Queen’s birthday awards – Jewish recipients

Art, business, care,  education, law, medicine, philanthropy  are among the fields involving this year’s Jewish recipients of the Queen’s Birthday Awards. J-Wire congratulates all of them…

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

 

Dr Edwin Sydney CRAWCOUR, Malvern VIC 3144

For distinguished service to higher education, particularly to Asian and Pacific studies and languages, as an academic and administrator, and to Australia-Japan trade and cultural relations.

Services includes:

Professorial Fellow, Melbourne Institute for Asian Languages and Societies, 1999 – 2014.

Australian National University:

Professorial Fellow, Research School of Pacific Studies, 1974 – 1984.

Acting Director, Australia-Japan Research Centre, 1982 – 1983.

Head of Department, Far Eastern History, Research School of Pacific studies, 1970 – 1980.

Chair, Japanese Language in Asian Studies..

President, Japanese Studies Centre, Monash University 1996 – 1997.

Senior Associate, Department of Japanese and Chinese, University of Melbourne, 1990 – 1999.

Visiting Fellow, Nissan Institute of Japanese Studies, University of Oxford, 1990s.

Visiting Professor, Department of Japanese Studies, University of Singapore, 1984 – 1985.

Membership, Australia-Japan Foundation Council, 1976 – 1981.

Membership, Japan Panel, Trade Development Council, 1973 – 1975.

Community service includes:

Volunteer Guide, Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne, 1997 – 2010; Editor, Guidepost Newsletter, several years.

Awards and recognition includes:

Recipient, Decoration of the Order of the Rising Sun, Government of Japan, 1986.

Ted Crawcour told J-Wire: “This is both a great honour and a wonderful Shavuot present.”

 

The Honourable Roman FINKELSTEIN QC, South Yarra VIC 3141

For distinguished service to the judiciary and to the law, to legal education as an academic, to jurisprudence in the fields of commercial and competition law, and to professional organisations.

Service includes:

Legal appointments include:

Judge, Federal Court of Australia, 1997-2011.

Member, National Practice Committee and Convenor and Member, Library Committee.

President, Australian Competition Tribunal, 2008-2011 and Deputy President, 2005-2008.

Deputy President, Copyright Tribunal, 1998.

Acting Solicitor-General, State of Victoria, 1992.

Queens Council, 1986 and Barrister since 1975 and Solicitor, 1971-1975.

Chair, Independent Media Enquiry, Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, 2011-2012.

Academic:

Adjunct Professor, Faculty of Law, Monash University, since 2012 and Teaching Fellow, 1971-1975.

Senior Fellow, Melbourne Law Masters Program, Melbourne Law School, University of Melbourne, current.

Lecturer, Contract Code and Judicial Independence, National Judges’ College, Beijing, China, 1999.

Lecturer, Leo Cussen Institute, 1970s.

Professional organisations include:

Victorian Bar Council:

Member, 1988-1990, Honorary Secretary, 1984-1985, Assistant Honorary Secretary, 1982-1984.

Victorian Bar:

Member, since 1975.

Member, Applications Review Committee, 1982-1985.

Member, Standing Committee on Company Law, 1986-1992.

Member, Board of Examiners, Supreme Court of Victoria, 1988-1989.

Senior Vice President, Commercial Bar Association of Victoria, 1994-1997.

Member, Commercial Bar Association of Victoria, since 2012

Deputy Chair, Education and Professional Development Committee, since 2012.

Member, Reader’s Course Sub-Committee, since 2012.

Ray Finkelstein told J-Wire:  “This is a great honour and the result of a great deal of patience from my family and a lot of hard work from others.”

 

John William KALDOR AM, Sydney NSW 2000

For distinguished service to contemporary visual art, as a supporter of public art projects, to the development of education programs for children, and through philanthropic contributions to cultural institutions.

Service includes:

Founded Kaldor Public Art Projects in 1969.

First Project Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s Wrapped Coast Little Bay, Sydney 1969.

Since then Kaldor Public Art Projects has showcased several international acclaimed artist, including:

Gilbert & George, 1973.

Richard Long, 1977.

Sol Le Witt, 1977 and 1998.

Jeff Koons, 1995.

Gregor Schneider, 2007.

Bill Viola, 2008.

Thomas Demand, 2012.

13 Rooms, 2013.

Marina Abramovic 2015.

Since 2004 Kaldor Public Art Projects has developed Art Education Programs for both primary and secondary schools, working with State Education departments, including a pilot program for Sydney Children’s Hospital Foundation Randwick.

