Distinguished CASS alumni recognised in Australia Day Honours

Five distinguished alumni of the ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences have been recognised in this year's Australia Day Honours for their long-running contributions to the nation.

The CASS alumni honoured span a cross-section of private industry, public service, and academia. 

Dr Jill Guthrie (BA '95, MAppEpid '00), who is a researcher with the National Centre for Epidemiology & Population Health at ANU, was appointed a member of the Order of Australia (AM). Dr Guthrie has spent over 30 years working to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and was also recognised for her work on reducing their contact with the criminal justice system. Dr Guthrie said it was "a wonderful honour to be recognised".  

"Many talented and dedicated people contribute to my work and deserve to be celebrated, including my mentors, collaborators, funders, and the Cowra community who are working with us to inform and advance justice reinvestment research," Dr Guthrie said. 

Current President of Chief Executive Women, Dr Sam Mostyn (BA '86, LLB '89, HonLLD '18), was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO). Dr Mostyn has provided guidance and governance in a diverse range of organisations and for government. Along the way, she has been a tireless advocate for gender equality, Indigenous reconciliation, and environmental sustainability.

Ms Tanya Barden (Bec '94, BA '94) was awarded the Order of Australia medal for service to business, and to the community. Ms Barden has been Chief Executive of the Australian Food and Grocery Council for almost four years, and is the Director of Foodbank Australia. She previously served on the Board of the Australian Packaging Covenant, which works to reduce the environmental impact of consumer packaging.

Mr Mark Huxley (BA '99) and Mr Andrew Todd (BA '81) were both awarded a Public Service Medal for their contributions.

Mr Huxley, who is the Executive Group Manager for School Improvement in ACT Education was recognised for outstanding public service to education in the Australian Capital Territory. 

Mr Todd retired last year from the role of first assistant secretary of the Consular and Crisis Management Division in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. He was recognised for his outstanding public service through the development and implementation of Australian Government policy on consular matters, and the response to offshore crises.

Professor Rae Frances, Dean of the College of Arts and Social Sciences congratulated the recipients.

“The contributions of our alumni to the wider community are a great source of pride and inspiration for all of us here at ANU," said Professor Frances.

CASS Alumni Australia Day 2021 Honours 

Dr Sam Mostyn AO
BA '86, LLB '89, HonLLD '18
For distinguished service to business and sustainability, and to the community, through seminal contributions to a range of organisations, and to women.

Dr Jill Guthrie AM
BA '95, MAppEpid '00
For significant service to Indigenous health, and to justice reinvestment policy.

Tanya Barden OAM
Bec '94, BA '94
For service to business, and to the community.

Mark Huxley PSM
BA '99
For outstanding public service to education in the Australian Capital Territory.

Andrew Todd PSM
BA '81
For outstanding public service through the development and implementation of Australian Government policy on consular matters, and the response to offshore crises.