti Jinna OAM; Frank Owens OAM

L-R: Frank Owens OAM; Dianne Anderson AM; Elizabeth Grant AM

 

Mr Muhammed Asku

19 August: 2018 Multi-Faith Observance. About 40 members and guests attended our 2018 Multi-Faith Observance at the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture to hear a variety of inspirational speakers on the theme “Wisdom for the Common Good” and enjoy fellowship during a light afternoon tea. The Observance was moderated by the Executive Director of the Centre, Rt Reverend Professor Stephen Pickard, and featured Mr Harry Opperman (Jewish Tradition), Mr Muhammed Asku (Muslim tradition), Dr Willie Senanayake (Buddhist Tradition), Mr Kanti Jinna OAM (Hindu Tradition) and Dr Shahnaz Kouhbor (Baha’i Tradition). This event continues to underscore the importance of a focus on the things that bind our community together rather than the things on which we might disagree. (Pickard bio: CSU; Photos: OAA)

12 June: 2018 Queen’s Birthday Luncheon. More than 50 members and guests gathered for luncheon at the Royal Canberra Golf Club to mark the Queen’s Birthday and celebrate the achievements of ACT and regional recipients in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.  Our speaker was Mr Glenn Keys AO, co-founder and co-Executive Director of global health provider, Aspen Medical.  Glenn spoke frankly about his early career in the Australian Army and the difficult decision he and his wife made to leave all that when their son, Ehran, was diagnosed with Down Syndrome.  He described the events that then led to the formation of Aspen, some of the extraordinary things that Aspen has done, and the culture of giving that is built into the company.  He closed by introducing the audience to Project Independence, a new model for provision of social housing for people with an intellectual disability. Glenn was appointed an Officer of The Order of Australia in June 2017 for distinguished service to the community of the Australian Capital Territory through contributions to disability support programs, and to business and commerce as an advocate for corporate social responsibility. (Bio: Aspen)

24 May: 2018 Order of Australia Association – Australian Defence Force Oration. The annual Order of Australia Association – Australian Defence Force Oration was established in 2011 with the aim of further recognising the contribution made by military members of the Order of Australia to the fabric of Australian society. The 2018 Oration was delivered by the Chief of Joint Capabilities, Air Vice Marshal Warren McDonald AM, CSC. You can find an edited transcript of the Oration here. Air Vice-Marshal McDonald was appointed a Member of The Order of Australia in June 2015 for exceptional performance of duty as Officer Commanding Number 92 Wing, Director General Capability Planning – Air Force, and Commander of Air Mobility Group. (Bio: Defence; Photo OAA)

L-R: Bill Henman AM; AVM Warren McDonald AM, CSC; Ian Gollings AM

17 May: Reception for New Recipients. The ACT Branch welcomed 11 new members to the Association at a reception held at the Commonwealth Club, Yarralumla. (Photo: OAA)

L-R: Jan Paula OAM; Peter Ashworth OAM; Alpha Gregory OAM; Jim Quick OAM; Michael Crane DSC & Bar, AM (ACT Chair); David Cossart OAM; Ian Sayers OAM, ED; Robin Eckermann AM; Ingrid Moses AO; Alan Morrison AM; Michael Coper AO; Gordon Gregory OAM

17 April: Morning Tea at the National Arboretum. Members and guests enjoyed morning tea with Ian Sayers OAM, ED, who spoke about his working life and his experiences as a volunteer. Ian was awarded the Medal of the Order in the 2018 Australia Day list for services to veterans and their families, and to the community. (Photo: OAA)

14 March: Tour of NGA Art of War Exhibition. In a rare treat, Dr Anna Gray AM, Emeritus Curator, kindly hosted a tour of the Arthur Streeton: the art of war exhibition for OAA members and guests. The exhibition brought together key works from collections around Australia and overseas. Anna was honoured in 2017 for significant service to the visual arts as a curator, scholar and historian, to Australian artists, and to the promotion of cultural heritage. (Bio: The Canberra Times)

1 March: Memories as National Treasures.  Following our AGM, Bill Stephens OAM regaled members and guests with stories about his experiences in recording more than 200 interviews for the National Library’s Oral History Collection, principally with performing artists. Bill was awarded the Medal of the Order in 2017 for service to the performing arts through a range of roles. (Photo: Stephens)

26 January: 2018 Australia Day Breakfast. Guest speaker Penelope Thwaites AM, Chair of the Order of Australia Association UK/Europe, gave a very personal address to members and guests on her topic Canberra Connections. You can download the text of her address here. Penelope was honoured in 2001 for service to music through the performance and promotion of Australian compositions in the United Kingdom and internationally. (Bio: Wikipedia; Photo: OAA)

 


2017 Events

26 October: 2017 Order of Australia Association – Australian National University Lecture.  Professor Chennupati Jagadish AC presented the annual OAA – ANU lecture on the subject Nanotechnology: Opportunities and Challenges, providing members and guest with fascinating insight into nanotechnology and its increasing impact on our daily lives.  You can watch the lecture here.  Professor Jagadish was honoured in the Australia Day 2016 list for eminent service to physics and engineering, particularly in the field of nanotechnology, to education as a leading academic, researcher, author and mentor, and through executive roles with national and international scientific advisory institutions.  (Photo, bio & video: ANU)

 25 May: 2017 Order of Australia Association – Australian Defence Force Oration.  Our 2017 OAA – ADF Orator was the Vice Chief of the Defence Force, Vice Admiral Ray Griggs AO, CSC, RAN, who spoke on For Society and of Society: Where the ADF sits in modern Australia.  You can read the text of the Oration here. Vice Admiral Griggs was honoured in 2012 for distinguished service to the Australian Defence Force as Deputy Head Strategic Reform and Governance, Deputy Chief of Joint Operations, and Chief of the Royal Australian Navy. (Photo & bio: Defence)

 

26 January: 2017 Australia Day Breakfast.  Our Australia Day guest speaker was National President of the Order of Australia Association, Philip Flood AO. Philip spoke about the challenges for Australia associated with Islam in Indonesia and a divided America. You can read the text of his address here. Philip was appointed an Officer in the Order of Australia in 1992 in recognition of service to international relations.  (Photo & bio: Wikipedia)

 

 

 

Past Events

2023 Events

Tuesday 18 July 2023. The Order of Australia Association (ACT Branch) Mid-Year Luncheon.  Canberra Southern Cross Club Woden.

Around 60 members and guests enjoyed our Mid-Year Luncheon while listening to our special guest speaker, Mr Gregory James HOOD AO.  Greg was appointed an Officer in the Order on Australia Day 2023 for distinguished service to the national transportation and aviation industries, and to the not-for-profit sector.

Greg spoke about his life and career, and focused on his time as Chief Commissioner and CEO of the Australian Transport Safety Bureau, including winding up the search for MH370, the accident at Essendon where the pilot and 4 passengers were killed when their Super King Air aircraft struck the Direct Factory Outlet at Essendon, and the loss of the C130 Hercules Large Aerial Tanker in January 2020.

Wednesday 10 May.  Autumn Reception for New Recipients.  Our Autumn reception was a great opportunity to congratulate 21 recent recipients of honours and awards in the Order of Australia, welcome new members to the Association and share fellowship with existing members in the ambience of the Commonwealth Club.  The ACT Branch gratefully acknowledges the support of the ACT Government for this event.

Tuesday 18 April.  2023 Order of Australia Association – Australian Defence Force Oration: Vice Admiral Mark Hammond AM RAN, Chief of Navy.

Members and guests gathered at Russell on 18 April for the 2023 Order of Australia Association – Australian Defence Force Oration with Vice Admiral Mark Hammond AM RAN.

Vice Admiral Hammond sketched his views on the strategic situation, contemporary issues for his command and the critical role which the Royal Australian Navy will continue to play in the defence of the Nation. His emphasis on submarines drew a wide range of questions.

Vice Admiral Hammond was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2018 for exceptional service to the Australian Defence Force in senior command and staff roles.

(Photo & bio: Defence)

Wednesday 22 March.  Morning Tea with Roxanne Missingham OAM.

Members and guests met at Royal Canberra Golf Club for morning tea to hear Roxanne Missingham OAM speak on the topic “Saving our memory – new roles of libraries and archives.”  Roxanne talked about how our memories are recorded and the initiatives she has led or been involved with to provide a way to make collections available to Australians and the new challenges we are facing. She also described the work she has  done in Myanmar and the work she is now doing on legislative reform.  Roxanne was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in June 2021 for service to the library and information sciences. (Photo & Bio: Missingham)

Wednesday 15 February 2023.  2023 Branch Annual General Meeting and Professor Robert Care AM. Our AGM saw the election of: Alan Morrison AM as Branch Nominated Director; Andrew Phelan AM as Branch Chair; Robert Altamore OAM as Branch Secretary; and Brian Babington AM, Lynne Duckam OAM, Narelle Hargreaves AM, Coralie Wood OAM and Desmond Woods OAM as Committee members. Congratulations to all! Immediately following the AGM, Branch member and Chair of RedR Australia, Professor Robert Care AM, spoke about “The Humanitarian Challenge Ahead”. Robert painted a compelling picture of the global humanitarian need and sketched the efforts of RedR in response. You can read a transcript of Robert’s address here, and see his slides here.  Robert was appointed a Member of the Order in June 2012 for service to engineering through a range of executive roles, to the business sector, to international humanitarian programs, and to the sport of athletics.  (Photo & Bio: Care)

Thursday 26 January.  2023 Australia Day Breakfast with Professor Tanya Monro AC.