Donated significant private contemporary art collection comprising 260 works to the Art Gallery of New South Wales, 2011.

Past professional membership and organisations include:

Founding Board Member, Power Institute of Contemporary Art, Sydney.

Former Trustee, Art Gallery of New South Wales Trust.

Former Board Member, Biennale of Sydney.

Former Chair, Museum of Contemporary Art, 1999 – 2003.

Commissioner, Australian Pavilion, 51st Venice Biennale, 2005 and the 52nd Venice Biennale, 2007.

Former Board Member, Museum of Modern Art PS1, New York, USA.

Former Board Member, The Tate International Council, London.

Current Member, International Council for the Museum of Modern Art, New York, USA.

When asked what the award meant to him, John Kaldor said: “I am proud to receive this honour for the work that our small organisation has done, bringing contemporary art projects to Australia.

 

 

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

 

Emeritus Professor Sidney BLOCH, Hawthorn VIC 3122

For significant service to medicine in the field of psychiatry, to medical education as an academic and author, and as a mentor and role model.

Service includes:

Emeritus Professor in Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, current.

Visiting Professor, Chinese University of Hong Kong and the Hebrew University Jerusalem and Columbia University, New York.

Author or editor, over 14 books, 200 articles and book chapters, particularly in the field of psychiatric ethics and psychological treatment in psychiatry and oncology.

Senior Psychiatrist, St Vincent’s Hospital, ‘for some years’.

Tutor, City of Melbourne University of the Third Age, ‘no dates’.

Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, (RANZCP):

Fellow, since 1989.

Editor, ‘Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry‘, ‘for 13 years‘.

Awarded a citation by the RANZCP, ‘for academic contribution to psychiatry’, 2004.

Royal College of Psychiatrists:

Fellow, since 1988.

Co-Editor, ‘Psychiatric Bulletin‘, 1980-1988.

Editorial Board Member, ‘British Journal of Psychiatry‘, ‘for several years’.

Head, Psychotherapy Department, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom, circa 1978-1988.

Sidney Bloch told J-Wire that he feels humbled but also excited in receiving the award.

“The award means a lot to me in that the citation refers to my contribution to medical education and to my role as a mentor.  I have always been committed to passing on what I have learned from my teachers to the next generation of psychiatrists and to developing courses on ethics and humanism for medical students.

“ I became especially passionate about the ethical dimension of psychiatry when I researched and later wrote (Russia’s Political Hospital and Psychiatric Ethics) about how the profession I had always been proud of had been misused horrendously for political purposes by both the Nazi and Soviet regimes.

“I feel fortunate that my longstanding study of Jewish ethics has helped me to wrestle with the ethical challenges that we encounter frequently in medical practice and in research” he said.

 

Professor Lynne COHEN, Yokine WA 6060

For significant service to tertiary education, particularly in the field of psychology, as an academic, researcher and administrator, and to the community.

Service includes:

Edith Cowan University:

Executive Dean, Faculty of Education and Arts, since 2011.

Pro Vice-Chancellor, Engagement (Communities), Mount Lawley/Joondalup Campuses, since 2011.

Professor, School of Psychology, since 2011.

Associate Professor, 2006-2011.

Senior Lecturer, Undergraduate Coordinator, 2000-2006.

Lecturer, 1998-2000 and Tutor, 1994-1998.

Principal Supervisor, Research Student Supervision, ‘for many years’.

Associate Dean, Teaching and Learning, Faculty of Computing, Health and Science, 2008-2011.

Chair, College of Community Psychologists, Australian Psychological Society, 2008-2012 and Member, since 1998 and Treasurer, Teaching and Learning Interest Group, 2009-2012 and Committee Member, current.

Chief Editor, ‘Australian Community Psychologist’, Journal of the College of Community Psychologists, ‘no dates’.

Member and independent reviewer, Year 12 Psychology Examinations, Curriculum Council in WA, since 2011.

Member of a range of professional associations including:

Psychology Advisory Committee, Curriculum Council, Western Australia.

Psychologists Board of Western Australia.

Learning and Attentional Disorders Society of Western Australia.

Dyslexia-Speld Foundation of Western Australia.

Australian Psychological Society.

Board Member, Holocaust Institute of Western Australia, since 1995 and Active contributor, since 1990.

Coordinator, Read and Learn Right Clinic, since 1992.

Founding member, Lifespan Resilience Research Group, ‘no dates’.

