Queen’s Birthday Honours – the Jewish list

Two members of the community have received the nation’s highest award, the A.C., and a brother and sister and a mother and her son have been recognised by their country. This year’s recipients of the Queen’s Birthday awards who are either Jewish or proud of their Jewish heritage total 38, the highest number according to our records.

Gilah Leder has been awarded the AM while her son Richard will receive an OAM.

Philanthropists Robert Magid and his sister Nora Goodridge have each been awarded the OAM.

COMPANION [AC] IN THE GENERAL DIVISION OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA

Dr Annabelle Claire BENNETT AO SC, Woollahra NSW 2025

For eminent service to the law, and to the judiciary, particularly in the field of intellectual property, to higher education, and to sports arbitration.

Judiciary

• Judge, Federal Court of Australia, 2003-2016.
• Additional Judge, Supreme Court of the ACT, 2003-2016.

Legal

• Part-Time President, Anti-Discrimination Board NSW, since 2017.
• Part-Time Commissioner, New South Wales Law Reform Commission, since 2018.
• Presidential Member, Administrative Appeals Tribunal, 2005-2016.
• President, Copyright Tribunal, 2013-2016.
• Barrister, Mediator and Arbitrator, since 2016.
• Barrister, 1980-2003.

World Intellectual Property Organisation

• Member, Mediation and Arbitration List of Neutrals, current.
• Chair, Advisory Group of Judges.
• Member, Panel of Arbitrators for IP Disputes, Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre, current.
• Member, International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes Panel of Arbitrators, since 2017.
• Member, Indicative List of Governmental and Non-governmental panellists for the World Trade Organisation Disputes Settlement Process, current.

Court of Arbitration in Sport

• Arbitrator, since 2007.
• Member, Ad Hoc Division, Winter Olympic Games Sochi, 2014.
• Member, Ad Hoc Division, Summer Olympic Games, Rio de Janeiro, 2016.
• Member, Dispute Panel, International Cricket Council, 2018.
• Member, Sport Resolutions’ Panel of Arbitrators and Mediators, current.

Education

• Chancellor, Bond University, since 2016.
• Member, Advisory Board, Faculty of Law, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, since 2006.

Australian National University

• Council Member, 1996-2011.
• Pro-Chancellor, 1998-2011.

Other

• Chair, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, since 2019.
• Member, Questacon Advisory Council, 2016-2019.
• Director, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, since 2016.
• Trustee, Centennial Park and Moore Park Trust, 2003-2011.
• Chair, National Health and Medical Research Council, 2012-2016.
• Member, Australian Academy of Forensic Sciences, since 1985.

Annabelle Bennett immerses herself in whatever she undertakes and admits that the law has given her many “fabulous opportunities”.

“You never think that you are that special, but then it is nice to get this recognition,” she said.

She admits that now she has added an AC to her name, she has caught up with her husband who already has one.

When congratulated by J-Wire on her Award this year, she gently pointed out that J-Wire had failed to approach her when she was awarded an AO and was glad she would not be missing from the 2019 honour roll of Jewish recipients.

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Emeritus Professor Leo RADOM, Bellevue Hill NSW 2023

For eminent service to science, particularly to computational chemistry, as an academic, author and mentor, and to international scientific bodies.

University of Sydney

• Emeritus Professor, School of Chemistry, since 2015.
• Professor, School of Chemistry, 2003-2014.
• Chair, School Board, School of Chemistry, 2013-2016.
• President, Sydney University Chemical Society, 2006.
• Honorary Life Member, Sydney University Chemical Society, current.
• Chief Investigator, ARC Centre of Excellence for Free Radical Chemistry and Biotechnology, 2005-2013.

Australian National University

• Professor, Research School of Chemistry, 1991-2003.
• Professorial Fellow, Research School of Chemistry, 1990-1991.
• Senior Research Fellow, School of Chemistry, 1974-1979.
• Queen Elizabeth II Fellow, 1972-1974.

Chemistry – Other

• President, Canberra Branch, Royal Australian Chemical Institute, 1985
• 50 Year Member, American Chemical Society, current.
• Author of more than 500 peer-reviewed publications.
• Citation H-index of 89.

World Association of Theoretical and Computational Chemists (WATOC)

• President, 2005-2011.
• Chair, WATOC World Congress Sydney, 2008.
• Life Member, current. 

Asia-Pacific Association of Theoretical and Computational Chemists (APATCC)

• Co-founder, 2009.
• President, since 2009.

Awards and recognition includes:

• Distinguished Fellowship, Royal Australian Chemical Institute, 2018.
• Fellowship of the Royal Society of New South Wales, 2016.
• Medal, Physical Chemistry Division, Royal Australian Chemical Institute, 2010.
• Medal, Association of Molecular Modellers of Australasia, 2010.
• David Craig Medal, Australian Academy of Science, 2008.
• Fellowship, Royal Society of Chemistry, 2008.
• Fukui Medal, Asia-Pacific Association of Theoretical and Computational Chemists, 2006.
• Centenary Medal, Australian Government, 2003.
• Schrodinger Medal, World Association of Theoretical and Computational Chemists, 1994.
• Archibald Olle Prize, Royal Australian Chemical Institute, 1992.
• Maccoll Prize, British Society of Mass Spectrometry, 1991.
• Fellow, International Academy of Quantum Molecular Science, 1989.
• Fellow, Australian Academy of Science, 1988.
• HG Smith Medal, Royal Australian Chemical Institute, 1988.
• Fellow, Royal Australian Chemical Institute, 1979.
• Rennie Medal, Royal Australian Chemical Institute, 1977.
• Fulbright Fellowship, 1969-1972.
• University Medal in Chemistry, University of Sydney, 1965. 

“It is very pleasing to be part of this. I was very surprised to be awarded such a high honour. I looked at the names of previous recipients and am honoured to be included with them,” Leo Radom told J-Wire.

While there is no specific celebration planned, he is sure his family including wife Faye, daughters Jackie and Naomi, together with four grandchildren Valentina, Isabella Atlas and Sophia will want to mark the occasion.

His Russian parents lived in Shanghai where he was born. He considers himself fortunate that his family were able to come to Australia where he went to good public schools. Bursaries enabled Leo to complete his PhD and he appreciates that Australia allowed him the opportunities to pursue a scientific career.

He acknowledges a debt of gratitude to “all the wonderful students and colleagues” he has worked with over the years.

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OFFICER [AO] IN THE GENERAL DIVISION OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA

Dr Rachael Linda KOHN, Mosman NSW 2088

For distinguished service to the broadcast media, particularly radio, as a creator, producer and presenter, and to Jewish studies.

ABC Radio National

• Created, produced and presented, The Spirit of Things, 1997-2018.
• Created, produced and presented The Ark (religious history), 2003-2009
• Created, produced and presented, Religion Today, 1995-97
• Created, produced and presented, Cults, for Open Learning, 1992.
• Produced and presented, Religion Report, 1993-95.
• Created, produced and presented 30 one hour features for Encounter.
• Produced and presented for Compass TV, The Dead Sea Scrolls, Buddhism East and West, and Paws for Thought (the spirituality of animals).

Other

• Co-founder and Vice Chair, International Association of Religion Journalists, since 2012.
• Member, Advisory Board, Centre for Interfaith and Cultural Dialogue, Griffith University, 2004-2014.
• Lecturer, Departments of Religious Studies and Semitic Studies, University of Sydney, 1987-1992.
• Leverhulme Post-Doctoral Fellow, Lancaster University, United Kingdom, 1986.

Author

• ‘Curious Obsessions in the History of Science and Spirituality’, 2007.
• ‘The New Believers: Re-imagining God’, 2003.

The Australian Association of Jewish Studies

• Co-founder
• Vice-President, 1987.
• Editor of the ‘Australian Journal of Jewish Studies’, 1992-1996.
• Editorial Board Member, ‘The Bonhoeffer Legacy Australasian Journal of Bonhoeffer Studies’, since 2013.
• Board Member, Australian Theological Foundation Press, since 2018.

Awards and recognition include:

• Three World Gold Medals from the New York Festivals Radio Division for: ‘The Monk and the Modern Girl’, 2004, ‘Coffee Sex and Other Addictions’,2002 and ‘In God We Trust: Civil and Uncivil Religion in America’, 2000.
• Doctor of Letters (honoris causa), University of New South Wales, 2005.

Rachael Kohn told J-Wire: “The award means that people recognise the importance of understanding religious traditions, their own and others. We have a very optimistic future if the work I have done over 26 years has been recognised by so many people at such a high level. 

It is a tremendous honour for me.  I am both overwhelmed and delighted that it has meant  as much to others as it has to me.”

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Carol Judith SCHWARTZ AM, Melbourne VIC 3000

For distinguished service to the community as a supporter of women in leadership roles, to social justice advocacy, and to business.

Trawalla Foundation

• Co-Founder and Chair, since 2004.
• Ambassador, Stella Prize, 2016.
• Founder, Pathways to Politics Program for Women, 2015.

Board Memberships

• Co-Founder and Director, Trawalla Group.
• Director, Skalata Ventures.
• Director, Armitage Associates.
•  Director, Australian Chamber Orchestra, since 2016.
• Member, Advance Global Advisory Council, since 2016.
• Co-Founder, Scale Investors, since 2013.
• Chair, Creative Partnerships Australia, since 2012.
• Founding Chair, Women’s Leadership Institute of Australia, since 2010.
• Co-Founder and Non-Executive Director, Qualitas Property Partners, since 2009.
• Chair, Our Community, since 2000.