Professor Tanya Monro AC

On 26 January, members and guests gathered at Royal Canberra Golf Club to celebrate our national day and acknowledge the achievements of recipients in the 2023 Australia Day honours list. Our special guest speaker was Professor Tanya Monro AC, who spoke about “Science for Purpose”.  Tanya gave an inspirational address, touching on her own experiences in science, the importance of engaging young people in STEM, and how she is re-shaping the Defence Science and Technology Group. She expressed the joy she feels in applying science to solve problems and noted the happy truth that solving one problem often leads to advances in quite unrelated areas. Tanya was appointed a Companion of the Order In June 2022 for eminent service to scientific and technological development, to research and innovation, to tertiary education, particularly in the field of photonics, and to professional organisations.  (Bio: Defence; Photos: OAA)

Anthony Anderson PAM, Kathy Anderson OAM, John Fricker OAM, Kim Farrant

Liz Scrivener OAM, Russ Richards OAM, Paul Trewartha

John Hardy OAM, Rick Forster

Mike Evans OAM, Trish Keller OAM, Patricia Evans

Robert Altamore OAM, Monica Phelan, Jean Bennett OAM

Paul Hornsby OAM RAN, Tanya Monro AC, Richard Etherington, Dan Etherington AM

2022 Events

Wednesday 7 December.  2022 Order of Australia Association – Australian National University Lecture.

Members and large numbers of guests gathered in the new Research School of Physics auditorium to hear Head of the National Security College, Professor Rory Medcalf AM, deliver the 2022 OAA-ANU Lecture on “Making sense of national security”. Rory outlined the College’s role, challenged the audience to rethink national security, and offered some prescriptions for improving Australia’s national security.  You can watch the Lecture and the Q&A session that followed here. Rory was appointed a Member of the Order in June 2022 for significant service to international relations, and to tertiary education.  (Photo & Bio: ANU)

Monday 31 October: Spring Reception for New Recipients.  More than 70 members and guests met to congratulate new recipients, welcome new members and share fellowship with existing members in the ambience of the Commonwealth Club. We’ll have photos shortly!

Wednesday 7 September: Morning Tea with Emeritus Professor John Hardy OAM.  Members and guests met at Royal Canberra Golf Club for morning tea with Emeritus Professor John Hardy OAM.  John explored  Shakespeare’s play Measure for Measure, arguing that it foreshadows, and is sympathetic with, much in the #MeToo Movement, rather than being a misogynistic work as it is sometime portrayed. You can read John’s text here. John was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in January 2021 for service to tertiary education, particularly to the humanities. (Photo: OAA ACT; Bio: It’s An Honour)

Thursday 25 August: 2022 Student Citizenship Awards. Members and guests joined parents and teachers at Royal Canberra Golf Club to celebrate the achievements of winners in our 2022 Student Citizenship Awards.  Individual awards were presented to Lize van der Walt, Anneliese Smolonogov (both Canberra Girls Grammar School) and Anna Charlton (Radford College). Representatives from the Earlyact Club from Forrest Primary School accepted a group award on behalf of the Club. 12 year old Samuel Nichol from Forrest Primary thanked the Association on behalf of recipients – you can read Sam’s inspirational words here. On 8 September, Branch Chair Michael Crane DSC & Bar AM and Awards Convenors Bill Maiden PSM OAM and Narelle Hargreaves AM attended an assembly at Forrest Primary to present scrolls to all 30 members of the ‘Earlyact’ Club.  Details of previous winners are available on our Student Awards page. (Photo: OAA, used with permission of parents.)

Peta Mantel AM

Forrest Primary School Earlyact Club at School Assembly

Tuesday 14 June: 2022 Queen’s Birthday Luncheon: Dr Brian Babington AM

On Tuesday 14 June, members and guests marked Her Majesty the Queen’s birthday in her Platinum Jubilee year and celebrated the achievements of recipients of honours and awards in the Queen’s Birthday list at the Southern Cross Club, Woden. Our guest speaker was Dr Brian Babington AM, who spoke on the importance of  putting children first. You can read the text of Brian’s address here. Brian was appointed a Member of the Order in June 2021 for significant service to children through safety and well-being initiatives. (Photo & bio: Babington)

 

Thursday 21 April: 2022 Order of Australia Association – Australian Defence Force Oration: Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Rick Burr AO, DSC, MVO

Members and guests gathered at Russell on 21 April for the 2022 Order of Australia Association – Australian Defence Force Oration with Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Rick Burr AO, DSC, MVO. General Burr canvassed a wide range of current issues, focussing on the importance of developing the people capable of delivering an army that is ready now and ready for the future. You can read a transcript of the Oration here. General Burr was appointed an Officer of the Order in January 2018 for distinguished service in the implementation of significant reform and the realisation of strategic capabilities within the Australian Defence Force. (Photo & bio: Defence)

Thursday 10 March: Morning Tea: Dr Peter Pedersen AM

Members and guests enjoyed morning tea with Dr Peter Petersen AM, who spoke about Sir John Monash: the man behind the general. Peter shared deep insights into Monash’s character, what drove him and why he was successful both as a general and in life more broadly. His candid answers during question time helped complete the picture of Australia’s best general. Peter was appointed a member of the Order of Australia in January 2020 for significant service to military history as an author and researcher.  (Photo: Pedersen)

 

Wednesday 16 February: Branch Annual General Meeting & Reception for New Recipients

Our AGM saw the election to the Branch Committee of Joseph Johnson CSC, OAM, AAM and the re-election of Phil Morrall AM, CSC (Treasurer), Bill Maiden PSM, OAM and Andrew Phelan AM (members).  Congratulations to all!  Following the AGM, we welcomed eight new recipients of honours and awards from the 2021 Queen’s Birthday Honours List. We extend our thanks to the ACT Government and the President and members of the Commonwealth Club for their ongoing support to reception for new recipients.

Mary Anne Nelson OAM; Michael Crane DSC & Bar, AM

Peta Mantel AM

Roxanne Missingham OAM; Michael Crane DSC& Bar, AM

Nerida Cullen OAM

Michael Crane DSC & Bar, AM; Jim Waddell OAM

Paul Hornsby OAM, RAN

Mary Anne Nielsen OAM; Michael Crane DSC & Bar, AM

Wednesday 26 January: 2022 Australia Day Breakfast: Genevieve Jacobs AM

On 26 January, members and guests gathered at Royal Canberra Golf Club to celebrate Australia Day and acknowledge the achievements of recipients in the 2022 Australia Day Honours List. Our special guest speaker was former journalist and ABC broadcaster Genevieve Jacobs AM, who spoke on The Media and Challenges to our Democracy. In a compelling address, Genevieve highlighted the impact of the transition to digital media, the pressures on journalists arising from hollowing out of newsrooms and the risks to our society from a less balanced fourth estate. Genevieve was appointed a Member in the Order of Australia on Australia Day 2021 for significant service to the broadcast media, and to the community. (Bio: Jacobs; Photos: OAA)

Joe Johnson CSC, OAM, AAM; Ian Sayers OAM

Simon Cullen AM, CSC; Cecilia Moar; Paul Hornsby OAM, RAN

Abdul Hashim OAM; John Hardy OAM

Rhonda Babington; Brian Babington AM; Sue Packer AO

Stephen Horn; Jim Waddell OAM; Alison Waddell

2021 Events

Thursday 4 November: 2021 Order of Australia Association – Australian National University Lecture: Professor Peter Yu AM

Our annual Order of Australia Association – Australian National University Lecture was established in 2011 with the aim of further recognising the contribution of academic members of the Order of Australia to the fabric of Australian society. The 2021 Lecture was delivered online for the first time, allowing Association members from across Australia to participate. Our Lecturer was Professor Peter Yu AM, whose theme was Looking forward, Looking Back. In a poignant address, Peter reflected on his experiences growing up as an Indigenous person and his hopes for a better future for Indigenous people. You can view the Lecture here. Peter was appointed a Member in the Order of Australia in June 2021 for significant service to the community, particularly to Indigenous cultural and political organisations. The Association is grateful to the Vice-Chancellor of the University for his continuing support to this important community outreach event. (Photo & bio: ANU)

Monday 9 August: 2021 Order of Australia Association – Australian Defence Force Oration: Air Marshal Mel Hupfeld AO, DSC

Our annual Order of Australia Association – Australian Defence Force Oration was established in 2011 with the aim of further recognising the contribution made by military members of the Order of Australia to the fabric of Australian society. The 2021 Oration was delivered by the Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Mel Hupfeld AO, DSC. Air Marshal Hupfeld touched briefly on the Air Force’s first 100 years, before turning to current issues and some thoughts on the future. You can read the transcript of the Oration here. Air Marshal Hupfeld was appointed an Officer in the Order of Australia in January 2015 for distinguished service to the Australian Defence Force in senior command and staff appointments. The Association is grateful to the Chief of the Defence Force for his continuing support to this important community outreach event.  (Photo & bio: Defence)

 

Wednesday 14 July: Morning Tea with Ian Mansfield AM, CSC. Ian spoke about his work in global mine action programs over 20 years working with the United Nations and other international organisations. You can find a link to his his book here and the slides from his presentation here. Ian was appointed a Member in the Order of Australia in June 2010 for service to international humanitarian aid through the establishment of global landmine removal, safety and training programs. (Photo: Mansfield)

Ray Griggs AO, CSC

Tuesday 15 June: 2021 Queen’s Birthday Luncheon: Mr Ray Griggs AO, CSC.  Branch members shared fellowship, celebrated Her Majesty the Queen’s birthday and acknowledged the achievements of ACT and region-based recipients of honours and awards in the 2021 Queen’s Birthday list with lunch at the Royal Canberra Golf Club. Our guest speaker was the Chief Executive Officer of the National Indigenous Australians Agency, Mr Ray Griggs AO, CSC, who touched on some of the challenges in his appointment while stressing the many positives.  You can find the text of his address here. Ray was appointed an Officer of the Order in 2012 for distinguished service to the Australian Defence Force as Deputy Head Strategic Reform and Governance, Deputy Chief of Joint Operations, and Chief of the Royal Australian Navy. (Photo & Bio: NIAA)

Wednesday 26 May: Autumn Breakfast for New Recipients. The Branch celebrated the achievements of 11 new recipients from the Queen’s Birthday 2020 and Australia Day 2021 lists and welcomed new members at a breakfast at the Commonwealth Club, Yarralumla. The ACT Branch is grateful to the ACT Government for its support to this event. (Photos: OAA ACT)

Robyn Diener, Chris Diener OAM

John Hardy OAM

Perry Daroesman, Abdul Hashim OAM

Wojciech Horky, Wanda Horky OAM

Lucky Prasad OAM

Roger Wainwright OAM

Janeen Williams, Angela Drayton, William Kelly AM, Allan Williams AM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scott Saddler AM

 

Tuesday 27 April: Morning Tea with Scott Saddler AM. Scott spoke about the development of the National Arboretum since its inception and his vision for its future.  He was appointed a Member in the Order of Australia in June 2020 for significant service to public administration, and as a supporter and mentor of Indigenous youth. (Bio: National Arboretum; photo: OAA ACT)

 

 

Tuesday 16 February.  Annual General Meeting & Andrew Phelan AM. 