Involved in special projects as a consultant for government and community organisations including:

Department of Defence, Government of Australia, since 2010.

Community Links and Network Western Australia (CLANWA), since 2007.

The Smith Family, since 2007.

Wraparound Project, Department of Education, Government of Western Australia, 2007-2010 and 2002-2003.

Author of a range of publications, book chapters, and journal articles including:

‘Psychology: An International Discipline in Context- Australian and New Zealand Edition’, Melbourne, Australia, 2013.

‘Indicators of Community Resilience – A Study of Communities Facing Impending Natural Disasters’, Germany, 2010.

Awards and recognition includes:

Fellow, Australian Psychology Society, 2015.

Recipient, Fellowship Award, Australian Learning and Teaching Council, 2010.

Citation for outstanding contributions to Student learning, Australian Awards for University Teaching, Office of Learning and Teaching, Government of Australia, 2008.

Recipient, Vice Chancellors Award for Excellence in Teaching, Edith Cowan University, 2007 and 2003.

Recipient, Excellence in Postgraduate Supervision, Edith Cowan University Postgraduate Association, 2007, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, and 2000.

Recipient, University Supervisor of the Year, Faculty of Education and Arts, Edith Cowan University,  2002.

Recipient, Australian National Award for Excellence in Teaching, 2003.

Lynne Cohen said that the award was “unexpected”. She added: “I am humbled and ever so grateful.”

 

Ronald Eric COHEN, Coolbinia WA 6050

For significant service to business in Western Australia through leadership and executive roles with a range of organisations, and to the community.

Service includes:

Executive Coach, Foresight Global Coaching, 2001-2011.

Chair, SGIO Insurance Limited, 1991-1998.

Chair, State Government Insurance Commission of Western Australia (SGIC), 1991-1994 and Chair, Privatisation Committee, 1991-1994.

Director, Foodland Associated Limited, 1994-2003.

Consultant, Deutsche Bank, 1991-2001.

Director, Burswood Limited, 1997-2002.

Non-Executive Chairman, Atkins Carlyle Ltd, 1991-1996 and Executive Chairman, 1987-1991 and Managing Director, 1971-1991.

Director, Nissho Iwai Group, 1996.

Chairman, Silicon Metal Company of Australia Limited, 1992-1996.

Past President, Perth Hebrew Congregation.

Past Board Member, Maurice Zeffert Centre for the Aged.

Awards and recognition includes:

Recipient, Gold Medal ‘for Company Director of the Year’, Western Australian Division, Australian Institute of Company Directors, 1997.

Ronald Cohen told J-Wire: “It is nice to have this wonderful recognition.  I believe I have been blessed by working with so many nice people over the years and have tried to be helpful to the community at large and put something back.

“We grew up with the idea of getting things done for the community and our country. My family originally came to Australia from Russia around 1860 so we have been here for a long time and always had the desire to achieve things for the greater good” he said.

 

Deborah Ruth DADON, Toorak VIC 3142

For significant service to the not-for-profit sector through philanthropic foundations, to the arts, to education, and to Australia-Israel cultural relations.

Service includes:

Chair and Trustee, Besen Family Foundation, since 2014 and Founding Executive Officer, 1997-2014.

Governor, Victorian Arts Centre Foundation, since 2009.

Board Member, School Council, Bialik College, 1998-2006.

Member, Friends of Australian Israel Cultural Exchange, ‘for many years’.

Founding Member, Australian Jewish Funders, 2006 and Chair, since 2006.

Life Governor, Jewish Care, 2013.

Patron, Jewish Community Council of Victoria, ‘no dates’.

Deborah Dadon is overseas and declined to comment.

 

Dr Jack EDELMAN, Nedlands WA 6009

For significant service to community health, particularly to people with arthritis and osteoporosis, and to medicine as a rheumatologist.

Service includes:

Arthritis and Osteoporosis Western Australia (formerly the Arthritis Foundation Western Australia):

President, since 1989.

Board Member, since 1988.

Instrumental in obtaining support and funding for the construction of purpose-built premises, The Wyllie Arthritis Centre, 1990s.

Established Chair in Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Western Australia, 2012 in conjunction with Western Australian Health.

Head of Rheumatology, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, 2008-2011.

Dr Jack Edelman told J-Wire: I am obviously very proud to receive the award the award which not only recognises my work for the people with arthritis in Western Australia but also all the others who volunteer their time to such a worthy cause.”

