Monash President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Ed Byrne AC received Australia’s highest civic honour on Australia Day – receiving a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC).

Professor Byrne received the honour for his eminent service to tertiary education, particularly through leadership and governance roles at Monash along with his biomedical teaching and research, as a scientist and academic mentor. Professor Byrne was also recognised for his contributions to improved global health and his advocacy for the broader higher education sector.

View full list of recipients

Monash University Chancellor Alan Finkel said Professor Byrne's achievement was testament to his outstanding leadership and service to higher education and more importantly to Monash during his five-year tenure.

"Ed has strengthened the University considerably and undoubtedly the University is, and will continue to be, a significantly stronger institution under his stewardship.

"Through his outstanding leadership Ed has helped us strengthen our academy, leading the refinement of our campus structure and the strategic expansion of the Monash international footprint through key university partnerships in the UK, and in China," Dr Finkel said.

"I sincerely congratulate Professor Byrne on behalf of the University Council and all within our Monash University community."

Alumnus and supporter, The Honourable Justice Stephen Kaye AM (BA 1972, LLB(Hons) 1974) received a Member of the Order of Australia “for significant service to the law and to the judiciary, particularly in the area of Indigenous social justice and cultural awareness”. 

Alumnus, staff member and supporter Associate Professor Bruce Waxman OAM (BMedSc 1974, MBBS 1974) received a Medal of the Order of Australia “for service to medicine as an administrator, educator and clinician”.

Former Australian test cricketer and Vice-Chancellor's Professorial Fellow Paul Sheahan AM received a Member of the Order of Australia “for significant service to secondary education as a teacher, and through roles with sporting, charitable and community organisations”.  

Other Australia Day Honours recipients include:

• Alumna Mrs Judith Bundy AM (BA(MultiDisc) 1987) was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia “for significant service to public education through governance and advocacy roles and to the community of South Australia”.
• Alumnus Professor Brenton Broadstock AM (BA 1976) received a Member of the Order of Australia “for significant service to music as a composer, educator and mentor”.
• Alumna Dr Belinda Brown OAM (MBBS 1981) received a Medal of the Order of Australia “for service to medicine in the field of breast cancer treatment”.
• Staff member Dr Stewart Hart AM received a Member of the Order of Australia “for significant service to medicine as a clinician, particularly in the area of breast cancer research, and to community health organisations”.
• Alumnus Mr John Kelleher AM PSM (BAppSci 1983, BA(MultiDisc) 1986) received a Member of the Order of Australia “for significant service to the community, particularly as a forensic specialist in the field of fire and explosion investigation”.

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