Andrew Phelan AM

Our 2021 Annual General Meeting was the first under the Association’s new Constitution. Following the meeting, Branch Committee Member and Queen’s Birthday 2019 recipient, Andrew Phelan AM, spoke about his experiences at the High Court of Australia, where he served for more than a decade as Chief Executive and Principal Registrar. Andrew’s slide deck is a large file, but is available on request to the Branch Chair ([email protected]).

(Bio: Constitution Education Fund; Photo: OAA)

Tuesday 26 January.  Australia Day Breakfast.

Ross Kingsland AM, Laura Walker, Brian Walker AO

On Tuesday 26 January, members and guests gathered at Royal Canberra Golf Club to celebrate Australia Day, acknowledge the achievements of recipients in the 2021 Australia Day Honours List, and hear guest speaker, Dr Brian Walker AO

Brian’s address was entitled “Resilience: what it is, and what it is not”. His very thought-provoking presentation included an explanation of factors that help confer resilience and those that diminish it; he also emphasised that sometimes recognising and accepting the need for transformational change is necessary to promote resilience. You can find his slides here, including the link to the recently published paper from which the address was drawn. Brian was appointed an Officer in the Order of Australia in January 2020 for distinguished service to science, particularly to ecosystem ecology and research, and to professional scientific bodies(Photo: OAA (ACT); Bio: CSIRO)

2020 Events

Tuesday 17 November. 2020 Order of Australia Association – Australian Defence Force Oration. 

LTGEN Greg Bilton AO, CSC

Our annual OAA-ADF Oration was established in 2011 with the aim of further recognising the contribution made by military members of the Order of Australia to the fabric of Australian society. The 2020 Oration was delivered by the Chief of Joint Operations, Lieutenant General Greg Bilton AO, CSC. General Bilton began by explaining something of Joint Operations Command and his role. He next presented a high level review of Australia’s prevailing strategic circumstances before describing how they impact ADF operations. He spoke briefly about the high regard in which he holds the men and women of the Defence Force, and concluded by touching on domestic operations such as the ADF’s contributions to bushfire relief and the COVID-19 crisis. The Oration is available on YouTube here. The ACT Branch is grateful to the Chief of the Defence Force for his continuing support of this event.  (Photo: OAA; Bio: Defence)

 

Wednesday 21 and Wednesday 28 October.  Breakfast receptions for new recipients at the Commonwealth Club. The Branch celebrated the achievements of 24 new recipients from the Australia Day and Queen’s Birthday 2020 lists and welcomed new members at two breakfasts at the Commonwealth Club, Yarralumla. The ACT Branch is grateful to the ACT Government for its support to this event.

Wednesday 4 March: 2020 Order of Australia Association – Australian National University Lecture: Admiral Chris Barrie AC, RAN (Retd)

Admiral Chris Barrie AC, RAN (Retd)

Admiral Chris Barrie AC, RAN (Retd) presented the 2020 OAA-ANU Lecture on the subject “It’s an Honour – Reflections”. He challenged the audience to think critically about the design and execution of our honours and awards system to ensure that it is inclusive and free of the perception of bias, and pointed to the role that the Association has in this important task. Admiral Barrie was appointed a Member in the Order of Australia in 1994 in recognition of service to the Royal Australian Navy, particularly as Deputy Maritime Commander and Chief of Staff, Maritime Headquarters.  He was appointed an Officer in the Order in 1998 for distinguished service to the Australian Defence Force as Deputy Chief of Naval Staff and Vice Chief of the Defence Force. He was appointed a Companion in the Order in 2001 for eminent service to the Australian Defence Force as Chief of the Defence Force. (Photo: OAA; Bio: Barrie)

Wednesday 19 February: Annual General Meeting and Professor Jane Dahlstrom OAM

Professor Jane Dahlstrom OAM with specimens from the Peter Herdson Musuem

Following our 2020 AGM, Professor Jane Dahlstrom OAM spoke about her journey as a pathologist. She underlined the importance of pathology as a discipline and sketched some of the changes she has helped make to the profession in Canberra and internationally. She also touched on the importance of Canberra’s Peter Herdson pathology teaching museum, and illustrated using several specimens from the museum which she had brought along. Jane was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australian June 2019 for service to medical education, and to pathology. (Photo: OAA;  Bio: Dahlstrom)

Sunday 26 January 2020: Australia Day Breakfast

Almost 90 members and guests gathered to celebrate Australia Day and the achievements of recipients in the 2020 Australia Day honours list, and hear our guest speaker, Alex Sloan AM. In a very significant address, Alex spoke passionately about a number of issues confronting contemporary Australia. Alex was appointed a Member in the Order of Australia in January 2019 for significant service to the community of Canberra, and to the broadcast media as a radio presenter. (Photo: Sloan)

 

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2019 Events

Student Awards. In a departure from our usual arrangements, 2019 Student Awards were presented in school communities rather than at a central Association function. This enable us to say something about the Order of Australia, the Association and the Awards to a wider audience of students, parents and teachers. The selection panel once again considered a field of high-quality nominations. The winners were:

  • Sarah Davis, Daramalan College. Awarded a School Plaque for Outstanding Leadership and Achievement.
  • Samual Freeman, Canberra Grammar School. Awarded a Medallion for Outstanding Community Service and Citizenship and School Plaque.
  • Aidan Gunning, Daramalan College. Awarded a School Plaque for Outstanding Community Service and Citizenship.
  • Caleb Hodgson, UC Senior Secondary College, Lake Ginninderra. Awarded a Medallion for Outstanding Leadership and Achievement and School Plaque.
  • Isaac Martin, Gunghalin College. Awarded a Medallion for Outstanding Leadership and Achievement and School Plaque.
  • The LEADAS (Leadership, Engagement, Academia, Development, Athleticism and Service) boys program and the PEARLS (Promoting, Empowerment, Achievement, Resilience, Legacy and Support) girls program, Amaroo School. Awarded A School Plaque.

Selection panel members Narelle Hargreaves AM and Dr Bill Maiden PSM, OAM with Sam Freeman and the Principal of Canberra Grammar School, Dr Justin Garrick

Aidan Gunning and Sarah Davis with their families

Caleb Hodgson

Tuesday 24 September: Reception for New Recipients.  The Branch celebrated the achievements of 19 new recipients from the Australia Day and Queen’s Birthday 2019 lists and welcomed new members at a reception at the Commonwealth Club, Yarralumla. The ACT Branch is grateful to the ACT Government for its support to this event. (Photos: OAA)

L-R: Andrew Phelan AM; Michael Crane DSC & Bar AM; Neville Exon AM; Vivien Palmer OAM; Louise Mayo AM

Vivien Palmer OAM; Trish Keller OAM

L-R: Tracy Smart AO; Michael Crane DSC & Bar, AM; Collette Mackay OAM; Jane Smyth OAM

L-R: Mary Kirk AM; Eric Thauvette OAM; Margaret Shore OAM; Krishna Nadimpalli OAM; Heather Henderson AM; John Harvey AM; Michael Crane DSC & Bar, AM

L-R: Bruce Calder; Louise Mayo AM; Len Goodman AO

Sunday 18 August: 2019 Multi-Faith Observance. Our 2019 Multi-Faith Observance was held at the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture. It was moderated by the Executive Director of the Centre, Rt Reverend Professor Stephen Pickard, and featured inspirational speakers from a number of faiths. Our theme for this year was Together in Friendship. You can find the program here. This was the final MFO convened by Sam Wong AM, who announced that he will stand down from the Branch Committee at the end of this year.  We thank Sam for his service over many years, particularly in convening the MFO.  (Photo: OAA; bio: ACCC)

Wednesday 24 July: Morning tea with Glenys Patulny OAM.  Glenys spoke about how her interest in supporting the environment drew her into broader community work. Glenys was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in the Queen’s Birthday 2019 list for service to the community of Tuggeranong.

(Photo: Conservation Council)

 

GEN Angus Campbell AO, DSC

Tuesday 25 June: 2019 Order of Australia Association – Australian Defence Force Oration. Our annual Australian Defence Force Oration was established in 2011 with the aim of further recognising the contribution made by military members of the Order of Australia to the fabric of Australian society. The 2019 Oration was delivered by the Chief of the Defence Force, General Angus Campbell AO, DSC, who spoke about security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region in the next 20 years. You can find a transcript of the Oration here. General Campbell was appointed a Member in the Order of Australia on Australia Day 2003 for exceptional service to the Australian Defence Force as the Commanding Officer of the 2nd Battalion Group during operational service in East Timor.  He was appointed an Officer in the Order in the 2017 Queen’s Birthday list for distinguished service as Head Military Strategic Commitments, Deputy Chief of Army, and Chief of Army. (Photo: OAA; Bio: Defence)

 

 

Tuesday 11 June: Queen’s Birthday Luncheon.  Members and guests were treated to an address by Her Excellency Lady Cosgrove at the Royal Canberra Golf Club while commemorating Her Majesty the Queen’s birthday, and celebrating the achievements of ACT-based recipients of honours and awards in the 2019 Queen’s Birthday list.  Lady Cosgrove was accompanied by His Excellency the Governor-General.  She reflected on her experiences at Yarralumla, including: hosting several members of the Royal Family and other eminent international visitors; meeting recipients of honours and awards in the Order of Australia and thousands of other everyday Australians; and representing Australia at significant events both in Australia and overseas.

