NFP Leaders Honoured in 2015 Queen’s Birthday List

Dozens of Australian philanthropists, Not for Profit leaders and volunteers have been recognised in the Queen’s  Birthday Honours List including Vinnies CEO Dr John Falzon for his service to the community through social welfare organisations.

Dr John Falzon is Chief Executive Officer of the St Vincent Paul Society National Council of Australia. He trained in sociology, theology, politics and poetics, he has worked in academia, in community development in large public housing estates and in research and advocacy in NGOs.

Dr Falzon is the recipient of an Order of Australia Medal (OAM).

“I feel privileged to be part of a massive and wonderful movement for collective social justice and social change at the St Vincent de Paul Society,” Dr Falzon said.

“Advocacy in Australia is enormously important and if ever we try to shut down advocacy or shoot the messengers we do so at our own peril as a society if we want to be a robust democracy.”

Prominent and often outspoken philanthropist Dick Smith AO has received one of the country’s highest awards as a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC)

The awards citation says the AC award is for eminent service to the community as a benefactor of a range of Not for Profit and conservation organisations, through support for major fundraising initiatives for humanitarian and social welfare programs, to medical research and the visual arts, and to aviation.

Also receiving the honour of an AO is philanthropist Paula Fox, wife of transport giant Lindsay Fox, for her distinguished service to the community through philanthropic contributions to, and committed fundraising support and advocacy for, a range of arts, cultural, youth, research and social welfare organisations.

The Queen’s Birthday 2015 Honours List recognises a diverse range of contributions and service across all fields, including professional endeavours, community service, Defence and Emergency Services personnel, and acts of bravery.

Included in The Queen’s Birthday 2015 Honours List are 519 recipients of awards in the general division of the Order of Australia (including 138 AM recipients) who have been recognised for contributions and service to fellow citizens in Australia and internationally.  

Rupert Myer AM was honoured with an AO for distinguished service to the visual and performing arts, through governance roles with leading cultural institutions, as a supporter and benefactor, to the promotion of philanthropy, and to the community.

Heloise Waislitz, daughter of philanthropists Richard and Jeannie Pratt was awarded an AM for significant service to the community through charitable and philanthropic support in the areas of health and social welfare.

Pro Bono Australia Founder Karen Mahlab was awarded an AM for her significant service to the community through support for the  Not for Profit sector and contributions to philanthropic initiatives.

Life long volunteer Margaret Lee who is a founding member of the Royal Children’s Hospital Pied Pipers received an OAM for her service to the community through the Royal Children's Hospital.

Dr Michael McKenzie Henry received an AM for significant service to the Not for Profit sector and cultural sectors through a range of roles, to business governance standards, and to the community.

The founder of the Hush Music Foundation, Dr Catherine Mary Crock from the Royal Children’s Hospital was awarded and AM for significant service to medicine, particularly to improved patient and family care and community healthcare standards, and to the arts.

The full 2015 Queen’s Birthday Honours List can be found HERE