 

Leon FINK, Surry Hills NSW 2010

For significant service to the tourism and hospitality industry, as a supporter of the arts, education, and medical research, and to the community.

Service includes:

Chairman and Director, The Fink Group, current.

Patron, Sport and Tourism Youth Foundation.

Co-Founder, Tourism Taskforce, 1980s and Life Governor.

Co-Creator and Former Director, Kinsela’s Brasserie, Bar and Theatre.

Financer and Producer of the first Circus Oz interstate tour.

Patron and Supporter, Belvoir Street Theatre.

Supporter, Ray Hughes Gallery (now The Hughes Gallery), Sydney.

Supporter, Australian Friends of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

Established the Leon Fink Scholarship for Middle Eastern Stories, University of Sydney, 2012.

Supporter, Children’s Cancer Institute Australia.

Supporter, St Vincent’s Curran Foundation.

Supporter, St Vincent’s Centre for Immunology.

Supporter, Bella Foundation, Museum of Contemporary Art.

Co-Founder, Addiction Treatment Australasia, late 1990s.

Supporter, The Fink Family Australian Display Gardens, Jerusalem Botanic Gardens, Israel, ‘no dates’.

Life Governor, Montefiore Home, current.

Leon Fink said: “This is a more than pleasant recognition for being able to engage and help in society in a way I enjoy. I am honoured and proud to be a recipient.”

 

Dr Elizabeth FINKEL, Toorak VIC 3142

For significant service to the print media as a science journalist and author, and as a supporter of a range of not-for-profit organisations.

Service includes:

Editor-in-Chief, Cosmos Media Pty Ltd, since 2013 and Associate Editor, 2004-2013 and Contributor, since 2004 and Co-Founder, 2004.

Publications include:

‘The Genome Generation’, 2012.

‘Stem Cells: Controversy on the Frontiers of Science’, 2005.

Contributor to a range of scientific journals including ‘Science’, ‘Nature Medicine’, ‘New Scientist’ and ‘The Lancet’. 

Articles include:

‘Solving the Asthma Riddle: Why living on a dairy farm cuts your allergy risk – and how that finding could lead to an asthma vaccine’, ‘Life Sciences’, 2015.

‘The buzz around brain stimulation: Can electric currents make us smarter and cure mental illness?‘, Life Sciences, 2015.

‘Battle stations for an ice-free Arctic: A new ocean for the US Navy to patrol’, Earth Sciences, 2014.

‘Unravelling the secret of ageing: Profile of biologist Elizabeth Blackburn’, Cosmos, 2007.

‘Embryo law reconsidered’, Science, 2006.

‘Telomerase highlights senescence as factor in cancer’, The Lancet, 1996.

‘Australia’s system of drug evaluation: protection or pedantry’, Today’s Life Science, 1991.

Contributor to a number of science programs for ABC Radio National including ‘Ockham’s Razor’, ‘The Science Show’, and ‘Health Report’.

Vice-Chancellor’s Fellow, La Trobe University, current.

Co-Founder, Finkel Foundation, since 2001.

Awards and recognition includes:

Recipient, Department of Industry and Science Eureka Prize for Science Journalism, Australian Museum, 2015.

Recipient, Journalism Award, Crawford Fund and Australian Council of Agricultural Journalists, 2013.

Recipient, Higher Education Journalist of the Year, National Press Club, 2011.

Recipient, Queensland Premier’s Literary Award, 2005.

“I am very touched by the recognition”  Elizabeth Finkel told J-Wire.

“I have a huge desire to teach and share knowledge with the wider community, while wrestling with concepts in a struggle to make scientific ideas accessible.

It is my contribution to tikkun olam.”

 

Professor Adam GRAYCAR, Malvern SA 5061

For significant service to tertiary education as an academic, to public administration through a range of leadership roles, and to professional groups.

Service includes:

Professor, School of Social and Policy Studies, Flinders University, since 2015 and Senior Lecturer, Social Administration, 1973-1980.

Professor of Public Policy and Director, Research School of Social Sciences, Australian National University, 2010-2014 and Dean, Australian National Institute of Public Policy, 2010-2012.

Director, Australian Institute of Criminology, 1994-2003.

Foundation Director, Social Policy Research Centre, University of New South Wales, 1980-1985 and Lecturer, Political Science, 1970-1973.

Professor and Dean, School Criminal Justice, Rutgers University, New Jersey, 2007-2010.

Visiting Professor, National University Singapore, 1992-1993.

Visiting Professor, Yale University, 1982.