June O’Donnell, Laurie O’Donnell AC, Lady Cosgrove

Lady Cosgrove, Lois Maiden, John Bullen OAM

 

 

 

 

 

 

Betty Beggs, Lee Llewellyn AM,
Sir Peter Cosgrove AK, AC (Mil), MC

Peter Lawler OAM, Judith Lawler,
Sir Peter Cosgrove AK, AC (Mil), MC

Paul Singer MVO,
Trish Keller OAM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Bio: Govt House; Photos: OAA)

Thursday 2 May: Reception for New Recipients.  The Branch celebrated the achievements of 14 new recipients from the Australia Day 2019 List and welcomed new members at a reception at the Commonwealth Club, Yarralumla. The ACT Branch is grateful to the ACT Government for its support to this event. (Photos: OAA)

L-R: Philip Byrne OAM, John Ive OAM, Susan Healy OAM, Gary Humphries AO, David Richards OAM, Mike Crane DSC & Bar, AM

L-R: David Widdowson AM, Frederick Fawke OAM, Holly Northam OAM, Terence Birtles OAM, Glenys Patulny OAM, Mike Crane DSC & Bar, AM

4 April: Morning Tea with Jenny Bowker AO. More than 30 members and guests gathered at the Royal Canberra Golf Club, Yarralumla, to share fellowship and hear about the experiences of Jenny Bowker AO as diplomat’s wife-turned-textile artist. Jenny gave a lighthearted but thought-provoking account of her journey, describing how she turned to drawing and quilting on finding herself without a job in a foreign country and in the shadows as a diplomat’s wife. She brought along several of her beautiful quilts, including the award winning After the Last Sky. Jenny was appointed an Officer in the Order of Australia in June 2018 for distinguished service to Australia-Middle East cultural relations through the preservation of traditional creative and visual arts, and as a textile artist and educator.

13 February: Annual General Meeting & Evening with Sue Packer AM. Members and guests gathered at the Royal Canberra Golf Club, Yarralumla, to participate in our governance and hear 2019 Senior Australian of the Year, Dr Sue Packer AM, speak about her  Australian of the Year experience.

  • The AGM saw the 2018 Annual Report accepted and a new Branch Committee elected. Our experiment with providing papers in electronic format only was very successful and this approach will be retained, saving considerably on postage costs and volunteer time.
  • Sue began by describing the ‘surreal’ experience of the months and weeks leading up to the announcement of her award, the realities of the presentation night, and the whirlwind of Australia Day in Sydney. She spoke of her delight at being able to share a day with all 34 Australian of the Year finalists and the wonder of a ride around Sydney Harbour with the other winners aboard the ferry Victor Chang. She went on to explain that she has always been passionate about children, even while growing up, and that this had led to her becoming a paediatrician and eventually to her work in the child abuse sector. She shared a range of insights from her experience and exhorted all adults to be more interested in children, more curious them. In response to a question, she even gave advice on successful grand parenting! We are very proud to have Sue as a member of the ACT Branch and wish her every success during her tenure as Senior Australian of the Year.

(Photo: The Canberra Times)

26 January: 2019 Australia Day Breakfast.  Almost 100 members and guests gathered to celebrate Australia Day and the achievements of recipients in the 2019 Australia Day honours list, and hear our guest speaker, Sir Angus Houston AK, AFC. Sir Angus spoke about two significant anniversaries occurring in 2019: he first described the 1919 Great Air Race, won by two Australian pilots, Ross and Keith Smith, and the subsequent development of a commercial air route between London and Australia, before observing that 2019 marks the 20th anniversary of no flying fatalities in the Royal Australian Air Force. While praising the extraordinary achievements of early aviators, he contrasted their approach to risk with the modern culture that has transformed the Air Force’s safety record. (Photos: OAA)

L-R: Derek Robson AM, Sir Angus Houston AK, AFC, Liz Houston, Ann Gration,
and Branch Patron Peter Gration OBE, AC

Narelle Hargreaves AM (2019 recipient)
and Bill Maiden PSM, OAM

Sir Angus Houston AK, AFC
and Ross Dunn OAM (2019 recipient)

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2018 Events

22 November: 2018 Student Awards. Members and guests were joined by families, principals and teachers for the presentation of annual Student Awards by our Patron, General Peter Gration OBE, AC. Student Awards recognise meritorious community service and citizenship by ACT school students. A full report on the presentation and award winners is on our Student Awards page.

17 October: Morning Tea with Diane Johnstone AM.  Members and their guests enjoyed morning tea at the Royal Canberra Golf Club with Di Johnstone AM, who spoke about Diplomacy, Art and Community Engagement. Di related her experiences as a diplomat in South Africa and later in Australia collecting and promoting the work of South African artists. She went on to talk about her community work in Canberra after her diplomatic career.  Di was appointed a Member in the Order of Australia in January 2015 for significant service to international relations through support for creative arts in South Africa, and to the community of Canberra. (Photo: OAA)

Dr Joan Buchanan AM & Di Johnstone AM

Professor Ann McGrath AM

3 October: 2018 Order of Australia Association – Australian National University Lecture. Professor Ann McGrath AM presented the annual OAA-ANU Lecture on the subject Time Immemorial? Dates, history and the deep human past, opening members and guests to a fascinating alternative view about history and how we think about it. Ann was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2007 for service to education, particularly in the fields of indigenous history, as a teacher, researcher and author, and through leadership roles with a range of history-related organisations. She was appointed a Member in the Order in 2017 for significant service to the social sciences as an academic and researcher in the field of indigenous history, and to tertiary education.” (Photo: ANU)

19 September: Reception for new recipients.  The Branch celebrated the achievements of 6 new recipients from the Queen’s Birthday 2018 List (at right) and welcomed new members at a reception at the Commonwealth Club, Yarralumla. (Photos: OAA)

L-R: Mike Crane DSC & Bar, AM; Jenny Bowker AO; Colin Thomson AM; Robin Creyke AO; Dianne Anderson AM; Kanti Jinna OAM; Frank Owens OAM

L-R: Frank Owens OAM; Dianne Anderson AM; Elizabeth Grant AM

 

Mr Muhammed Asku

19 August: 2018 Multi-Faith Observance. About 40 members and guests attended our 2018 Multi-Faith Observance at the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture to hear a variety of inspirational speakers on the theme “Wisdom for the Common Good” and enjoy fellowship during a light afternoon tea. The Observance was moderated by the Executive Director of the Centre, Rt Reverend Professor Stephen Pickard, and featured Mr Harry Opperman (Jewish Tradition), Mr Muhammed Asku (Muslim tradition), Dr Willie Senanayake (Buddhist Tradition), Mr Kanti Jinna OAM (Hindu Tradition) and Dr Shahnaz Kouhbor (Baha’i Tradition). This event continues to underscore the importance of a focus on the things that bind our community together rather than the things on which we might disagree. (Pickard bio: CSU; Photos: OAA)

12 June: 2018 Queen’s Birthday Luncheon. More than 50 members and guests gathered for luncheon at the Royal Canberra Golf Club to mark the Queen’s Birthday and celebrate the achievements of ACT and regional recipients in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.  Our speaker was Mr Glenn Keys AO, co-founder and co-Executive Director of global health provider, Aspen Medical.  Glenn spoke frankly about his early career in the Australian Army and the difficult decision he and his wife made to leave all that when their son, Ehran, was diagnosed with Down Syndrome.  He described the events that then led to the formation of Aspen, some of the extraordinary things that Aspen has done, and the culture of giving that is built into the company.  He closed by introducing the audience to Project Independence, a new model for provision of social housing for people with an intellectual disability. Glenn was appointed an Officer of The Order of Australia in June 2017 for distinguished service to the community of the Australian Capital Territory through contributions to disability support programs, and to business and commerce as an advocate for corporate social responsibility. (Bio: Aspen)

24 May: 2018 Order of Australia Association – Australian Defence Force Oration. The annual Order of Australia Association – Australian Defence Force Oration was established in 2011 with the aim of further recognising the contribution made by military members of the Order of Australia to the fabric of Australian society. The 2018 Oration was delivered by the Chief of Joint Capabilities, Air Vice Marshal Warren McDonald AM, CSC. You can find an edited transcript of the Oration here. Air Vice-Marshal McDonald was appointed a Member of The Order of Australia in June 2015 for exceptional performance of duty as Officer Commanding Number 92 Wing, Director General Capability Planning – Air Force, and Commander of Air Mobility Group. (Bio: Defence; Photo OAA)

L-R: Bill Henman AM; AVM Warren McDonald AM, CSC; Ian Gollings AM

17 May: Reception for New Recipients. The ACT Branch welcomed 11 new members to the Association at a reception held at the Commonwealth Club, Yarralumla. (Photo: OAA)

L-R: Jan Paula OAM; Peter Ashworth OAM; Alpha Gregory OAM; Jim Quick OAM; Michael Crane DSC & Bar, AM (ACT Chair); David Cossart OAM; Ian Sayers OAM, ED; Robin Eckermann AM; Ingrid Moses AO; Alan Morrison AM; Michael Coper AO; Gordon Gregory OAM

17 April: Morning Tea at the National Arboretum. Members and guests enjoyed morning tea with Ian Sayers OAM, ED, who spoke about his working life and his experiences as a volunteer. Ian was awarded the Medal of the Order in the 2018 Australia Day list for services to veterans and their families, and to the community. (Photo: OAA)