Former Board Memberships

• Chair, Creative Partnerships Australia, 2012-2018.
• Director, Australian Chamber Orchestra, 2016-2019.
• Chair, Temple and Webster, 2015-2016.
• Board Member, National Australia Day Council, 2012-2015.
• Non-Executive Director, Bank of Melbourne, 2011-2017.
• Deputy Chair, Australian Women Donors Network, 2010-2011.
• Member, Enterprise Melbourne Advisory Board, 2009-2013.
• Board Member, Social Ventures Australia, 2008-2009.
• Chair, Future Melbourne Reference Group, 2007-2008.
• Board Member, Growth Areas Authority Taskforce, 2006-2008.
• Non-Executive Director, The Sydney Institute, 2005-2015.
• President, Melbourne International Arts Festival Board, 2005-2009.
• Board Member, Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney, 2004-2008.
• Chair, Industry Superannuation Property Trust, 2004-2008.
• Chair, Docklands Public Art Advisory Committee, 2003-2008.
• Director, Heat Group, 2000-2011.
• Former Member, Bourke Street Fund Panel.

Reserve Bank of Australia

• Board Member, since 2018.
• Member, Remuneration Committee, current.

Stockland

• Non-Executive Director, since 2010.
• Member, Risk Committee, current.
• Member, Human Resources Committee, current.
• Member, Sustainability Committee, current.

Property Council of Australia

• Inaugural Convenor, Property Male Champions of Change, since 2015.
• President, Property Council Victoria, 1994-1996.
• President, 1999-2001.
• Board Member, 1996-2001. 

Awards and recognition include:

• Appointed a Member of the Order of Australia, 2006.
• Ernest and Young, South Region Champion of Entrepreneurship, 2018.
• Honorary Doctorate, Monash University, 2018.
• Property Council Hall of Fame, Property Council of Australia, 2017.
• Honorary National Life Membership, Property Council of Australia, 2016.
• AFR Inaugural 100 Women of Influence Award, 2012.
• Victorian Honour Roll of Women, 2011.
• ‘True Leader’, Boss Magazine, 2011.
• Fellow, Monash University, 2010.

“I was really excited, my award really reflects on the work that I and so many women I work with have been focusing on gender equality. Specifically, it has been acknowledged that it is ensuring that women get an equal voice,” said Carol Schwartz.

“There is still room for improvements through organisations.”

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MEMBER [AM] IN THE GENERAL DIVISION OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA

 

Joseph BORENSZTAJN, Toorak VIC 3142

For significant service to the community through a range of organisations.

Jewish Holocaust Centre Foundation

• Director, current.
• Investment Committee Member, current.
• Trustee, current.

Jewish – Other

• President, Australian Friends of Yad Vashem, since 2014.
• Director, Melbourne Jewish Friendly Society, current.

Mount Scopus Memorial College

• Executive Member, Scopus Foundation, since 1993.
• Life Member.

Charitable organisations

• Trustee/Director of several Public Ancillary Funds, current.
• Director, Access Foundation, Access Limited, current.
• Director, Aaries Australian Academy Robotic Innovation Education Simulation Limited, current.
• Helped establish the Australian Workers Union Beaconsfield Miners Relief Trust, 2006.
• Honorary Member, Australian Himalayan Foundation.

Collingwood Football Club

• Co-Director, CFC Foundation, current.
• Member, current.

Professional

• Partner, Arnold Bloch Leibler, current.
•  Member, Law Institute of Victoria, current.
•  Fellow, Tax Institute of Australia.

Awards and recognition include:

• Award Ranking of ‘Band 1’, Charities Practice Area, Chambers Asia Pacific, 2017, 2018.
• The General Sir John Monash Award, the Jewish Community Council of Victoria, 2013.
• Community Volunteer Award, State Zionist Council of Victoria, 2008.
• The International Year of the Volunteer Award, the United Israel Appeal, 2001.

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Trevor Sydney COHEN, Toorak VIC 3142

For significant service to the Jewish community, and to heritage preservation.

Jewish Children’s Aid Society Inc

• President, since 2013.
• Member of the Board, since 1970s.

The Jewish Museum of Australia

• Founding Chair and Member of Committee of Management, 1977-1988.
• Honorary Solicitor, 1977-1980s.

Australian Jewish Historical Society Victoria Inc

• President, 1978-1984.
• Secretary, 1964-1973.
• Member of the Committee and Honorary Legal Adviser, since 1962.

Maccabi Victoria

• President, Judean League of Victoria, 1976-1981
• Life Member, Judean League of Victoria, since 1982.
• Inductee to the Maccabi Victoria Hall of Fame, 2000.

Preservation and restoration of heritage buildings

• The Block Arcade, 280-292 Collins Street and 96-102 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne.
• The Cashmore building, 298-304 Collins Street and 80-82 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne.
• The Royal Arcade, 331-339 Bourke Street, 148-150 Elizabeth Street and 308-316 Lt Collins Street, Melbourne.

Philanthropy

• Gold Patron, Jewish National Fund.
• Inducted into the Mount Scopus Memorial College Foundation in 2014.
• Life Member, National Gallery of Australia Foundation.
• Lifelong Member, Epworth HealthCare Family.
• Member, C2C1000 club (Courage to Care).
• Life Member, National Trust of Australia (Victoria).

Business and professional 

• Director, Royal Arcade, Melbourne, current.
• Chairman, Block Arcade, Melbourne, current.
• Director, Godfreys, 1970s-2006.
• Solicitor in private practice, 1962-early 1980s.

Trevor Cohen told J-Wire: “ I am very chuffed by the award. I am very proud that they have thought of me.

I have been lucky to have been involved in all of these years and it all began with sport.”

Trevor Cohen has been involved with sports since 1957, beginning with the AJAX Football Club whose brother was behind it.

“Now there are hundreds of Jewish children playing sports on a Saturday which bring me great pleasure and joy.”

His father and uncle have been president of the Jewish Children’s Aid Society, and Mr Cohen has been involved all of his life.

He has a long family history with heritage, his family have been in Melbourne since 1848 and he has been involved with heritage and preservation of buildings.

“I love Melbourne and I have a great love of the Jewish community.”

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Emeritus Professor Leslie Joshua COPELAND, NSW

For significant service to agricultural science as an academic and researcher.

University of Sydney

• Emeritus Professor of Agriculture, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, since 2017, and Professor, 2001-2017.
• Research Integrity Advisor, since 2010.
• President, Association of Professors, 2008-2017.
• Chair, Committee of Deans, 2006-2007.
• Former Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, 7 years.

Professional Appointments

• Foundation President, Australian Council of Deans of Agriculture, 2007-2008.
• Director, Cotton Research and Development Corporation, since 2017.
• Director, Council of the Australasian Grain Science Association, 2014-2015.
• Member, Australian Cotton Innovation Network, since 2013.
• Member, Biological Science and Biotechnology Committee, Australian Institute of Nuclear Science and Energy, since 2009.
• Director, Value Added Wheat Cooperative Research Centre, 2001-2008.
• Member, Research Advisory Committee, Australian Farm Institute, since 2004.
• Director, Australian Cotton Cooperative Research Centre, 2003-2005.
• Director, NuFlora, 2001-2002.
• Editor-in-Chief, Cereal Chemistry, since 2016.
• Foundation Editor, Agriculture Journal, 2011.

Awards and recognition includes:

• Excellence in Teaching Award, American Association of Cereal Chemists – International
• Fulbright Fellow.

Les Copeland told J-Wire: “It’s nice to receive recognition but much of the credit goes to the great colleagues and wonderful students I’ve worked with over many years, a supportive family, and doing what you enjoy. Being an urban champion for our rural sector has been a great reward in itself.“

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Anna FIENBERG, North Balgowlah NSW 2093

For significant service to literature as an author.

Professional

• Writer of young adult fiction and children’s literature, since the 1980s.

Author of over 40 books including:

• Monsters, 2018.
• Tashi series, 1995-2017 (includes 17 illustrated novels, two picture books, an activity book and various collections).
• Wicked’s Way, 2016
• Minton Goes!, 2015
• Louis Beside Himself, 2012.
• Number 8, 2007.
• Horrendo’s Curse, 2002 (Children’s Book Council of Australia – Book of the Year).
• The Witch in the Lake, 2001.
• Joseph, 2001
• Borrowed Light, 1999 (Children’s Book Council of Australia – Book of the Year).
• Dead Sailors Don’t Bite, 1996.
• Power to Burn, 1995.
• Madeleine the Mermaid, 1995.
• The Hottest Boy who Ever Lived, 1993.
• Ariel, Zed and the Secret of Life, 1992(Victorian Premier’s Alan Marshall Award for Children’s Literature).
• The Magnificent Nose and other marvels,1991 (Children’s Book Council of Australia – Book of the Year).
• The Nine Lives of Balthazar, 1989.
• Billy Bear and the Wild Winter, 1988.
• Wiggy and Boa, 1988.

