CASS staff and alumni acknowledged in 2024 Australia Day Honours

The College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS) celebrates staff and alumni honoured in the Governor General’s 2024 Australia Day Honours list.

This year’s honours list recognises and celebrates 1,042 Australians. It includes awards in the Order of Australia (General and Military Divisions), meritorious awards and recognition for distinguished and conspicuous service.

Governor-General David Hurley recognised six staff members from the Australian National University (ANU) for their outstanding accomplishments and significant contributions to Australian society. This esteemed group includes three current ANU staff and three emeritus staff members, two of whom are affiliated with the College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS). Their achievements span a wide array of fields, highlighting their invaluable impact.

Emeritus Fellow Colin Steele, former University Librarian (1980-2002), was appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to librarianship and digital information sharing.

“It’s a great honour and would not have been possible without the support of my wife Anna and my colleagues at ANU,” Steele says.

“The award recognises and reinforces the importance of libraries, books, open access to knowledge and sources of trusted information in an increasingly global digital world.”

Emeritus Fellow Colin Steele speaks at Llewellyn Hall on 13 September 2023. Photo: Tracey Nearmy/ANU

Emeritus Professor Peter McDonald, former ABS independent assurance panel member for the 2021 and 2016 census, also received an AO this year. He was recognised for his distinguished service to demographic research, to policy development and professional associations.

Emeritus Professor Peter McDonald, Image supplied.

The Governor-General said that this year’s winners “have the thanks and respect” of the nation.

“In my experience most are humble and often try to deflect attention or praise – please enjoy the moment because your country has decided that you deserve recognition.”

CASS Alumni Australia Day 2024 Honours

The late David Robson OAM (AssocDipArts ’84)
For his service to aviation.

Dominique Mecoy OAM (BA ’95)
For service to business, and to the community.

Emeritus Professor Peter McDonald AO (PhD ’73)
For distinguished service to demographic research, to policy development, and to professional associations.

A full list of ANU community members, including alumni, who have been honoured will be added to the awards section of the ANU alumni website in coming weeks.

This article is a revised version of content originally from ANU Reporter.