14 March: Tour of NGA Art of War Exhibition. In a rare treat, Dr Anna Gray AM, Emeritus Curator, kindly hosted a tour of the Arthur Streeton: the art of war exhibition for OAA members and guests. The exhibition brought together key works from collections around Australia and overseas. Anna was honoured in 2017 for significant service to the visual arts as a curator, scholar and historian, to Australian artists, and to the promotion of cultural heritage. (Bio: The Canberra Times)

1 March: Memories as National Treasures.  Following our AGM, Bill Stephens OAM regaled members and guests with stories about his experiences in recording more than 200 interviews for the National Library’s Oral History Collection, principally with performing artists. Bill was awarded the Medal of the Order in 2017 for service to the performing arts through a range of roles. (Photo: Stephens)

26 January: 2018 Australia Day Breakfast. Guest speaker Penelope Thwaites AM, Chair of the Order of Australia Association UK/Europe, gave a very personal address to members and guests on her topic Canberra Connections. You can download the text of her address here. Penelope was honoured in 2001 for service to music through the performance and promotion of Australian compositions in the United Kingdom and internationally. (Bio: Wikipedia; Photo: OAA)

 


2017 Events

26 October: 2017 Order of Australia Association – Australian National University Lecture.  Professor Chennupati Jagadish AC presented the annual OAA – ANU lecture on the subject Nanotechnology: Opportunities and Challenges, providing members and guest with fascinating insight into nanotechnology and its increasing impact on our daily lives.  You can watch the lecture here.  Professor Jagadish was honoured in the Australia Day 2016 list for eminent service to physics and engineering, particularly in the field of nanotechnology, to education as a leading academic, researcher, author and mentor, and through executive roles with national and international scientific advisory institutions.  (Photo, bio & video: ANU)

 25 May: 2017 Order of Australia Association – Australian Defence Force Oration.  Our 2017 OAA – ADF Orator was the Vice Chief of the Defence Force, Vice Admiral Ray Griggs AO, CSC, RAN, who spoke on For Society and of Society: Where the ADF sits in modern Australia.  You can read the text of the Oration here. Vice Admiral Griggs was honoured in 2012 for distinguished service to the Australian Defence Force as Deputy Head Strategic Reform and Governance, Deputy Chief of Joint Operations, and Chief of the Royal Australian Navy. (Photo & bio: Defence)

 

26 January: 2017 Australia Day Breakfast.  Our Australia Day guest speaker was National President of the Order of Australia Association, Philip Flood AO. Philip spoke about the challenges for Australia associated with Islam in Indonesia and a divided America. You can read the text of his address here. Philip was appointed an Officer in the Order of Australia in 1992 in recognition of service to international relations.  (Photo & bio: Wikipedia)

 

 

 

Upcoming Events – ACT Branch

Thursday 24 August 2023, at 6pm.  The Order of Australia Association (ACT Branch) Student Citizenship Awards Presentation. Royal Canberra Golf Club.

The Branch will conduct the presentation of its annual Student Citizenship Awards to a number of ACT students whose community service was assessed as outstanding by our judging panel of Dr Bill Maiden PSM OAM, Joe Johnson CSC, OAM AAM, Ms Narelle Hargreaves AM and Ms Lyn Fletcher OAM. Bookings can be made at https://www.stickytickets.com.au/I8XQD. This is our special outreach program, and we hope you can join us.  Light refreshments will be served.

Wednesday 20 September 2023, at 6pm.  The Order of Australia Association (ACT Branch) Spring Reception for New Recipients.  Commonwealth Club.

Join us for drinks and canapés to celebrate local recipients of honours and awards in the King’s Birthday 2023 list and share fellowship with existing members in the ambience of the Commonwealth Club. Register by midday Wednesday 13 September 2023. Bookings for the reception can be made at https://www.stickytickets.com.au/WRETI

 

Past Events

2023 Events

Tuesday 18 July 2023. The Order of Australia Association (ACT Branch) Mid-Year Luncheon.  Canberra Southern Cross Club Woden.

Around 60 members and guests enjoyed our Mid-Year Luncheon while listening to our special guest speaker, Mr Gregory James HOOD AO.  Greg was appointed an Officer in the Order on Australia Day 2023 for distinguished service to the national transportation and aviation industries, and to the not-for-profit sector.

Greg spoke about his life and career, and focused on his time as Chief Commissioner and CEO of the Australian Transport Safety Bureau, including winding up the search for MH370, the accident at Essendon where the pilot and 4 passengers were killed when their Super King Air aircraft struck the Direct Factory Outlet at Essendon, and the loss of the C130 Hercules Large Aerial Tanker in January 2020.

Wednesday 10 May.  Autumn Reception for New Recipients.  Our Autumn reception was a great opportunity to congratulate 21 recent recipients of honours and awards in the Order of Australia, welcome new members to the Association and share fellowship with existing members in the ambience of the Commonwealth Club.  The ACT Branch gratefully acknowledges the support of the ACT Government for this event.

Tuesday 18 April.  2023 Order of Australia Association – Australian Defence Force Oration: Vice Admiral Mark Hammond AM RAN, Chief of Navy.

Members and guests gathered at Russell on 18 April for the 2023 Order of Australia Association – Australian Defence Force Oration with Vice Admiral Mark Hammond AM RAN.

Vice Admiral Hammond sketched his views on the strategic situation, contemporary issues for his command and the critical role which the Royal Australian Navy will continue to play in the defence of the Nation. His emphasis on submarines drew a wide range of questions.

Vice Admiral Hammond was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2018 for exceptional service to the Australian Defence Force in senior command and staff roles.

(Photo & bio: Defence)

Wednesday 22 March.  Morning Tea with Roxanne Missingham OAM.

Members and guests met at Royal Canberra Golf Club for morning tea to hear Roxanne Missingham OAM speak on the topic “Saving our memory – new roles of libraries and archives.”  Roxanne talked about how our memories are recorded and the initiatives she has led or been involved with to provide a way to make collections available to Australians and the new challenges we are facing. She also described the work she has  done in Myanmar and the work she is now doing on legislative reform.  Roxanne was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in June 2021 for service to the library and information sciences. (Photo & Bio: Missingham)

Wednesday 15 February 2023.  2023 Branch Annual General Meeting and Professor Robert Care AM. Our AGM saw the election of: Alan Morrison AM as Branch Nominated Director; Andrew Phelan AM as Branch Chair; Robert Altamore OAM as Branch Secretary; and Brian Babington AM, Lynne Duckam OAM, Narelle Hargreaves AM, Coralie Wood OAM and Desmond Woods OAM as Committee members. Congratulations to all! Immediately following the AGM, Branch member and Chair of RedR Australia, Professor Robert Care AM, spoke about “The Humanitarian Challenge Ahead”. Robert painted a compelling picture of the global humanitarian need and sketched the efforts of RedR in response. You can read a transcript of Robert’s address here, and see his slides here.  Robert was appointed a Member of the Order in June 2012 for service to engineering through a range of executive roles, to the business sector, to international humanitarian programs, and to the sport of athletics.  (Photo & Bio: Care)

Thursday 26 January.  2023 Australia Day Breakfast with Professor Tanya Monro AC.

Professor Tanya Monro AC

On 26 January, members and guests gathered at Royal Canberra Golf Club to celebrate our national day and acknowledge the achievements of recipients in the 2023 Australia Day honours list. Our special guest speaker was Professor Tanya Monro AC, who spoke about “Science for Purpose”.  Tanya gave an inspirational address, touching on her own experiences in science, the importance of engaging young people in STEM, and how she is re-shaping the Defence Science and Technology Group. She expressed the joy she feels in applying science to solve problems and noted the happy truth that solving one problem often leads to advances in quite unrelated areas. Tanya was appointed a Companion of the Order In June 2022 for eminent service to scientific and technological development, to research and innovation, to tertiary education, particularly in the field of photonics, and to professional organisations.  (Bio: Defence; Photos: OAA)

Anthony Anderson PAM, Kathy Anderson OAM, John Fricker OAM, Kim Farrant

Liz Scrivener OAM, Russ Richards OAM, Paul Trewartha

John Hardy OAM, Rick Forster

Mike Evans OAM, Trish Keller OAM, Patricia Evans

Robert Altamore OAM, Monica Phelan, Jean Bennett OAM

Paul Hornsby OAM RAN, Tanya Monro AC, Richard Etherington, Dan Etherington AM

2022 Events

Wednesday 7 December.  2022 Order of Australia Association – Australian National University Lecture.

Members and large numbers of guests gathered in the new Research School of Physics auditorium to hear Head of the National Security College, Professor Rory Medcalf AM, deliver the 2022 OAA-ANU Lecture on “Making sense of national security”. Rory outlined the College’s role, challenged the audience to rethink national security, and offered some prescriptions for improving Australia’s national security.  You can watch the Lecture and the Q&A session that followed here. Rory was appointed a Member of the Order in June 2022 for significant service to international relations, and to tertiary education.  (Photo & Bio: ANU)

Monday 31 October: Spring Reception for New Recipients.  More than 70 members and guests met to congratulate new recipients, welcome new members and share fellowship with existing members in the ambience of the Commonwealth Club. We’ll have photos shortly!

Wednesday 7 September: Morning Tea with Emeritus Professor John Hardy OAM.  Members and guests met at Royal Canberra Golf Club for morning tea with Emeritus Professor John Hardy OAM.  John explored  Shakespeare’s play Measure for Measure, arguing that it foreshadows, and is sympathetic with, much in the #MeToo Movement, rather than being a misogynistic work as it is sometime portrayed. You can read John’s text here. John was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in January 2021 for service to tertiary education, particularly to the humanities. (Photo: OAA ACT; Bio: It’s An Honour)

Thursday 25 August: 2022 Student Citizenship Awards. Members and guests joined parents and teachers at Royal Canberra Golf Club to celebrate the achievements of winners in our 2022 Student Citizenship Awards.  Individual awards were presented to Lize van der Walt, Anneliese Smolonogov (both Canberra Girls Grammar School) and Anna Charlton (Radford College). Representatives from the Earlyact Club from Forrest Primary School accepted a group award on behalf of the Club. 12 year old Samuel Nichol from Forrest Primary thanked the Association on behalf of recipients – you can read Sam’s inspirational words here. On 8 September, Branch Chair Michael Crane DSC & Bar AM and Awards Convenors Bill Maiden PSM OAM and Narelle Hargreaves AM attended an assembly at Forrest Primary to present scrolls to all 30 members of the ‘Earlyact’ Club.  Details of previous winners are available on our Student Awards page. (Photo: OAA, used with permission of parents.)