Other

• Member, Australian Society of Authors, for many years.
• Assistant Editor, 1980-1988, Editor The School Magazine, NSW Department of Education, 1988-1990.

Awards and recognition include:

• Victorian Premier’s Literary Award.
• Children’s Book Council of Australia, Honour Book (twice) and Book of the Year.
• Aurealis Award for Children’s Short Fiction.

“Isn’t it lovely? I can’t quite believe it. It is something I have loved to do and I am very grateful.” Anna told J-Wire.

Anna Fienberg and her mother Barbara, have written 16 Tashi pictures as well as a collection of picture books as her mother is a teacher librarian.

“My mother bought home wonderful books. I decided that reading is something I wanted to do all of the time.”

Anna’s first job was with The School Magazine where they chose and reviewed books for the year. Anna discovered that she wanted to write herself.

“Books are a wonderful escape, we can learn so much about our selves and about problem-solving.”

Anna writes books for children, is busy at writers’ festivals and doing school programs. She is currently writing a book for older children. Anna has written 12 other books for children as well as for magazines Women’s Day, Lucky, and Cosmopolitan.

“I love meeting the teacher librarians in schools. While there doesn’t seem to be much funding, the teachers teach kids how to listen to stories. It all begins with a young reader, as they are making the future. Reading and books help them to communicate, and to express themselves. I have always found children inspiring, they have different views and imaginations.”

“I just feel honoured that my field has been acknowledged, that the inner world is being celebrated and represented in this field.”

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Margaret Charlotte FISCHER, Hahndorf SA 5245

For significant service to the festival sector, and to the LGBTIQ community.

Feast Adelaide Queer Arts and Cultural Festival

• Co-Founder 1997.
• Committee Member and Mentor, Queer Youth Drop In, since 2014.
• Former Artistic Director.
• Former Deputy Chair.

Vitalstatistix – Port Adelaide

• Board Advisor, 2014.
• Artistic Director, 1984-1994.
• Co-Founder, 1984.

Community – Jewish

• Member, Chevra Kadisha, Adelaide Progressive Jewish Congregation, since 2013.
• Member, Beit Shalom Synagogue, Adelaide Progressive Jewish Congregation, since 1995.
• Former Member, South Australian Branch, National Council of Jewish Women Australia.

Awards and recognition includes:

• Ruby Award, Sustained Contribution by an Individual, Arts South Australia, 2017.
• Adelaide Citizen of the Year, 2012.
• Geoff Crowhurst Memorial Award, Arts South Australia.
• Ros Bower Award, Australia Council for the Arts.

“It is an honour to be recognised for my work. When I heard I’d been awarded one it truly was a shock, but a good shock,” said Margie Fischer.

She regards it as a privilege to continue working with LGBTIQ artists both established and emerging, young people and Elders across gender and sexuality.

“I am an outsider and like being one. I am just drawn to people on the outside.  Everything I do is informed by my cultural background” Margie Fishcher told J-Wire.

Her parents were Holocaust survivors who came to Australia as refugees and she grew up speaking both Yiddish and Austrian at home. She continues to run the Queer Youth Drop In and Gay Bingo and work on a number of creative projects.

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Robert Bruce HERSHAN, Toorak VIC 3142

For significant service to the textile industry, and to the Jewish community.

Temple Beth Israel

• President, 2013-2015 and 2017.
• Board of Governors Member, since 2006.
• Chairman, numerous Board and Committees, since 2009.

Council of Textiles and Fashion Industries of Australia(formerly the Council of Clothing Footwear and Textile)

• President, 1996-1999.
• Former Council Member.

Pacific Dunlop Limited

• Public Company Board Member, 1995-2000.
• Former Managing Director, Pacific Brands.
• Former Managing Director, Dunlop Consumer Products Division.
• Former General Manager, Men’s Underwear Division.

Other

• National Awards Committee Member, General Sir John Monash Foundation, 2003-2009.
• Employee, Givoni Clothing, 1970-1977.

Robert Hershan says that receiving such an honour is both unexpected and humbling. He believes that doing good benefits everyone involved.

“When you do something that you are passionate about and take on a leadership role, you tend to give it your all,” he said.

As the child of refugees, he believes he is one of the “lucky generation”. His parents survived hardship and came to Australia where they worked to give their children the best. Giving his time and expertise is his way of giving back.

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Harry HOFFMAN OAM, WA

For significant service to the community through charitable organisations.

Mr Hoffman was awarded an OAM in the Australia Day Honours List 2000

For Service to the community as a philanthropist supporting social welfare groups and educational institutions’.

Ardross Group of Companies

• Director and Chairman, current.

Carmel School

• Life Member, current.
• Trustee, 1981-2011.
• Provided funding to build the Kadima Building for visual and performing arts, 2009.

Hebrew University of Jerusalem

• Sponsor, Leadership and Responsibility Program, current.
• Received an honorary doctorate degree, 2012.
• Donor, current.

Other

• Life Governor, United Israel Appeal, current.
• Philanthropic Donor, The Western Australian Symphony Orchestra.

Harry Hoffman was unavailable for comment.

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Daryl Ann KARP, Turner ACT 2612

For significant service to the arts, particularly to the museum and galleries sector.

Museums

• Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, since 2013.

Council of Australasian Museum Directors

• Chair, since 2017.
• Invited Member, since 2014.

Television

• Director, Special Broadcasting Service, since 2011.
• Director, Australian Children’s Television Foundation, 2008-2014, and since 2016.

Australian Broadcasting Corporation

• Head, Factual Programs – Television, 2002-2004.
• Head, Science and Documentaries, 1993-1995.

World Congress of Science and Factual Producers

• Director, more than 20 years.
• Life Member.
• Former Steering Committee Member.
• Assisted with foundation, early-1990s.

Canberra Writers’ Festival

• Deputy Chair, 2015-2018.
• Founding Board Member, 2015-2018.

Other Media

• Managing Director, Tattooed Media, 2000-2002, and 2008-2013.
• Chief Executive Officer, Film Australia, 2004-2008 (now Screen Australia after merger with Australian Film Commission and the Film Finance Corporation Australia in 2008).

Community

• Director, Weizmann Australia, 2010-2013.
• Director, Westmead Medical Research Foundation, 2010-2013.

Awards and recognition includes:

• Business Woman of the Year – Public Sector and Academia, ACT Telstra Business Women’s Awards, 2017.
• Fellow, Australian Institute of Company Directors.

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Charles Peter KIEFEL OAM, East Melbourne VIC 3002

For significant service to Australia-United States relations, and to philanthropy.

Global Federation of Competitiveness Councils

• Distinguished Fellow and Honorary Strategic Advisor, since 2016.
• Co-Chair, Australian Advisory Board on Technology and Healthcare Competitiveness, since 2018.
• Board Member, Global Federation of Competitive Councils, since 2018.

Kiefel Foundation

• Founder, 2009.
• Supporters of educational causes, youth, sustainability and the arts, with donations to organisations such as SecondBite, Barnardos Children’s Charity, and St Vincent’s Health Australia.

Sir Robert Menzies Memorial Foundation

• Non-Executive Director, 1986-2014.
• Chair, Investment and Finance Committee, 2004-2014.

Community

• Foundation Sponsor, Peninsula Summer Music Festival, since 2005.
• Sponsor, Best Watercolour Prize, Flinders Art Show, more than 20 years.

CHAMP Private Equity

• Honorary Member, Review Board, since the late 2000s.

Business

• Chairman, Principals Funds Management, since 2000.

Charles Kiefel’s father is Jewish. He told J-Wire: “We are honoured and lucky to have been given this attention. I am humbled, honoured, and most grateful to have received this acknowledgment. It is nice to do something for your country. My work and involvement in technology and health care is strategically very important for Australia and advances in technology.”

With the formation of Australian Government Advisory Board on Technology, as Co-chair Mr Kiefel has been involved with wonderful foundations and organisations who focus on capital, robotics, advanced computing, cybersecurity and other issues facing Australia, ensuring the Government receives the best independent advice possible.

While Mr Kiefel is not Jewish, most of his school friends were and he is very and actively involved in the Jewish community. He has been involved in philanthropy and advisory work for over 40 years.

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David Milton KRASNOSTEIN, South Yarra VIC 3141

For significant service to the law through equitable access to justice.

Legal Service

• Founder and Inaugural Chairman, Victorian Human Rights Law Centre, 2005-2007.
• President, Public Interest Law Clearing House (PILCH, now known as Justice Connect), 2004-2007.
• Chief General Counsel, National Australia Bank, 1996-2008.
• Inaugural General Counsel,  and Group Director- Strategic Planning and Development, Telstra, 1993-1996.
• Partner, Sidley Austin, 1987-1992.
• Associate, Sullivan and Cromwell LLP, 1982-1986.
• Member, Law Institute of Victoria, 1994-2008.
• Chair, Masters in Banking and Financial Services Law Advisory Board, University of Melbourne.

Other Professional Appointments

• Chairman and Non-Executive Director, Qualitas, since 2011.
• Chairman, Arch Finance, current.
• Chairman, Worksafe Victoria, 2012-2015.
• Director, Transport Accident Commission, 2012-2015.
• Chief Executive Officer, MLC Private Equity, 2008-2011.

Community

• Director, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, since 2014.
• Chair, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Foundation, since 2015.
• Director, National Breast Cancer Foundation, since 2008.
• Board Member, Hellenic Museum of Victoria, since 2018.

