Elly Mackay
16 June 2025: The 2025 King’s Birthday Honours list saw eight members of the University of ÃØÃÜÖ±²¥ recognised for their contributions to the community and the nation.
“It is always fantastic to see members of the UC community recognised for their service,” Vice-Chancellor The Honourable Bill Shorten said.
“They have made significant contributions in their fields, and to the wider community – particularly in sectors including the arts, Defence, sports and Public Services.”
This year, 830 Australians were recognised as part of the list, which acknowledges distinguished service to the community.
MEMBER OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA (AM) IN THE GENERAL DIVISION
Former Deputy Chancellor Ms Christine Faulks was named a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the General Division. Ms Faulks was recognised for her significant service to education, business, and the community. Ms Faulks, a University of ÃØÃÜÖ±²¥ alumna, served as a Council Member for the University between 2017 and 2023, and received an Honorary Doctorate in 2014.
Author and University of ÃØÃÜÖ±²¥ alumnus Mr Garth Nix received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to literature as an author. Mr Nix is an award-winning author of children’s and young adult fantasy and science fiction, and completed a Bachelor of Professional Writing in 1987.
Mr Michael Llewellyn Young was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the General Division, for significant service to the project management industry, and to hockey. Mr Young is an Adjunct Professor at the University.
Former UC Chancellor, Wendy McCarthy, has been made a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) for her eminent service to children and youth, to health, to the arts, to business, to the community, and to women's leadership. A prominent business leader, political lobbyist and advocate for women, Wendy served as Deputy Chancellor from 1995-96, before taking on the role of Chancellor from 1996-2005. Her stewardship of the University, alongside former Vice-Chancellor, Emeritus Professor Don Aitkin AO, helped to shape the UC of today.
ORDER OF AUSTRALIA – MILITARY DIVISION
For his distinguished service as the Head of Military Strategic Planning, First Assistant Director General Expeditionary and Transnational Intelligence and Commander Defence Signals Intelligence and Cyber Command, Major General Colin Karotamhas been appointed as an Officer of the Order of Australia in the Military Division (AO). Major General Karotam is an alumnus of the University, holding a Master of Defence Studies.
Alumnus Commodore Anthony Michael Klenthis CSC RAN was appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia in the Military Division (AM) for exceptional service to the Royal Australian Navy and the Australian Defence Force in strategic military workforce planning.
Major General Wade Bradley Stothart DSC AM CSC was appointed as an Officer of the Order of Australia in the Military Division (AO) for distinguished service in leading strategic people capability, innovation and reform within the Australian Defence Force.
PUBLIC SERVICE MEDAL
Ms Robin Edmonds, an alumna of the University, received the Public Service Medal (PSM) for outstanding public service for the co-founding of the Australian Public Sector Neurodiversity Community of Practice. She holds a Master of Communication (Strategic), Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication from the University.