Peta Mantel AM

Forrest Primary School Earlyact Club at School Assembly

Tuesday 14 June: 2022 Queen’s Birthday Luncheon: Dr Brian Babington AM

On Tuesday 14 June, members and guests marked Her Majesty the Queen’s birthday in her Platinum Jubilee year and celebrated the achievements of recipients of honours and awards in the Queen’s Birthday list at the Southern Cross Club, Woden. Our guest speaker was Dr Brian Babington AM, who spoke on the importance of  putting children first. You can read the text of Brian’s address here. Brian was appointed a Member of the Order in June 2021 for significant service to children through safety and well-being initiatives. (Photo & bio: Babington)

 

Thursday 21 April: 2022 Order of Australia Association – Australian Defence Force Oration: Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Rick Burr AO, DSC, MVO

Members and guests gathered at Russell on 21 April for the 2022 Order of Australia Association – Australian Defence Force Oration with Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Rick Burr AO, DSC, MVO. General Burr canvassed a wide range of current issues, focussing on the importance of developing the people capable of delivering an army that is ready now and ready for the future. You can read a transcript of the Oration here. General Burr was appointed an Officer of the Order in January 2018 for distinguished service in the implementation of significant reform and the realisation of strategic capabilities within the Australian Defence Force. (Photo & bio: Defence)

Thursday 10 March: Morning Tea: Dr Peter Pedersen AM

Members and guests enjoyed morning tea with Dr Peter Petersen AM, who spoke about Sir John Monash: the man behind the general. Peter shared deep insights into Monash’s character, what drove him and why he was successful both as a general and in life more broadly. His candid answers during question time helped complete the picture of Australia’s best general. Peter was appointed a member of the Order of Australia in January 2020 for significant service to military history as an author and researcher.  (Photo: Pedersen)

 

Wednesday 16 February: Branch Annual General Meeting & Reception for New Recipients

Our AGM saw the election to the Branch Committee of Joseph Johnson CSC, OAM, AAM and the re-election of Phil Morrall AM, CSC (Treasurer), Bill Maiden PSM, OAM and Andrew Phelan AM (members).  Congratulations to all!  Following the AGM, we welcomed eight new recipients of honours and awards from the 2021 Queen’s Birthday Honours List. We extend our thanks to the ACT Government and the President and members of the Commonwealth Club for their ongoing support to reception for new recipients.

Mary Anne Nelson OAM; Michael Crane DSC & Bar, AM

Peta Mantel AM

Roxanne Missingham OAM; Michael Crane DSC& Bar, AM

Nerida Cullen OAM

Michael Crane DSC & Bar, AM; Jim Waddell OAM

Paul Hornsby OAM, RAN

Mary Anne Nielsen OAM; Michael Crane DSC & Bar, AM

Wednesday 26 January: 2022 Australia Day Breakfast: Genevieve Jacobs AM

On 26 January, members and guests gathered at Royal Canberra Golf Club to celebrate Australia Day and acknowledge the achievements of recipients in the 2022 Australia Day Honours List. Our special guest speaker was former journalist and ABC broadcaster Genevieve Jacobs AM, who spoke on The Media and Challenges to our Democracy. In a compelling address, Genevieve highlighted the impact of the transition to digital media, the pressures on journalists arising from hollowing out of newsrooms and the risks to our society from a less balanced fourth estate. Genevieve was appointed a Member in the Order of Australia on Australia Day 2021 for significant service to the broadcast media, and to the community. (Bio: Jacobs; Photos: OAA)

Joe Johnson CSC, OAM, AAM; Ian Sayers OAM

Simon Cullen AM, CSC; Cecilia Moar; Paul Hornsby OAM, RAN

Abdul Hashim OAM; John Hardy OAM

Rhonda Babington; Brian Babington AM; Sue Packer AO

Stephen Horn; Jim Waddell OAM; Alison Waddell

2021 Events

Thursday 4 November: 2021 Order of Australia Association – Australian National University Lecture: Professor Peter Yu AM

Our annual Order of Australia Association – Australian National University Lecture was established in 2011 with the aim of further recognising the contribution of academic members of the Order of Australia to the fabric of Australian society. The 2021 Lecture was delivered online for the first time, allowing Association members from across Australia to participate. Our Lecturer was Professor Peter Yu AM, whose theme was Looking forward, Looking Back. In a poignant address, Peter reflected on his experiences growing up as an Indigenous person and his hopes for a better future for Indigenous people. You can view the Lecture here. Peter was appointed a Member in the Order of Australia in June 2021 for significant service to the community, particularly to Indigenous cultural and political organisations. The Association is grateful to the Vice-Chancellor of the University for his continuing support to this important community outreach event. (Photo & bio: ANU)

Monday 9 August: 2021 Order of Australia Association – Australian Defence Force Oration: Air Marshal Mel Hupfeld AO, DSC

Our annual Order of Australia Association – Australian Defence Force Oration was established in 2011 with the aim of further recognising the contribution made by military members of the Order of Australia to the fabric of Australian society. The 2021 Oration was delivered by the Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Mel Hupfeld AO, DSC. Air Marshal Hupfeld touched briefly on the Air Force’s first 100 years, before turning to current issues and some thoughts on the future. You can read the transcript of the Oration here. Air Marshal Hupfeld was appointed an Officer in the Order of Australia in January 2015 for distinguished service to the Australian Defence Force in senior command and staff appointments. The Association is grateful to the Chief of the Defence Force for his continuing support to this important community outreach event.  (Photo & bio: Defence)

 

Wednesday 14 July: Morning Tea with Ian Mansfield AM, CSC. Ian spoke about his work in global mine action programs over 20 years working with the United Nations and other international organisations. You can find a link to his his book here and the slides from his presentation here. Ian was appointed a Member in the Order of Australia in June 2010 for service to international humanitarian aid through the establishment of global landmine removal, safety and training programs. (Photo: Mansfield)

Ray Griggs AO, CSC

Tuesday 15 June: 2021 Queen’s Birthday Luncheon: Mr Ray Griggs AO, CSC.  Branch members shared fellowship, celebrated Her Majesty the Queen’s birthday and acknowledged the achievements of ACT and region-based recipients of honours and awards in the 2021 Queen’s Birthday list with lunch at the Royal Canberra Golf Club. Our guest speaker was the Chief Executive Officer of the National Indigenous Australians Agency, Mr Ray Griggs AO, CSC, who touched on some of the challenges in his appointment while stressing the many positives.  You can find the text of his address here. Ray was appointed an Officer of the Order in 2012 for distinguished service to the Australian Defence Force as Deputy Head Strategic Reform and Governance, Deputy Chief of Joint Operations, and Chief of the Royal Australian Navy. (Photo & Bio: NIAA)

Wednesday 26 May: Autumn Breakfast for New Recipients. The Branch celebrated the achievements of 11 new recipients from the Queen’s Birthday 2020 and Australia Day 2021 lists and welcomed new members at a breakfast at the Commonwealth Club, Yarralumla. The ACT Branch is grateful to the ACT Government for its support to this event. (Photos: OAA ACT)

Robyn Diener, Chris Diener OAM

John Hardy OAM

Perry Daroesman, Abdul Hashim OAM

Wojciech Horky, Wanda Horky OAM

Lucky Prasad OAM

Roger Wainwright OAM

Janeen Williams, Angela Drayton, William Kelly AM, Allan Williams AM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scott Saddler AM

 

Tuesday 27 April: Morning Tea with Scott Saddler AM. Scott spoke about the development of the National Arboretum since its inception and his vision for its future.  He was appointed a Member in the Order of Australia in June 2020 for significant service to public administration, and as a supporter and mentor of Indigenous youth. (Bio: National Arboretum; photo: OAA ACT)

 

 

Tuesday 16 February.  Annual General Meeting & Andrew Phelan AM. 

Andrew Phelan AM

Our 2021 Annual General Meeting was the first under the Association’s new Constitution. Following the meeting, Branch Committee Member and Queen’s Birthday 2019 recipient, Andrew Phelan AM, spoke about his experiences at the High Court of Australia, where he served for more than a decade as Chief Executive and Principal Registrar. Andrew’s slide deck is a large file, but is available on request to the Branch Chair ([email protected]).

(Bio: Constitution Education Fund; Photo: OAA)

Tuesday 26 January.  Australia Day Breakfast.

Ross Kingsland AM, Laura Walker, Brian Walker AO

On Tuesday 26 January, members and guests gathered at Royal Canberra Golf Club to celebrate Australia Day, acknowledge the achievements of recipients in the 2021 Australia Day Honours List, and hear guest speaker, Dr Brian Walker AO

Brian’s address was entitled “Resilience: what it is, and what it is not”. His very thought-provoking presentation included an explanation of factors that help confer resilience and those that diminish it; he also emphasised that sometimes recognising and accepting the need for transformational change is necessary to promote resilience. You can find his slides here, including the link to the recently published paper from which the address was drawn. Brian was appointed an Officer in the Order of Australia in January 2020 for distinguished service to science, particularly to ecosystem ecology and research, and to professional scientific bodies(Photo: OAA (ACT); Bio: CSIRO)

2020 Events

Tuesday 17 November. 2020 Order of Australia Association – Australian Defence Force Oration. 

