The Honorary Doctorate is the highest award bestowed at Murdoch University and is given to individuals who have served prominently in public life or significantly contributed to the application of knowledge in society.  

Noongar Elder Dr Millie Penny 

Image caption: Dr Millie Penny receiving her Honorary Doctor of The University from Chancellor Gail McGowan at Murdoch University's graduation ceremony.

Dr Penny was awarded an Honorary Doctor of The University in recognition of her leadership, cultural preservation, education, health advocacy, and economic empowerment for Aboriginal communities for over 50 years in WA. 

She is recognised as a cultural leader and traditional knowledge holder within the Noongar community through her roles as an Elder researcher at The Kids Institute, within the WA Council of Social Services, and as a foundational member of the Circle of Elders for the WA Aboriginal Leadership Institute (WAALI). 

Dr Penny is a member of Murdoch University’s Aboriginal Reference Group, Circle of Elders at the Ngangk Yira Institute for Change and has guided Murdoch University’s First Nations portfolio operations, curriculum, research, and reconciliation journey.  

Her extensive work has helped to empower women, children, families, and those in the community, while also providing a safe-haven and support for those facing violence.  

Emeritus Professor Goen Ho

Image caption: Emeritus Professor Goen Ho, Honorary Doctor of Science (centre) with Vice Chancellor Professor Andrew Deeks (left) and Chancellor Gail McGowan (right).

Awarded the Honorary Doctor of Science, Emeritus Professor Goen Ho has been part of the Murdoch University community for nearly 50 years and is known for his significant work in water, waste and energy research. 

Emeritus Professor Ho’s work is expansive, with over 500 journal articles, books, chapters and conference papers published, placing him in the top 2 per cent of researchers globally in the disciplines of engineering, technology and environmental sciences. He is also recognised as a Fellow of the Institution of Engineers Australia and a Fellow of the International Water Association. 

Emeritus Professor Ho played a vital role in establishing the Remote Area Developments Group, which carried out research into the provision of water and sanitation to remote Aboriginal communities, and led to the successful implementation of technologies and training programs.  

His original book, International Source Book for Environmentally Sound Technologies for Wastewater and Stormwater Management has been translated into numerous languages and used for training across the globe.  

He is also known for establishing the Environmental Technology Centre, which was awarded the Centre of Excellence funding twice. His advocacy, over time, saw the Environmental Technology Centre transform into the Asia Pacific Regional Centre of UNEP International Environmental Technology Centre. Through this Centre, Emeritus Professor Ho has delivered workshops and conferences in developing countries, using his expertise to help others thrive.  

Throughout his career, he has supervised more than 50 Murdoch University PhD students to completion and continues to do so despite his retirement in 2013.