Awards and recognition includes:

• Australian Corporate Lawyer of the Year, Law Institute of Australia, 1996.

David Krasnostein said that he is “very honoured” and he is currently on holiday in Greece celebrating with his family.

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Professor Gilah Chaja LEDER, Malvern VIC 3144

For significant service to higher education, and to the Jewish community of Victoria.

Monash University

• Adjunct Professor, since 2007.
• Lecturer, 1978-1982.
• Senior Lecturer, 1982-1987.
• Associate Professor of Education, 1988-1993.

La Trobe University

• Professor Emerita, since 2007.
• Director, Institute for Advanced Study, and Director of Graduate Studies, 2000-2007.
• Professor, Graduate School of Education, 1994-2007.

Mathematics Education Research Group of Australasia (MERGA)

• President, 1994-1998.
• Former Treasurer.
• MERGA Career Research Medal, 2013.
• Life Membership, 2002.

International Commission on Mathematical Instruction (Commission of the International Mathematical Union)

• Executive Committee Member, 1995-2002.
• Felix Klein Medal, 2009.

Education Other

• President, International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education, 1999-2001.
• Former Executive Member, Australian Association for Research in Education.
• Guest Professor, University of Sweden, 2002-2004.
• Editorial Board Member, including Journal for Maths Teacher Education, since 1998; Maths Education Library, since 1988.
• Supervisor, over 60 research students, many now in leading positions.
• Author, books and national and international publications in mathematics education, including gender issues.
• Consultant, school education department and university committees.
• B’nai B’rith Victoria
• Volunteer, Courage to Care program current, The Florence Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning.
• Scholarship Fund Trustee, current.
• Member, 45 years, including Past President.

Awards and recognition include:

• Fellow, Australian Academy of the Social Sciences, 2001.

In what is an unusual coincidence, Gilah Leder’s son, Richard Leder is also receiving an Honour in today’s list.

“It is exciting for me that my son and I are getting an Award at the same time and sharing the day.  I am very touched that someone bothered to put my name forward.” Professor Leder told J-Wire.

She has enjoyed her academic career and is passionate about education, for young people and for adults. To that end, she cites her past involvement with The Florence Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning.

When working with Courage to Care, she uses her own experience of being taken in by a Catholic family in Europe during World War II as an example of people caring for others and taking a stand.

“Sharing with today’s youth is something I am passionate about and believe it is part of being an educator,” she said.

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Rodney David LEVIS, Surry Hills NSW 2010

For significant service to the fashion retail and manufacturing industry, and to the community.

Cue Clothing Co

• Chair, current.
• Encompasses labels Cue, Veronika Maine, and Dion Lee.
• Currently has more than 200 stores throughout Australia and New Zealand, with more than 1100 employees in Australia.
• Accredited by Ethical Clothing Australia, since 2009.
• Founder (Cue Design), 1968.
• Founder (Levis’s), 1964.

Philanthropy

• Supporter, Garvan Institute of Medical Research (sponsoring the work of Dr Samantha Oakes), since 2016.
• Supporter of a range of organisations including:

Montefiore Home,

Jewish House,

White Ribbon Campaign

Pink Ribbon Campaign, Cancer Council of Australia.

Awards and recognition includes:

Cue Clothing Co:

• Best Australian Fashion Brand, Prix de Marie Claire, 2007, 2011, 2013, and 2015.
• Favourite High Street Brand, Grazia Shopping Awards, 2012.
• Fashion Retailer of the Year, TNT Ragtrader, 2009.
• Overall and Fashion Supplier of the Year, Myer, 2007.
• Award for Outstanding Community Support by a Supplier, Myer, 2010.

Rodney Levis told J-Wire: “I receive this honour due to the support of a wonderful team of people who have helped in my achievements over the past 50 years to maintain Cue’s success, keep our manufacturing as far as possible local, and to maintain our employment of over 1200 people. Many have been with us for 40+ years giving our company stability.

My proudest achievement is the support we give to the best lady in Australia !!  She’s a fanatic Cue customer, in her late 30’s, rides a bike and surfs, married with two young kids, and has one goal in life – to save women from cancer . Dr Samantha Oakes is head of research into understanding treatment for breast cancer at Garvan Institute.  That is the one tangible thing I am proud of as Sam tells me what our contribution actually achieves for her.

I have remained committed to manufacturing in Australia, thereby enabling a closer connection between our design & product teams and our makers. When the majority of the clothing industry has substantially moved their manufacturing offshore, we have proved that we can not only survive but remain a credible and strong fashion force. Working hand in hand with Ethical Clothing Australia to assure compliance we have been told we are now the largest manufacturer locally for women’s clothing.

This honour has come as a complete surprise naturally. I am not sure why my nomination was successful – but I am both honoured and proud and the award strengthens my resolve to retain as much of our production locally as feasible.

It gives me great satisfaction as a bonus that my children Justin & Melanie work alongside me in the business and even my 20-year-old grandson Asha now assists during his University studies.

My wife Lynette and I celebrate our 50th anniversary this year.  Proudly, I share this honour with her as she has stood behind all that I have achieved.  We are proudly Australian and Australia owned keeping it all LOCAL.”

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Associate Professor Leo Arieh PINCZEWSKI, Centennial Park NSW 2021

For significant service to medicine, particularly to the advancement of knee surgery.

Orthopaedics

• Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Centre, current.
• Adjunct Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Notre Dame Australia, since 2011.

Mater Private Hospital Sydney

• Director of Orthopaedic Training, 2009-2015.
• Senior Orthopaedic Surgeon and Visiting Medical Officer, since 1984.
• Former Member, several hospital committees including the Theatre Planning Committee, Infection Control Committee, and Secretary of the Medical Executive.

Australian Orthopaedic Association

• Award for Services to Orthopaedic Research, 2006.
• Fellow, since 1987, Associate, 1984.

Publications

• Editorial Reviewer, American Journal of Sports Medicine, since 2004, Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery(UK), 2009-2012, and The Bone and Joint Journal, since 2012.

Memberships and Fellowships

• Fellow, Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, since 1983.
• Member, several national and international professional associations including the Australian Society of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Australian Knee Society, and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
• Foundation Member, Asia Pacific Orthopaedic Association.
• Life Member, Arthroscopy Association of North America.

Awards and recognition includes:

• John Joyce Award, International Society of Arthroscopy, Knee Surgery and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine (ISAKOS), 2015.
• Award for Excellence in Surgery, Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, 2011.

”It was a real honour to receive the award, I was really surprised”, Leo Pinczewski told J-Wire

“My whole life has been a series of fortunate events”

Professor Leo Pinczewski was born in Tel Aviv, his parents were Holocaust survivors and they lived there until his father returned after the Suez Canal Campaign in 1956. It was then that his mother insisted that the family move to Australia. After doing his schooling in Newcastle, Leo wanted to do medicine, so he came to Sydney. There was a surgeons strike in the 80s which lasted four years, and as a result, Leo started his speciality training as a hip surgeon at the Royal North Shore Hospital. He worked with Mervin Cross, a knee surgeon of international repute. When the surgeons’ strike came to an end, he was well established by then.

“It just came naturally to me, I did well at arthroscopic skills, so I ending up developing techniques and teaching techniques.”

Leo developed an interest in knees, because of the arthroscope, he found a way to do this which is current today.

As a result, Leo has been teaching operations all over the world “as a doctor a part of our job is to teach.”

For the past 22 years (as well as other memberships, fellowships, teaching, and work) he as been a keynote speaker at the Windsor Knee Clinic in Windsor UK.

“It has been a fun ride. I have a special interest in children under 18, as they are the ones we can help the most.”

“It has been an incredible and humbling experience that people have recognised this work.”

Leo has performed nearly 15,000 operations “and I think that is a record as most surgeons do about 5000. People are certainly very interested and in awe of this fact.”

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Dr Joseph Abraham REICH, Toorak VIC 3142

For significant service to ophthalmology.

Professional Appointments

• Ophthalmologist, Vision Eye Institute.
• Advisory Board Member, Health Australia, 1987-1989.
• Chairman, Eye Section, Epworth Hospital, 1982-1998, and Member, Medical Advisory Board.
• Editorial Committee Member, Lens and Cataract Textbook, American Academy of Basic Clinical Science.
• Supporter, National Trachoma and Eye Health Program, 1977.
• Founding Member, Australian Intra-ocular Lens Society, 1977.
• Founding Member, Melbourne Excimer Laser Group.
• Supporter, Australian Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, 20 years

Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital

• Head, Eye Clinic, 1987-2007.
• Deputy Director, John Colvin Clinical School, 1986-2009.
• Chairman, Senior Medical Staff, 1994-1997.
• Board Member, 1995-1997.
• Ophthalmologist, 1977-2009.

Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists

• Chairman, Victorian Qualification and Education Committee, 1986-2009.
• Member, Federal Qualifications and Education Committee, 1987-1995.
• Federal Councillor, 1987-1988.
• Secretary, Victorian Branch, 1979-1983.
• Fellow, since 1974.

Royal Australasian College of Surgeons

• President, Senior Surgeons Section, 2013.
• Fellow.

Other

• Past President, Australian Jewish Medical Federation.
• Visiting Ophthalmologist, Montefiore Homes for the Aged, 1988-1998.