LTGEN Greg Bilton AO, CSC

Our annual OAA-ADF Oration was established in 2011 with the aim of further recognising the contribution made by military members of the Order of Australia to the fabric of Australian society. The 2020 Oration was delivered by the Chief of Joint Operations, Lieutenant General Greg Bilton AO, CSC. General Bilton began by explaining something of Joint Operations Command and his role. He next presented a high level review of Australia’s prevailing strategic circumstances before describing how they impact ADF operations. He spoke briefly about the high regard in which he holds the men and women of the Defence Force, and concluded by touching on domestic operations such as the ADF’s contributions to bushfire relief and the COVID-19 crisis. The Oration is available on YouTube here. The ACT Branch is grateful to the Chief of the Defence Force for his continuing support of this event.  (Photo: OAA; Bio: Defence)

 

Wednesday 21 and Wednesday 28 October.  Breakfast receptions for new recipients at the Commonwealth Club. The Branch celebrated the achievements of 24 new recipients from the Australia Day and Queen’s Birthday 2020 lists and welcomed new members at two breakfasts at the Commonwealth Club, Yarralumla. The ACT Branch is grateful to the ACT Government for its support to this event.

Wednesday 4 March: 2020 Order of Australia Association – Australian National University Lecture: Admiral Chris Barrie AC, RAN (Retd)

Admiral Chris Barrie AC, RAN (Retd)

Admiral Chris Barrie AC, RAN (Retd) presented the 2020 OAA-ANU Lecture on the subject “It’s an Honour – Reflections”. He challenged the audience to think critically about the design and execution of our honours and awards system to ensure that it is inclusive and free of the perception of bias, and pointed to the role that the Association has in this important task. Admiral Barrie was appointed a Member in the Order of Australia in 1994 in recognition of service to the Royal Australian Navy, particularly as Deputy Maritime Commander and Chief of Staff, Maritime Headquarters.  He was appointed an Officer in the Order in 1998 for distinguished service to the Australian Defence Force as Deputy Chief of Naval Staff and Vice Chief of the Defence Force. He was appointed a Companion in the Order in 2001 for eminent service to the Australian Defence Force as Chief of the Defence Force. (Photo: OAA; Bio: Barrie)

Wednesday 19 February: Annual General Meeting and Professor Jane Dahlstrom OAM

Professor Jane Dahlstrom OAM with specimens from the Peter Herdson Musuem

Following our 2020 AGM, Professor Jane Dahlstrom OAM spoke about her journey as a pathologist. She underlined the importance of pathology as a discipline and sketched some of the changes she has helped make to the profession in Canberra and internationally. She also touched on the importance of Canberra’s Peter Herdson pathology teaching museum, and illustrated using several specimens from the museum which she had brought along. Jane was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australian June 2019 for service to medical education, and to pathology. (Photo: OAA;  Bio: Dahlstrom)

Sunday 26 January 2020: Australia Day Breakfast

Almost 90 members and guests gathered to celebrate Australia Day and the achievements of recipients in the 2020 Australia Day honours list, and hear our guest speaker, Alex Sloan AM. In a very significant address, Alex spoke passionately about a number of issues confronting contemporary Australia. Alex was appointed a Member in the Order of Australia in January 2019 for significant service to the community of Canberra, and to the broadcast media as a radio presenter. (Photo: Sloan)

 

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2019 Events

Student Awards. In a departure from our usual arrangements, 2019 Student Awards were presented in school communities rather than at a central Association function. This enable us to say something about the Order of Australia, the Association and the Awards to a wider audience of students, parents and teachers. The selection panel once again considered a field of high-quality nominations. The winners were:

  • Sarah Davis, Daramalan College. Awarded a School Plaque for Outstanding Leadership and Achievement.
  • Samual Freeman, Canberra Grammar School. Awarded a Medallion for Outstanding Community Service and Citizenship and School Plaque.
  • Aidan Gunning, Daramalan College. Awarded a School Plaque for Outstanding Community Service and Citizenship.
  • Caleb Hodgson, UC Senior Secondary College, Lake Ginninderra. Awarded a Medallion for Outstanding Leadership and Achievement and School Plaque.
  • Isaac Martin, Gunghalin College. Awarded a Medallion for Outstanding Leadership and Achievement and School Plaque.
  • The LEADAS (Leadership, Engagement, Academia, Development, Athleticism and Service) boys program and the PEARLS (Promoting, Empowerment, Achievement, Resilience, Legacy and Support) girls program, Amaroo School. Awarded A School Plaque.

Selection panel members Narelle Hargreaves AM and Dr Bill Maiden PSM, OAM with Sam Freeman and the Principal of Canberra Grammar School, Dr Justin Garrick

Aidan Gunning and Sarah Davis with their families

Caleb Hodgson

Tuesday 24 September: Reception for New Recipients.  The Branch celebrated the achievements of 19 new recipients from the Australia Day and Queen’s Birthday 2019 lists and welcomed new members at a reception at the Commonwealth Club, Yarralumla. The ACT Branch is grateful to the ACT Government for its support to this event. (Photos: OAA)

L-R: Andrew Phelan AM; Michael Crane DSC & Bar AM; Neville Exon AM; Vivien Palmer OAM; Louise Mayo AM

Vivien Palmer OAM; Trish Keller OAM

L-R: Tracy Smart AO; Michael Crane DSC & Bar, AM; Collette Mackay OAM; Jane Smyth OAM

L-R: Mary Kirk AM; Eric Thauvette OAM; Margaret Shore OAM; Krishna Nadimpalli OAM; Heather Henderson AM; John Harvey AM; Michael Crane DSC & Bar, AM

L-R: Bruce Calder; Louise Mayo AM; Len Goodman AO

Sunday 18 August: 2019 Multi-Faith Observance. Our 2019 Multi-Faith Observance was held at the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture. It was moderated by the Executive Director of the Centre, Rt Reverend Professor Stephen Pickard, and featured inspirational speakers from a number of faiths. Our theme for this year was Together in Friendship. You can find the program here. This was the final MFO convened by Sam Wong AM, who announced that he will stand down from the Branch Committee at the end of this year.  We thank Sam for his service over many years, particularly in convening the MFO.  (Photo: OAA; bio: ACCC)

Wednesday 24 July: Morning tea with Glenys Patulny OAM.  Glenys spoke about how her interest in supporting the environment drew her into broader community work. Glenys was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in the Queen’s Birthday 2019 list for service to the community of Tuggeranong.

(Photo: Conservation Council)

 

GEN Angus Campbell AO, DSC

Tuesday 25 June: 2019 Order of Australia Association – Australian Defence Force Oration. Our annual Australian Defence Force Oration was established in 2011 with the aim of further recognising the contribution made by military members of the Order of Australia to the fabric of Australian society. The 2019 Oration was delivered by the Chief of the Defence Force, General Angus Campbell AO, DSC, who spoke about security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region in the next 20 years. You can find a transcript of the Oration here. General Campbell was appointed a Member in the Order of Australia on Australia Day 2003 for exceptional service to the Australian Defence Force as the Commanding Officer of the 2nd Battalion Group during operational service in East Timor.  He was appointed an Officer in the Order in the 2017 Queen’s Birthday list for distinguished service as Head Military Strategic Commitments, Deputy Chief of Army, and Chief of Army. (Photo: OAA; Bio: Defence)

 

 

Tuesday 11 June: Queen’s Birthday Luncheon.  Members and guests were treated to an address by Her Excellency Lady Cosgrove at the Royal Canberra Golf Club while commemorating Her Majesty the Queen’s birthday, and celebrating the achievements of ACT-based recipients of honours and awards in the 2019 Queen’s Birthday list.  Lady Cosgrove was accompanied by His Excellency the Governor-General.  She reflected on her experiences at Yarralumla, including: hosting several members of the Royal Family and other eminent international visitors; meeting recipients of honours and awards in the Order of Australia and thousands of other everyday Australians; and representing Australia at significant events both in Australia and overseas.

June O’Donnell, Laurie O’Donnell AC, Lady Cosgrove

Lady Cosgrove, Lois Maiden, John Bullen OAM

 

 

 

 

 

 

Betty Beggs, Lee Llewellyn AM,
Sir Peter Cosgrove AK, AC (Mil), MC

Peter Lawler OAM, Judith Lawler,
Sir Peter Cosgrove AK, AC (Mil), MC

Paul Singer MVO,
Trish Keller OAM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Bio: Govt House; Photos: OAA)

Thursday 2 May: Reception for New Recipients.  The Branch celebrated the achievements of 14 new recipients from the Australia Day 2019 List and welcomed new members at a reception at the Commonwealth Club, Yarralumla. The ACT Branch is grateful to the ACT Government for its support to this event. (Photos: OAA)

L-R: Philip Byrne OAM, John Ive OAM, Susan Healy OAM, Gary Humphries AO, David Richards OAM, Mike Crane DSC & Bar, AM

L-R: David Widdowson AM, Frederick Fawke OAM, Holly Northam OAM, Terence Birtles OAM, Glenys Patulny OAM, Mike Crane DSC & Bar, AM

4 April: Morning Tea with Jenny Bowker AO. More than 30 members and guests gathered at the Royal Canberra Golf Club, Yarralumla, to share fellowship and hear about the experiences of Jenny Bowker AO as diplomat’s wife-turned-textile artist. Jenny gave a lighthearted but thought-provoking account of her journey, describing how she turned to drawing and quilting on finding herself without a job in a foreign country and in the shadows as a diplomat’s wife. She brought along several of her beautiful quilts, including the award winning After the Last Sky. Jenny was appointed an Officer in the Order of Australia in June 2018 for distinguished service to Australia-Middle East cultural relations through the preservation of traditional creative and visual arts, and as a textile artist and educator.

13 February: Annual General Meeting & Evening with Sue Packer AM. Members and guests gathered at the Royal Canberra Golf Club, Yarralumla, to participate in our governance and hear 2019 Senior Australian of the Year, Dr Sue Packer AM, speak about her  Australian of the Year experience.

