Congratulations to sector leaders recognised in King’s Birthday Honours list

Philanthropy Australia congratulates philanthropists and those working across the not-for-profit sector who are leading by example with ‘passion, generosity, energy and resolve’ to improve the lives of Australians.

Leaders from the philanthropic sector were among 830 Australians recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours for outstanding work in their communities. Philanthropy Australia members and friends were among those who received top honours. 

Kathryn Fagg AC received her honour for eminent service to business governance, to the banking, finance and investment industry, to public administration, to the not-for-profit sector and to women. Kathryn is Chair of the Watertrust Australia board and the Breast Cancer Network Australia, a director on The Myer Foundation, the Champions of Change Coalition and the Grattan Institute, among other roles in the social, private and government sectors. She was formerly chair of the CSIRO board and a member of the Reserve Bank of Australia board. Kathryn has a background in chemical engineering and was recognised in 2019 with an AO.

“I’m astonished and delighted. I cannot say how pleased I was to be able to tell my 93-year-old father who role-modeled community connection and service,” said Kathryn. “I feel extraordinarily grateful for the opportunities I’ve had and the wonderful people I’ve come to know who are committed to making a difference.”

Beyond Blue CEO Georgie Harman AO (main image) has been recognised for distinguished service to the mental health sector, to the LBGTQIA+ community and to not-forprofit organisations.

Georgie is an influential figure in mental health and the NFP sector and has been Beyond Blue CEO since 2014. She said: “I believe passionately in doing better for people and communities affected by mental health issues and suicide. Like for most of us, it’s personal.

 “To be recognised alongside leaders in their field for their positive contribution to humanity is a great honour and I’m deeply grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given.”

Distinguished Professor Vasso Apostolopoulos AM was recognised for significant service to medical research, particularly immunology. She is the Head of the Healthy Lifespan and Chronic Diseases Program at RMIT. “Being acknowledged in this way for my contributions to medical research and health is deeply meaningful, especially as it relates to areas I care about so passionately. It’s both a humbling experience and a powerful reminder of why I do this work.

“This recognition strengthens my commitment to advancing research and driving innovative solutions that make a genuine, lasting impact on human health and wellbeing.”

Architect Professor Rob McGauran AM was honoured for significant service to urban architectural design, planning and development and to tertiary education. He holds academic posts at Monash University and the University of Melbourne. He sits on the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation (LMCF) board and chairs its Community Engagement and Development Grants Advisory Panel: Homelessness & Affordable Housing.

“I feel honoured and humbled to be awarded an AM. I have had the great fortune to have had a wonderful partner and family support me in life and business, and to find areas of work where my skills have been able to generate some useful impact and great connections and collaborators,” he said.

“I joined the board of LMCF seven years ago to support its ambitions to impact the growing crisis in addressing homelessness and affordable housing. While I am proud of the work and its recent recognition from the Australian Institute of Architects, there is still much to do.” 

Clive Berghofer AO received his honour for distinguished service to the community of Queensland through philanthropic support of health and emergency services, sporting and educational organisations.

Professor Bronwen Dalton was honoured for significant service to social advocacy and social justice academia, and to charitable organisations. Bronwen is Head of Management and Director of the Masters of Not-for-Profit and Social Enterprise Program at the University of Technology, Sydney. She is also the founder and CEO of the charity Ruff Sleepers.

David Zerman AM was recognised for significant service to community organisations, to health, and to philanthropic initiatives. David is on the board of the Intensive Care Foundation and has worked for decades across the NFP and health sectors.

Tony Surtees AM, a director of the Menzies Leadership Foundation, received his honour for significant service to the support and advocacy of technological and charitable entrepreneurialism.

Dr Lorna Heaslop OAM, Mohamed Farouk Adam OAM and Fay O’Toole OAM respectively  received their honours for: service to medicine and the community; for service to the Muslim community of Queensland; and for service to the community through charitable initiatives.

Philanthropy Australia congratulates and thanks all those notable recipients for their contribution to our communities and helping to grow a culture of generosity in Australia. 

In announcing the awards, Her Excellency the Governor-General Sam Mostyn AC, said: “Every day, and all across the country, Australians are doing extraordinary things with passion, generosity, energy and resolve. These honours recognise the selfless service, integrity, achievement, creativity and care that flourish across our country.”

Read more on the complete list.