“It is a great honour to receive this Award,” said Joe Reich.

Helping people with their vision has been its own reward for him. He is touched that his professional colleagues have put him forward for work in his field, particularly in education and teaching.

His parents were Holocaust survivors who arrived in Australia in 1948.

“They believed in Australia and naturalized as soon as they could,” he said.

His parents also had a strong belief in education which he thinks probably led to him becoming an educator.

As Past President of the Australian Jewish Medical Federation, he was involved in the exchange of knowledge and networking with the Israeli Medical Association. The Association facilitates Israeli doctors coming to Australia for work experience and Australian medical students going to Israel for work experience.

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Dr Leon Abraham SIMONS, Bellevue Hill NSW 2023

For significant service to cardiovascular medicine, and to education.

University of New South Wales

• Conjoint Associate Professor, since 2003.
• Associate Professor of Medicine, 1984-2003.
• Director, Lipid Research Department, St Vincent’s Hospital, since 1973.
• Honorary Medical Officer, St Vincent’s Hospital, since 2003.
• Senior Lecturer, 1976-1983, Lecturer, 1974-1976.
• Consultant Endocrinologist, current.
• Chief Investigator, Dubbo Study of the Elderly, longitudinal cohort study, since 1988.

Australian Atherosclerosis Society

• Life Member, since 2008.
• Chairman, 1984-1986.
• Founding Committee Member, 1974.

National Heart Foundation of Australia

• Chairman, Diet and Heart Disease Committee, 1982-1986.
• Nutrition and Metabolism Advisory Committee, circa 2002-2003.

Royal Australasian College of Physicians

• Fellow, since 1978.
• Fellow, Australasian Faculty of Public Health Medicine, 1990-2000.

Community 

• Chairman, Board of Trustees, Mt Zion Early Learning Centre, Bondi Junction, since 2005, Trustee, since 1985.
• Volunteer and benefactor, Jewish Communal Appeal, since the 1970s.
• Volunteer, Centre on Aging, Woollahra, current.

Publications

• Co-author, Book, The Dubbo study of the Health of the Elderly, 1988-2002. An epidemiological study of hospital and residential care.
• Author or co-author, 360 Journal articles.
• Co-author, 11 Conference Papers.
• Author, 5 Reports.

Leon Simons says that when he learned he was getting an Award “it was a pleasant surprise”.

“It is nice to be recognized for the contributions I have made for society,” he said.

As it is Shavuot this weekend there are no specific celebrations planned.

His involvement in cardiovascular research and public health goes back more than 40 years.

“I would like to acknowledge my wife Judy who has provided invaluable assistance for so many years, particularly with her computer skills,” he told J-Wire.

It was his parents who taught him the importance of being involved in the Jewish community, a tradition he continues with his involvement with the Mt Zion Early Learning Centre.

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Dr David Mark THURIN, Toorak VIC 3142

For significant service to sporting organisations, and to community health.

Melbourne Football Club

• Member, Remuneration and Compliance Sub-Committee, 2012-2013.
• Member, Audit and Risk Sub-Committee, since 2014.
• Member, List Management Sub-Committee, 2008-2011.
• Donor, Foundation Heroes, since 2008.
• Board Director, since 2008.
• Life Member, since 2018.

Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute

• Member, Institute and Remuneration Committee, current.
• Board Member, since 2008.

International Diabetes Institute

• Chairman, 2007-2008.
• Board Member, five years.

The Gandel Group

• Joint Managing Director, 2001-2002.
• Director, 1993-2006.

Gandel Retail Management

Joint Managing Director, 2002-2006.

Professional

• Director, Vicinity Retail Property Trust (formerly Novion Property Group), since 2014.
• Managing Director, Tigcorp, since 2007.

Other

• Donor, various organisations including the Olivia Newton-John Wellness Foundation and the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute.

David Thurin stated that he felt deeply honoured to receive such recognition.

He also said that it has been a privilege to be able to work for causes that he is passionate about. “I am grateful for the opportunities that Australia has given to me and my family and I feel a strong sense of responsibility to use those opportunities to serve the Australian community in any way I can”.

David has made a substantial contribution to the Melbourne Football Club both at Board Level and in a philanthropic capacity. For his significant involvement, he was awarded life membership in 2018. “It is incredible how sport can bring people together from all walks of life, help create a strong and inclusive society and lead to positive change. While it is particularly important that Melbourne is now set up off the field for long term sustainable success, I am also proud of the amount of communal work the players and Club do”.

After working as a medical doctor for over 15 years, David entered the business world becoming Joint Managing Director of The Gandel Group and then establishing his own property company focused on retirement villages and land subdivision. However, medicine has always been in his DNA and as Chair of the International Diabetes Institute, he led its merger with the Baker Heart Institute and has served on the combined Board for over 10 years. “The Baker intends to be a leader in personalised medicine in the cardiovascular and diabetes space and has many collaborations around the world.  In particular, it gives me much pleasure to see the strategic alignments being created between Australian and Israeli organisations in medical research

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Dr Gary Hilton WEISS, Point Piper NSW 2027

For significant service to business, and to the community.

Professional

• Executive Director, Ariadne Australia Limited, current.
• Chairman, Ridley Corporation Limited, current.
• Chairman, Estia Health Limited, current.
• Chairman, Ardent Leisure Group Limited, since 2017.
• Non-­Executive Director, Thorney Opportunities Limited, Hearts and Minds Investments Limited and the Straits Trading Company Limited (Singapore), current.
• Chairman, Coats Group plc, 2004-2012, and Clearview Wealth Limited, 2013-2016.
• Former Director, Industrial Equity Limited, Whitlam, Turnbull and Co, Westfield Group, Tower Australia and Premier Investments Limited.
• Admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor, Supreme Court of New Zealand, Barrister and Solicitor, Supreme Court of Victoria and Solicitor, Supreme Court of New South Wales.

Community

Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute

• Board Member, since 2009.
• Member, Finance Committee, current.
• Founder and Co-Chairman, Sohn Hearts and Minds Investment Leaders Conference (fundraiser for medical research in Australia), current.

Jewish Community

• Director, New South Wales Division, Australia/Israel and Jewish Affairs Council, since the mid-2000s.

• Board Member, Sydney’s Jewish House, 1990s.
• Former Director, Sydney Jewish Museum.

Jewish Communal Appeal (JCA)

• Chairman, Corporate Sponsorship, 1997.
• Supporter, last 30 years.

Other

• Director, Centre for Independent Studies, since 2008.
• Commissioner, Australian  Rugby League Commission, since 2016.
• Former Director, Brisbane Broncos Rugby League club.

Gary Weiss told J-Wire:  “I am pleased to have made some contribution over the years towards  the business world, often through seeking to restore value at companies which had been underperforming.”

But I am more pleased to have worked with a number of organisations, both within the Jewish and the wider community. Within the Jewish community, my association with the Sydney Jewish Museum and my ongoing involvement with AIJAC have been particularly satisfying. In terms of the wider community, I have been involved with organisations as diverse as the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute (where I have been on the board for ten years) and the Australian Rugby League Commission (as a current Commissioner).  I am particularly proud of my contribution in having co-founded the Sohn Hearts and Minds Investment Leaders Conference which today is one of the largest fundraisers for medical research in Australia.”

I am deeply honoured by the award.”

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MEDAL [OAM] OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA IN THE GENERAL DIVISION

 

Vivienne BENSKY, Dianella WA 6059

For service to the Jewish community of Perth.

 

Charitable

• Co-Founder, Menora Charity Fund (raises funds for financially disadvantaged members of the Perth Jewish community), since 2011.

Vivienne Bensky said: “I am very grateful to Australia. I am the daughter of a Holocaust refugee… and this country gave my family, my father, an opportunity to build a new family. To be given an award by Australia is very dear to my heart. And of course, I look after the less fortunate in the Jewish community. I believe in doing Mitzvot and If Australia wants to honour me for doing Mitzvot, so be it!”

Vivienne will be having a spontaneous afternoon tea on the 16th with her friends, family and wonderful Menora volunteers who have made this award possible due to their dedication. Vivienne said: “I feel as if I’m receiving this award on their [the volunteer’s] behalf”.

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Vivien Margaret BRASS, Toorak VIC 3142

For service to the Jewish community.

International Council of Jewish Women

• Chair, Asia Pacific Region, since 2014.
• Founding Member, Unchain My Heart, since 2014.
• Community Service Coordinator, 2010-2014.

National Council of Jewish Women of Australia (NCJWA) (Vic)

• Board Member, 2006-2016.
• Immediate Past President, 2014-2016.
• President, 2010-2014.
• Vice-President, 2006-2009.

Other

• Executive Member, National Council of Jewish Women Australia, 2010-2014.
• Victorian Court Networker, Melbourne Magistrates Court, 1990-2009.
• Chair, Haifa University Ethiopian Women’s Scholarship Fund, NCJWA, 1997-2011.
• Chair, Women’s Forum, Victorian Friends of the Hebrew University, 1996-2007.
• Committee Member, National Gallery Art Foundation, 1988-1990.
• Fundraiser Organiser, Breast Cancer Network, 4 years.

Awards and recognition includes:

• Certificate of Recognition, The Jewish Community Council of Victoria, 2015.

