Congratulations to three of Murdoch’s alumni who have been recognised with Australia Day Honours Awards for 2021.
The outstanding service and contributions of three Murdoch University alumni have been recognised in this year’s list of Australia Day Honours. The awards celebrate the achievements of Australians from all walks of life, many of whom are known only to those they help and serve day-in-day-out.Murdoch University Vice Chancellor, Professor Eeva Leinonen congratulated this year’s recipients and said she was delighted their significant contributions to Australia had been recognised on the national stage.
“This national honour is a fitting testament to the dedication, strength and impact our Murdoch Alumni are making in their industries, communities and beyond. We are fortunate to have them as members of the Murdoch community.
“We are delighted to see their service and achievements celebrated. They will no doubt inspire many others, particularly our students, to follow in their footsteps,” Professor Leinonen said.
The following individuals received Australia Day Honours Awards this year:
Dr Richard Walley OAM
Dr Richard Walley OAM was named Western Australia’s Senior Australian of the Year 2021 for his relentless and passionate work in supporting and promoting Aboriginal culture and community.Well-known within the Murdoch community for his Welcome to Country as a Noongar Elder, Dr Walley has served in an advisory capacity on cultural aspects of indigenous affairs at Murdoch University.
He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the University in 2006 for his contribution to the study of Aboriginal culture and customs. In addition to his long list of accolades, Dr Walley is a respected musician, artist and performer.
As such, in 1993, he was awarded Medal of the Order of Australia as part of the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for ‘Service to the performing arts and the promotion of culture of the South Western Aboriginals, the Noongars’.
Brigadier Ana Duncan AM, CSC
Brigadier Ana Duncan AM, CSC was awarded Member of the Order of Australia. She has been recognised for exceptional performance as the Director of Strategy, Plans and Assessments in Headquarters Combined Joint Task Force – Operation.Ms Duncan received a Master of Science in Telecommunications and Data Management from Murdoch University in 2001. She currently serves as Commandant of the Royal Military College of Australia and Director General Army Leadership, after spending time in the Strategy and Policy Division in the Department of Defence and the National Security Division in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
Ms Duncan has previously been awarded the Conspicuous Service Cross (Australia Day Honours 2013) and Commendation for Distinguished Service (Queen’s Birthday Honours 2015).
Mr Samuel Todhunter, OAM
Mr Samuel Todhunter, OAM, was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for his service to aviation. At the age of 71, Mr Todhunter joined the Murdoch alumni community after completing a Bachelor of Science in General Studies in 2003.He is a former Australian Air Force Officer, Superintendent for the Department of Civil Aviation and Chief Flying Instructor for AvWest. Currently, he serves as a Senior Flying Instructor for the Northern Rivers Aero Club.