  • The AGM saw the 2018 Annual Report accepted and a new Branch Committee elected. Our experiment with providing papers in electronic format only was very successful and this approach will be retained, saving considerably on postage costs and volunteer time.
  • Sue began by describing the ‘surreal’ experience of the months and weeks leading up to the announcement of her award, the realities of the presentation night, and the whirlwind of Australia Day in Sydney. She spoke of her delight at being able to share a day with all 34 Australian of the Year finalists and the wonder of a ride around Sydney Harbour with the other winners aboard the ferry Victor Chang. She went on to explain that she has always been passionate about children, even while growing up, and that this had led to her becoming a paediatrician and eventually to her work in the child abuse sector. She shared a range of insights from her experience and exhorted all adults to be more interested in children, more curious them. In response to a question, she even gave advice on successful grand parenting! We are very proud to have Sue as a member of the ACT Branch and wish her every success during her tenure as Senior Australian of the Year.

(Photo: The Canberra Times)

26 January: 2019 Australia Day Breakfast.  Almost 100 members and guests gathered to celebrate Australia Day and the achievements of recipients in the 2019 Australia Day honours list, and hear our guest speaker, Sir Angus Houston AK, AFC. Sir Angus spoke about two significant anniversaries occurring in 2019: he first described the 1919 Great Air Race, won by two Australian pilots, Ross and Keith Smith, and the subsequent development of a commercial air route between London and Australia, before observing that 2019 marks the 20th anniversary of no flying fatalities in the Royal Australian Air Force. While praising the extraordinary achievements of early aviators, he contrasted their approach to risk with the modern culture that has transformed the Air Force’s safety record. (Photos: OAA)

L-R: Derek Robson AM, Sir Angus Houston AK, AFC, Liz Houston, Ann Gration,
and Branch Patron Peter Gration OBE, AC

Narelle Hargreaves AM (2019 recipient)
and Bill Maiden PSM, OAM

Sir Angus Houston AK, AFC
and Ross Dunn OAM (2019 recipient)

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2018 Events

22 November: 2018 Student Awards. Members and guests were joined by families, principals and teachers for the presentation of annual Student Awards by our Patron, General Peter Gration OBE, AC. Student Awards recognise meritorious community service and citizenship by ACT school students. A full report on the presentation and award winners is on our Student Awards page.

17 October: Morning Tea with Diane Johnstone AM.  Members and their guests enjoyed morning tea at the Royal Canberra Golf Club with Di Johnstone AM, who spoke about Diplomacy, Art and Community Engagement. Di related her experiences as a diplomat in South Africa and later in Australia collecting and promoting the work of South African artists. She went on to talk about her community work in Canberra after her diplomatic career.  Di was appointed a Member in the Order of Australia in January 2015 for significant service to international relations through support for creative arts in South Africa, and to the community of Canberra. (Photo: OAA)

Dr Joan Buchanan AM & Di Johnstone AM

Professor Ann McGrath AM

3 October: 2018 Order of Australia Association – Australian National University Lecture. Professor Ann McGrath AM presented the annual OAA-ANU Lecture on the subject Time Immemorial? Dates, history and the deep human past, opening members and guests to a fascinating alternative view about history and how we think about it. Ann was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2007 for service to education, particularly in the fields of indigenous history, as a teacher, researcher and author, and through leadership roles with a range of history-related organisations. She was appointed a Member in the Order in 2017 for significant service to the social sciences as an academic and researcher in the field of indigenous history, and to tertiary education.” (Photo: ANU)

19 September: Reception for new recipients.  The Branch celebrated the achievements of 6 new recipients from the Queen’s Birthday 2018 List (at right) and welcomed new members at a reception at the Commonwealth Club, Yarralumla. (Photos: OAA)

L-R: Mike Crane DSC & Bar, AM; Jenny Bowker AO; Colin Thomson AM; Robin Creyke AO; Dianne Anderson AM; Kanti Jinna OAM; Frank Owens OAM

L-R: Frank Owens OAM; Dianne Anderson AM; Elizabeth Grant AM

 

Mr Muhammed Asku

19 August: 2018 Multi-Faith Observance. About 40 members and guests attended our 2018 Multi-Faith Observance at the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture to hear a variety of inspirational speakers on the theme “Wisdom for the Common Good” and enjoy fellowship during a light afternoon tea. The Observance was moderated by the Executive Director of the Centre, Rt Reverend Professor Stephen Pickard, and featured Mr Harry Opperman (Jewish Tradition), Mr Muhammed Asku (Muslim tradition), Dr Willie Senanayake (Buddhist Tradition), Mr Kanti Jinna OAM (Hindu Tradition) and Dr Shahnaz Kouhbor (Baha’i Tradition). This event continues to underscore the importance of a focus on the things that bind our community together rather than the things on which we might disagree. (Pickard bio: CSU; Photos: OAA)

12 June: 2018 Queen’s Birthday Luncheon. More than 50 members and guests gathered for luncheon at the Royal Canberra Golf Club to mark the Queen’s Birthday and celebrate the achievements of ACT and regional recipients in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.  Our speaker was Mr Glenn Keys AO, co-founder and co-Executive Director of global health provider, Aspen Medical.  Glenn spoke frankly about his early career in the Australian Army and the difficult decision he and his wife made to leave all that when their son, Ehran, was diagnosed with Down Syndrome.  He described the events that then led to the formation of Aspen, some of the extraordinary things that Aspen has done, and the culture of giving that is built into the company.  He closed by introducing the audience to Project Independence, a new model for provision of social housing for people with an intellectual disability. Glenn was appointed an Officer of The Order of Australia in June 2017 for distinguished service to the community of the Australian Capital Territory through contributions to disability support programs, and to business and commerce as an advocate for corporate social responsibility. (Bio: Aspen)

24 May: 2018 Order of Australia Association – Australian Defence Force Oration. The annual Order of Australia Association – Australian Defence Force Oration was established in 2011 with the aim of further recognising the contribution made by military members of the Order of Australia to the fabric of Australian society. The 2018 Oration was delivered by the Chief of Joint Capabilities, Air Vice Marshal Warren McDonald AM, CSC. You can find an edited transcript of the Oration here. Air Vice-Marshal McDonald was appointed a Member of The Order of Australia in June 2015 for exceptional performance of duty as Officer Commanding Number 92 Wing, Director General Capability Planning – Air Force, and Commander of Air Mobility Group. (Bio: Defence; Photo OAA)

L-R: Bill Henman AM; AVM Warren McDonald AM, CSC; Ian Gollings AM

17 May: Reception for New Recipients. The ACT Branch welcomed 11 new members to the Association at a reception held at the Commonwealth Club, Yarralumla. (Photo: OAA)

L-R: Jan Paula OAM; Peter Ashworth OAM; Alpha Gregory OAM; Jim Quick OAM; Michael Crane DSC & Bar, AM (ACT Chair); David Cossart OAM; Ian Sayers OAM, ED; Robin Eckermann AM; Ingrid Moses AO; Alan Morrison AM; Michael Coper AO; Gordon Gregory OAM

17 April: Morning Tea at the National Arboretum. Members and guests enjoyed morning tea with Ian Sayers OAM, ED, who spoke about his working life and his experiences as a volunteer. Ian was awarded the Medal of the Order in the 2018 Australia Day list for services to veterans and their families, and to the community. (Photo: OAA)

14 March: Tour of NGA Art of War Exhibition. In a rare treat, Dr Anna Gray AM, Emeritus Curator, kindly hosted a tour of the Arthur Streeton: the art of war exhibition for OAA members and guests. The exhibition brought together key works from collections around Australia and overseas. Anna was honoured in 2017 for significant service to the visual arts as a curator, scholar and historian, to Australian artists, and to the promotion of cultural heritage. (Bio: The Canberra Times)

1 March: Memories as National Treasures.  Following our AGM, Bill Stephens OAM regaled members and guests with stories about his experiences in recording more than 200 interviews for the National Library’s Oral History Collection, principally with performing artists. Bill was awarded the Medal of the Order in 2017 for service to the performing arts through a range of roles. (Photo: Stephens)

26 January: 2018 Australia Day Breakfast. Guest speaker Penelope Thwaites AM, Chair of the Order of Australia Association UK/Europe, gave a very personal address to members and guests on her topic Canberra Connections. You can download the text of her address here. Penelope was honoured in 2001 for service to music through the performance and promotion of Australian compositions in the United Kingdom and internationally. (Bio: Wikipedia; Photo: OAA)

 


2017 Events

26 October: 2017 Order of Australia Association – Australian National University Lecture.  Professor Chennupati Jagadish AC presented the annual OAA – ANU lecture on the subject Nanotechnology: Opportunities and Challenges, providing members and guest with fascinating insight into nanotechnology and its increasing impact on our daily lives.  You can watch the lecture here.  Professor Jagadish was honoured in the Australia Day 2016 list for eminent service to physics and engineering, particularly in the field of nanotechnology, to education as a leading academic, researcher, author and mentor, and through executive roles with national and international scientific advisory institutions.  (Photo, bio & video: ANU)

 25 May: 2017 Order of Australia Association – Australian Defence Force Oration.  Our 2017 OAA – ADF Orator was the Vice Chief of the Defence Force, Vice Admiral Ray Griggs AO, CSC, RAN, who spoke on For Society and of Society: Where the ADF sits in modern Australia.  You can read the text of the Oration here. Vice Admiral Griggs was honoured in 2012 for distinguished service to the Australian Defence Force as Deputy Head Strategic Reform and Governance, Deputy Chief of Joint Operations, and Chief of the Royal Australian Navy. (Photo & bio: Defence)

 

26 January: 2017 Australia Day Breakfast.  Our Australia Day guest speaker was National President of the Order of Australia Association, Philip Flood AO. Philip spoke about the challenges for Australia associated with Islam in Indonesia and a divided America. You can read the text of his address here. Philip was appointed an Officer in the Order of Australia in 1992 in recognition of service to international relations.  (Photo & bio: Wikipedia)