Vivien Brass says she comes from a line of strong, powerful women who always sought to help others and feels she must be channelling her mother.

“Honouring the past and helping to improve the future is important.  Advocating for people less fortunate for the greater good is what motivates me” she said.

She has just returned from a meeting in Canada of the International Council of Jewish Women (ICJW).

“To meet likeminded Jewish women from 35 countries who are working for a better world has expanded my horizons,” she said.

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Dr George Peter DEUTSCH, Kew VIC 3101

For service to the community through a range of roles.

B’nai B’rith Victoria

• Supporter and Presenter, Courage to Care Victoria, current.
• Member, since 1963.

B’nai B’rith Mitzvah Group

• Founder, Mitzvah Employment for Migrants Orientation Network Project (MEM0NET), commenced 1989.
• Founder, B’nai B’rith Ramblers (walking group), commenced 1995.
• Foundation Member, since 1985.

B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission

• Board Member, 2000s.
• Former Chair, Annual Oration Committee (now the Gandel Oration).

Leo Baeck Centre for Progressive Judaism

• Board Member, 2005-2015.
• Former Chair, House Committee.
• Member, current.

Zelman Memorial Symphony Orchestra

• Committee Member, since 2009.
• Chair, Publicity Sub-Committee, since 2009.

·       Chair of committees that organised many major Zelman Symphony events (including the orchestra’s 80th anniversary Mahler 8 Concerts in 2013 and the 2017 Hamer Hall concert featuring Shostakovich Symphony No 13, Babi Yar, commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the WWII massacres at Babi Yar).

Violist, since 2007.

Other

• Former Deputy Chair, Historic Bridges Committee, National Trust Victoria.

Awards and recognition includes:

• Life Member, B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission.
• Recipient, B’nai B’rith Menorah Award, 2010.
• Recipient, Community Recognition Award, Jewish Community Council of Victoria, 2013.
• Recipient, Ner Tamid (Eternal Light) Award, Union for Progressive Judaism, 2013.

“When I found out that had been put forward for this Award, I was gob-smacked that others thought I would be worthy,” George Deutsch told J-Wire.

“My wife Kathy deserves this honour more than I do. She is my mentor and muse and it was my lucky day when she agreed to marry me” he said.

A Holocaust survivor who was hidden in a French village in 1942, George Deutsch will be forever grateful to the French family and their neighbours who risked their lives to save himself and his family. He is presently writing the account of this time to send to Yad Vashem.

They came to Australia in 1949 because his uncle, a ‘Dunera boy’ encouraged them to come here.   He learned about communal responsibility as a youth member of B’nai B’rith and the “joy of giving of oneself”.

His involvement with the Zelman Memorial Symphony Orchestra gives him a lot of pleasure although he describes himself as an ordinary musician.

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The late Mr Moshe Majer FISZMAN

Late of Caulfield South VIC 3162

For service to the Jewish community.

Jewish Holocaust Centre

• Guide and spokesperson, since 2005.

Australian Society of Polish Jews and Their Descendants,

• Founding Board Member, since 2009.
• Contributor, Hendryk Slawik Award, current.

Awards and recognition includes:

• Certificate of Appreciation, City of Glen Eira, 2017.
• Community Recognition Award, Jewish Community Council of Victoria, 2016.
• Certificate of Appreciation, City of Glen Eira, 2012.

According to his daughter, Lena Fiszman, Moshe Fiszman knew he was getting an Award but as a self-effacing man, he would not have wanted a fuss made of it.

When Mr Fiszman died just a few weeks ago there was an outpouring of community affection and grief for him.

It was Lena, who works at Melbourne’s Jewish Holocaust Centre, who provided the impetus for him to get involved there so he wouldn’t get bored. At the age of 97 he was guiding twice a week.

Lena told J-Wire about his fine intellect and that “he never stopped reading about the Holocaust”. When he talked to visitors it was not just about his own experience of the Holocaust but with a knowledgeable and wider view of events.

His autobiography is due out later this year and will be available through the Jewish Holocaust Centre.

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Alexander GELMAN, Rose Bay NSW 2029

For service to the community through charitable initiatives.

Community

• Helped establish and organise Students on the Street, Jewish House Bondi.
• Supporter, Northcott Cricket Gala Dinner.
• Board Member, Unisson Disability, since 2016.
• Board Member, Care Support Network, For-Purpose, current.

Moriah College

• Former Member, Building Infrastructure Committee.
• Former Member, Corporate Governance Committee.
• Former Chair, Education Consultative and Information Technology Committee.
• Former Board Liaison.
• Board Member, 2011-2015.

Alex Gelman told us: “I am very honoured to receive the Order of Australian Medal (OAM), but more so, I am very humbled by the recognition and wish that my late mother was still here to celebrate this award with me and my family. She would have been very proud.

As Jewish migrants from the ex-Soviet Union, my journey to Australia was not that bad. Sure I got dumped into 3^rd grade without a word of English, but that was quickly overcome. For my parents, the journey was very different. I can’t imagine what my parents went through during our exodus to Australia. To uplift your entire family, with all of your worldly possessions, no money, no local language – takes very special courage.

My parents, especially my mum are the true mensches, they worked hard all their lives to make their children’s lives easier. I am eternally grateful to them, the Jewish Welfare for supporting so many migrants settle in Australia in the 70’s and 80’s, but also to the thousands of people worldwide that petitioned the Soviet Union to let their Jews go. For that I thank you.

In my working life, I have always strived to support the not-for-profit sector. I love what I do in the Aged Care and Disability Services space and this award simply motivates me to do more.”

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Eleanore GOODRIDGE, Darling Point NSW 2027

For service to the community through charitable initiatives.

Nora Goodridge’s brother Bob Magid has also been awarded an OAM in the 2019 Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Goodridge Foundation

Founder, providing philanthropic support to:

• Sydney Opera House
• Australian Music Foundation
• Chris O’Brien Lighthouse
• The Jewish House
• Jewish Communal Appeal
• Melanoma Institute of Australia
• Youth off the Street
• Make A Wish
• Bangarra Dance Company
• Musica Viva
• King David School, Melbourne

Other

• Patron, Sydney Symphony Orchestra, current.

Nora Goodridge told J-Wire: “Had I not received the award, all the same things would have happened. I didn’t do anything for an award but it is very nice to be recognised. It is a very special feeling.”

I have been involved with many organisations but Jewish House is the one which is special for me. I wanted to something where I could make a difference…and I believe I can make a difference for Jewish House. I have bought some properties for them and other contributions and I am very close to Rabbi Kastel. My daughter Jacki is now on the Board. It provides a home not only for Jewish people and also the general community too. It is important to be involved with the broader community too.”

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Roland Errol GRIDIGER, Rose Bay NSW 2029

For service to the performing arts through administrative roles.

Music and Opera Singers Trust

• Founder and Chief Executive Officer, since 1982.

Rona Tranby Trust

• Trustee, current.

The Law

·       Principal, Gridiger Lawyers, since 1970.

·       Member, Law Society of New South Wales, since 1969.

• Member, Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners, current.
• Former Solicitor, R.I. Rosenblum and Partners.
• Former Solicitor, Colin Helliar and Co.
• Solicitor, since 1969.

“Receiving this Award is an absolute surprise and honour,” says Roland Gridiger.

He has found it “rewarding and awe-inspiring” to assist talented young opera singers to achieve their ambitions through The Australian Singing Competition.

He says that supporting instrumentalists participating in the Young Performers Awards in furthering their career opportunities is a credit to the Music and Opera Singers Trust (MOST) team who work tirelessly to encourage uniquely gifted musicians.

When J-Wire asked him what he regards as a standout moment he said

“For MOST it was when Dr H Handa and IFAC gave us funds for an orchestra for the Australian Singing Competition and the ABC invited MOST to take over the management of the Young Performers Awards.”

Regarding his work with the Rona Tranby Trust he said

“It has been a privilege to work with the Rona Tranby Trust in supporting indigenous oral history projects. Locating indigenous descendants of the Australian Light Horse who travelled to Israel for the Anniversary of the legendary Charge in October 2017 was particularly significant.

“The Australian Government officially invited an indigenous descendant for the first time in 100 years to lay a wreath on behalf of all indigenous servicemen and women,” he said.

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Alain Maurice GROSSBARD, Caulfield VIC 3162

For service to the community through a range of organisations.

Temple Beth Israel

• Member, Governance Committee, current
• Member, Vision Committee, current.
• Member, Honours Committee, current.
• Member, Board of Governance, current.
• Former Chair, Board of Governance.
• Former Vice-President.

Education

• Lecturer, Public Relations Marketing and Advertising, School of Vocational Business Education, since 2016.
• Former Executive Officer, Science Teacher’s Association of Victoria.
• Former Science Consultant, Department of Education Victoria.
• Former Science Teacher.

Public Relations Institute of Australia

• Member, since 1997.
• Fellow, since 2010.
• Former President, Victorian Division.

Glen Eira City Council

• Inaugural Mayor, 1997-1998.
• Councillor, 1992-2005.

Other

• Board Member, International Public Relations Association, current.
• Vice-Chairman, B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission, 2008-2010.
• Former Judge, Science Category, Young Australian of the Year Awards.
• Former Consultant (Indonesia), UNESCO/UNDP/World Bank.
• Former Councillor, City of Caulfield.
• Board Member, National Trust properties, Rippon Lea and Labassa.

Professional

• Principal Advisor, Corporate Affairs and Marketing, Energy Response, 2005-2010.
• Chair, Reflect Australia, 2003-2010.
• Manager, Corporate Communications, Alinta Ltd 2003-2005.
• Executive Manager, Corporate Relations, TXU Australia, 1998-2003.
• Executive Manager, Corporate Relations, Texas Utilities, 1995-1997.
• Executive Manager, Corporate Relations, Eastern Energy, 1994-1997.
• Manager, Corporate Communications and Marketing, National Electricity, 1993-1994.
• Former Manager, Corporate Communications, Electricity Services Victoria.
• Former Manager, Corporate Communications and Marketing, State Electricity Commission of Victoria.
• Former Strategic Planning Officer and Public Education Officer, State Electricity Commission of Victoria.

Awards and recognition includes:

• Teacher and Research Awards, RMIT University, 2013.
• TAFE Initiative of the Year Award, RMIT University, 2010.
• Australian Centenary Medal, Australian Government, 2003.
• Golden World Award, International Public Relations Association, 1997.

Alain Grossbard told J-Wire: ”It was a surprise. It was so unexpected to be told about this award that I had to reflect on it and then I understood the reasons behind it.

I have been involved in community all of my life. Together with my brother and a friend we  formed a Jewish part of the Scouts in the 60s and I have been involved with work and volunteering in the Jewish community ever since.”

Mr Grossbard was the first Jewish mayor of the newly formed Glen Eira, anew city formed in 1997.

“I was a science teacher, became an Executive Officer, and redeveloped science courses.” You just do these things, I took opportunities, and things just came around. I have been involved with the community for many years, a JP for over twenty years and most of my involvement has been with honorary positions.”

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Leslie Julius KAUSMAN, Hawthorn East VIC 3123

For service to sport, and to the community.

Courage to Care Victoria

• Vice-Chairman, since 2015.
• Committee Member, since 2012.
• Facilitator and Team Leader, since 2011.

Maccabi Victoria

• Trustee, Gelman Bequest Fund.
• Committee Member, Friends of Maccabi, 2007-2012.
• Inducted into the Maccabi Hall of Fame, 2000.
• Treasurer, 1981.

Maccabi Cricket Club

• Player, Administrator, Volunteer and Mentor, since 1952.
• Life Member, 1980.

Cranbourne Golf Club

• Committee Member, 1982-1993.
• President, 1985-1993.
• Honorary Life Member, 1996.
• Author, What’s Golf (History of the Club).

National Sporting Team Support

• Supporter, Australian Sports Foundation, since 2018.
• Through his family business, Korjo Travel Products, provided material support for the Australian Olympic Team in 1996, and the Commonwealth Games Team in 1998.
• Honorary Team Attache, Norfolk Island Team, Commonwealth Games 2006.

City of Hawthorn

• Mayor, 1980-1981.
• Councillor, 1975-1984.

Other

• Founder and Owner, Korjo Travel Products, 1980-1998.
• Fellow, Royal Victorian Association of Honorary Justices, 2018.
• Justice of the Peace, since 1982.

Awards and recognition include:

• Australian Sports Medal, ‘outstanding supporter’, 2000.

Receiving an Award is something that Leslie Kausman did not expect.

“You do things because you want to,” he said.

The main thing for him is his work with Courage to Care. He sees his Award more as a recognition of the organization itself rather than the people behind it.

“It can be a life changing experience for youth who see the exhibition. We have also taken it into the workplace where it can serve as a way of affecting the culture of ordinary Australians.

The program, with its emphasis on anti-bullying, also helps to keep the Holocaust alive to the general public” he told J-Wire.

He comes from a sporting family and while his passion when younger was mainly for Jewish sport, he saw participating in sport as a way of showing that Jews were just like everyone else.

“I want to celebrate this with my family, although they don’t know it yet,” he said.

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Patricia Ann KEITH, Prahran VIC 3181

For service to the community through a range of organisations.

Temple Beth Israel

• Volunteer, Pastoral Care Program, current.
• Member, since 2013.

Leo Baeck Centre Progressive Jewish Congregation

• President, 2007-2009.
• Vice-President, 2005-2007.
• Ordinary Board Member, 2002-2013.

Hume City Council

• Mayor, Shire of Bulla, 1993-1994.
• Councillor, Shire of Bulla, 1989-1993.

Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne

• Volunteer and Board Member, Very Special Kids.
• Director, Brainwave Board, Neurology Department, 1998-2002.

Royal District Nursing Service

• Deputy Chair, 2002-2003.
• Board President, 1998-2001.
• Board Member, 1995-2003.
• Life Member of Board.

North West Hospital

• Member, Board of Management, 1991-1995.
• Life Member of Board.
• Nursing Administration Supervisor, 1980-1984.

Other

• Chair, Bet-Olam Progressive Funerals, 2011-2014.
• Board Member, Bet-Olam Progressive Funerals, until 2018.
• Commissioner, Whittlesea City Council, 1994-1997.
• Former Member, Northlink Board, 1995.
• Practice Manager, Paediatric Ophthalmology Practice, 1984-1993.

Patricia Keith commented: “I feel honoured, it was really unexpected and I had no idea who nominated me and I feel very honoured”.

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Richard Alexander LEDER, Malvern VIC 3144

For service to the community through charitable organisations.

The Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation

• Deputy Chair, since 2002.
• Board Member, since 1998.

Community

• Deputy Chair, Mount Buller and Mount Stirling Alpine Resort Management Board, since 2018.
• Board Member, Australian Friends of Asha for Slums, current.

Media

• Secretary, Melbourne Press Club, current.
• Board Member, The Conversation Media Group, since 2013.
• Advisory Board Member, Centre of Media and Communication Law, Melbourne Law School, The University of Melbourne, current.

The Law

• Member, Media and Communications Committee, Law Council of Australia, current.

Law Institute of Victoria

• Member, Litigation Courts Practice Committee, 2010-2018.
• Member, since 1989.

Richard Leder said that receiving the award “is a real surprise but a great honour”.

His mother, Gila Leder, is also receiving an award this year. Having a parent and son receive an award on the same year is a rare occasion and they are very proud of each other. 

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Bruce LEVET, Woollahra NSW 2025

For service to the law in New South Wales.

New South Wales Bar Association

• Volunteer, providing legal assistance to unrepresented parties under the Bar Association’s Legal Assistance Referral Scheme, since 1996.
• Member, since 1991.

Law

• Barrister, University Chambers 1991-1997 and Henry Parkes Chambers since 1997.

Australian Army Reserve

• Panel Leader, New South Wales, Australian Army Legal Corps, current.
• Army reservist, since 1976.

Other

• Secretary, East Timor Children’s Relief Fund, 2000-2008.

Bruce Levet told J-Wire: “The award came as a great surprise to me. I can think of lots of people far more deserving than me.

I have always given about ten per cent of my time to people who can’t afford a lawyer and would otherwise be unrepresented. I’m fairly discriminating about who I give my pro bono time to. It has to be a case where my sense of justice is offended and where I think I might be able to make a difference. It is nice for that to be recognised, but the real reward is making a difference in someone else’s life.

I would encourage anyone to give some of their time to make a difference. It doesn’t matter how small the contribution. Every bit helps.”

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Robert MAGID, NSW

For service to business and commerce, and to the Jewish community.

TMG Developments

• Managing Director, current.
• Developer, investor, and hotelier, since 1993.

Media and film production

• Owner and Publisher, The Australian Jewish News, since 2007.
• Producer, documentary film, Eyeless in Gaza, a critique of the media coverage of the 2014 Gaza War, 2016.
• Director, Ten Group, 1998-2007.

Hebrew University of Jerusalem

• Chairman, The Magid Institute for Continuing Education, current.

Jewish Communal Appeal

• Patron, Australian Friends of Magen David Adom Limited (NSW), current.
• Supporter and Benefactor of a range of organisations.
• Benefactor, Sydney Jewish Museum, 2017.

Australia-Israel Chamber of Commerce

• Director, 2005-2011.

Magid Indigenous Benevolent Relief Fund

• Founder, Dot Com Mob, since 2005, a B1G1 charity project since 2014.
• Benefactor, Indigenous Knowledge and Technology Centre, Hope Vale, 2007.
• Supporter, CAYLUS – Central Australian Youth Link-up Service, a division of Tangentyere Council, started as a petrol sniffing prevention project in November 2002 from funding committed by the Howard government in response to a series of articles about petrol sniffing by the journalist Paul Toohey in The Australian.

Musica Viva

• Major supporters and patrons.
• Chair, Amadeus Society, Sydney

Sydney Symphony Orchestra

• Member, Maestro Circle, current.
• Major supporters and patrons.

Barnados Australia

• Benefactor, since 2013.

Garvan Institute of Medical Research and Israel’s Weizmann Institute of Science

• Benefactor, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and Israel’s Weizmann Institute of Science which established the Garvan-Weizmann Centre for Cellular Genomics at the Kinghorn Cancer Centre in 2018.

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The late  Michael NEUHAUSER

Late of Elsternwick VIC 3185

For service to the Jewish community of Melbourne.

Mizrachi Melbourne

• Life Member and Committee Member, current.
• General Secretary, 1960s.
• Representative, Jewish Community Council of Victoria; Zionist Council of Victoria, 20 years.
• Author, history of the Mizrachi organisation in Victoria.

Awards and recognition include:

• Volunteer Award, Jewish Community Council of Victoria, 2006.

J-Wire spoke with his daughter Dianne Kucher about her father’s award and achievements,

“ I was very excited, I was so glad that he had been recognised for all his efforts.

“My father was a big Shul goer, he loved community life and he was involved with all the communities there. He attended every meeting in the Mizrachi shul in Melbourne. He walked there (about 25 minutes each way) and he ended writing up the history of the organisations, which was a huge amount of research and was a passion project for him. He also wrote his own autobiography as he had taught a lot of history.”

The late Mr Michael Neuhauser was a Holocaust survivor, he came to Melbourne from Czechoslovakia and every single day he would bless the fact that he came to Australia. “He loved Australia, and he gave back to the community. He inspired his daughters to act, to be involved, to become a part of the community by giving as that for him was part of being alive.”

Dianne also mentioned that people have still been coming up to her and sharing memories of her father, and let her know how much the speaking groups he had organised meant to them.

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Michele Jan PHILLIPS, South Oakleigh VIC 3167

For service to wildlife conservation.

 

Wildlife Conservation

• Owner/Operator, South Oakleigh Wildlife Shelter, for 20 years.

Michele Philips owns the South Oakleigh Wildlife Shelter for 30 years, on-call day and night for animals in need.

She told J-Wire: “It means a lot to me as the wildlife are so important and I feel honoured. My late parents Ellen and Les Pahoff would be so proud. I have also received the Pride of Australia award in 2014 and the Sir John Monash commendation in 2013.”

Michele Phillips has also received various volunteer awards from the local councils with which she works.

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Eva RATHNER, Caulfield North VIC 3161

For service to the Jewish community of Victoria.

Jewish Community

• Foundation Volunteer Guide, Jewish Museum Australia, since 1982.
• Committee Member and Volunteer, Courage to Care program, since 1992.
• Volunteer, B’nai B’rith Jewish Music Youth Eisteddfod, current.
• Life Member, Jewish National Fund of Australia.

Eva Rathner is a woman on a mission – to make us all aware of the loneliness of others.

“I once spoke a few words to a stranger, a woman in a shopping centre. She told me I was the first person she had spoken to that day or even that week.   I now speak to people on the bus, in a queue, in lifts and ask them to do the same thing to others so that we can all feel more connected” she told J-Wire.

“Please spread the word that we should reach out to strangers,” she said.

She thought someone was playing a joke on her when she read she had been nominated for an award.

“I was shocked that anyone would think that I deserve it,” she said.

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Ruth SCHEUER, McKinnon VIC 3204

For service to the Jewish community of Victoria.

Women’s International Zionist Organisation

• President, Nirim Branch, since circa 1992.
• Member, Nirim Branch, since 1958.
• Pioneered the establishment of Pop Up Op shops in the southern suburbs of Melbourne.

Community

• Volunteer, Emmy Monash Aged Care, since 2013.
• Volunteer, Winja Ulupna Women’s recovery service, current.
• Volunteer, Regis Armadale Aged Care facility, current.

“I have been doing this work for 60years and am extremely honoured and proud to be recognized,” Ruth Scheuer told J-Wire.

She arrived in Australia in 1949 as a refugee.

“Like many others, we were welcomed with open arms and I am very grateful.  I believe that you must give something back” she said.

She thinks that today’s young people need to learn to contribute, to value what they have and give back the community.

Her two main concerns are the welfare of children and the status of women and it is these issues that have informed her involvement with both WIZO and the Winja Ulupna Women’s Recovery Centre, based in St Kilda.

“My involvement with WIZO has been an important part of my life,” she said.

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Juliet SEIFERT, Mosman NSW 2088

For service to the pharmaceutical and therapeutic goods sectors.

Australian Self-Medication Industry (ASMI) (formerly the Proprietary Medicines Association of Australia)

• Executive Director, 1989-2010.
• Former ASMI Representative, World Self-Medication Industry.
• Foundation Member, Australian Pharmaceutical Advisory Council.
• Former ASMI Representative, Australian Pharmacy Research Council.
• Former ASMI Representative, Medicines Partnerships Australia.
• Former ASMI Representative, Pharmaceutical Society of Australia.
• Former ASMI Representative, Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code.
• Former ASMI Representative, Therapeutic Goods Administration Industry Consultative Council.

Other Health

• Inaugural Member, Australian Therapeutic Goods Advisory Council, 2013-2016.
• Former Member, Industry Advisory Committee, Centre for the Health Economy, Macquarie University.

B’nai B’rith New South Wales

Courage to Care NSW

• Chair, since 2017.
• Vice-Chair, 2017.

Australian Retailers Association

• Acting National Director, 1989.
• Deputy National Director 1985-1989.

Other Business

• Board Member, Communication Research Institute of Australia, 2000-2010.
• Training Development Executive, New South Wales Retail Industry Training Council, 1983-1985.
• Manpower Development Executive, Retail Traders Association of New South Wales, 1981-1983.

When J-Wire caught up with Juliet Seifert, she was travelling in Queensland with Courage to Care.

“It is humbling because I did not expect this kind of recognition for work I did for the pharmaceutical and therapeutic goods sectors. I have been out of the industry since 2010.

“It is nice to look back and know that the people I worked with saw some value in what did” she said.

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Samuel STEIF, NSW

For service to the Jewish community.

Community

• Volunteer, Jewish Communal Appeal NSW, 1967-2015.
• Volunteer, Jewish National Fund NSW, 1968-2013.
• Volunteer, Sir Moses Montefiore Nursing Homes, Hunter Hill and Woollahra, 1991-2012.

United Israel Appeal

• Director, Planned Giving, 2000-2018.
• Refugee Relief Fund, 30 years.
• Various positions, since 1989.

Strathfield and District Hebrew Congregation

• Vice President, 1989-2015.
• Honorary Life President, since 1986.
• President, 1974-1985.
• Volunteer Teacher, Sunday School.
• Representative, NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, 11 years.

Yolanda Kramer Kindergarten Strathfield

• Former Secretary.
• Former Council Member.
• Founding Member, 1978.

Awards and recognition includes:

• Recipient, Theodor Herzl Founder Award, 2015.
• National Blue Box Worker of the Year, 2008.
• Recipient, Max Freilich Award, United Israel Appeal.

J-Wire spoke with his son Charles about his award and achievements. “It’s a really wonderful recognition as my father has lead a really full life and has done numerous things. He has always served the Jewish community.”

Mr Samuel Stief is a Holocaust survivor, he came to Australia from Bucharest, Romania in the late 50s and he joined the local congregation in Strathfield. Charles added: “He was very actively involved there, he established a kindergarten there, and he helped the community.”

After he retired from his career; he became involved with the UIA, JNF, JCA and other Jewish organisations. He was the Director of wills and bequests for the UIA for many years, and raised funds for Jerusalem. “He is an amazing man.”

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Dr Anatoly (Tony) TRACHTENBERG, Potts Point NSW 2011

For service to medicine, particularly as a general practitioner.

• • General Practitioner, more than 45 years.
  • Honorary Doctor, New South Wales Masters Athletics Association, 1983-2003.
  • Honorary Doctor, Gold Coast Giants, National Rugby League, 1991- 1998.
  • Honorary Doctor, Randwick Botany Little Athletics Association, 1983-1988.

Tony Trachtenberg says “It is with a special feeling, a mixture of humility and, at the same time, pride, that I receive this honour”.

He came to Australia by an unusual and somewhat circuitous route.  His Russian family ended up in Indonesia via Shanghai.  His father became a tea planter and was interred by the Japanese during World War II.,

When he and his family arrived in Australia in 1955 he spoke three Indonesian languages, Dutch and Russian but no English. However, he soon acquired enough English to do well at school, winning a Commonwealth scholarship to study medicine.

It took him a few years to work out what branch of medicine suited him and counts himself very lucky that he was taken on and mentored by Dr Michael Kennedy in Potts Point.

Tony enjoys his work and likes that he has treated some families for five generations.

“I treat all sorts of people in my practice. All are welcome” he said.

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Barbara WERTHEIM, Brunswick VIC 3056

For service to women.

Professional

• Victorian Commissioner, Equal Employment Opportunity, 1987-1989.
• Equal Employment Opportunity Manager, State Rail Authority, 1981-1986.
• Co-ordinator, New South Wales Taskforce on Domestic Violence, 1981.
• Member, Women’s Coordination Unit, New South Wales, circa 1980.

Barbara Wertheim

While Barbara has Jewish ancestry, she has been raised and identifies as Catholic.

Barbara said that she is “absolutely delighted [to receive an award]. I’m now 88 years old and always had a feeling that my contribution has not been recognised, so it is nice to be recognised”.

One of her daughters will be coming to Melbourne to spend the long weekend with her. She might be having a glass of champagne to celebrate the achievement.

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Have we missed anyone? Please email any omissions to [email protected]

Henry Benjamin, Roz Tarszisz, Elana Bowman and Hila Tsor contributed to this report.