Visiting Professor, University of California, 1979.

Head, Cabinet Office, Department of Premier and Cabinet, South Australia, 2003-2007.

Executive Director, Department Employment Training and Further Education, South Australia, 1992-1994.

Chief Executive Officer, Office Tertiary Education, South Australia, 1990-1992.

Commissioner for the Ageing, Government of South Australia, 1985-1990.

President, Australian Social Policy Association, since 2013.

Chair, National Violence Prevention, 1994-2003.

Memberships include:

Transparency International Network of Experts, 2013.

Council of Strategy and Innovation Australia, Commonwealth Department of Human Services, 2013.

UN ODC Expert Group of the Anti-Corruption Academic Initiative, 2012.

UN Expert Group on Corruption, 2009.

Governor Efficiency Review, New Jersey, USA, 2007-2009.

South Australian Steering Committee on Rural Addressing, 2006.

COAG Human Capital Group, 2005-2007.

Australian Statistics Advisory Council, 2004-2007.

National Consultative Council on Skills Recognition, 1993.

Adam Graycar told J-Wire:  “My parents were Holocaust survivors from Poland who made a new life in Australia. This makes this a very special honour for me in recognition of my work.”

 

Dr Geoffrey Henry HIRST, Chapel Hill QLD 4069

For significant service to medicine, particularly in the field of urology, as a clinician, and to medical education and administration.

Service includes:

Mater Health Services:

Chair, Mater Clinical Advisory Board, since 2016.

Board Member, since 2013.

Director, Department of Urology and Continence, 2004-2013.

Director, Division of Surgical Services, 2004-2010.

Senior Risk Management Consultant, Clinical Safety and Quality Unit, 2002-2010.

Member, Strategy and Planning Committee, current.

Member, Audit and Risk Committee, current.

Established Urology Outreach Program.

Mater Misericordiae Health Services:

Director, Surgical Services, Mater Children’s Hospital, 2001-2004.

Director, Division of Clinical Services, Mater Children’s Hospital, 1997-2001.

Chair, Division of Surgery, 1995-1997.

Visiting Urologist, 1976-2012.

Established Paediatric Cardiac Surgical Services, 2008.

Member, Ethics Committee, 1987-1989.

Visiting Surgeon, Transplant Unit, Princess Alexandra Hospital, 1975-1999.

Deputy Director, Professional Services Review Board, Commonwealth of Australia, 2000-2010.

Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand (formerly Urological Society of Australasia) (USANZ):

Executive Member, 1984-1995.

Scientific Convenor, 36th Annual Scientific Meeting, 1983.

Chair, Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy Sub-Committee, 1986-1988.

Convenor, 44th Annual Scientific Meeting, 1989.

Chair, Continuing Medical Education Sub-Committee, 1990-1992.

Inaugural Chairman, Continuing Professional Development Sub-Committee, 1992-1995 and Member, since 1975.

Member, Queensland Training and Accreditation Committee, 1984-1990.

Chair, Working Party for the development of Clinical Management Guidelines ‘Urinary Symptoms in Men’, National Health and Medical Research Council, 1995-1996.

Chair, Urological Section, Clinical Oncological Society of Australia, 1983-1986 and Member, 1978-1983.

President, Australian and New Zealand Association of Urological Surgeons, 1987-1990.

Fellow, Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, since 1971.

Urological Society of Australasia Representative, Coordinating Committee of Surgery and Ophthalmology, Australian Medical Association, 1988-1990 and Member, 1986-2010.

Member, Paediatric Society of Queensland, 1978-2009.

Member, International Society of Urology, 1988-2005.

Vice Patron, Queensland Art Gallery Foundation, current.

Awards and recognition includes:

Recipient, Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand Medal, 2005.

Geof Hirst thought the award is “an incredible honour”. He told J-Wire: “It’s nice to be honoured for the many little things I have done that may have helped others.”

 

Professor Max Allan SCHWARZ, Toorak VIC 3142

For significant service to medicine in the field of oncology as a clinician, mentor and researcher.

Service includes:

Head, Medical Oncology Unit, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, ‘for over 35 years’.

Teacher and Student Mentor, ‘since the 1970s’.

Mentor to Advanced Trainees in Medicine and Professorial Colleagues in Medical Oncology, since 1977.

Adjunct Professor, Monash University, Department of Medicine, Alfred Hospital, Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, since 2009.

Clinical Associate Professor, 1991-2009 and Senior Lecturer, 1977-1991.

Member, Governance Committee, Southern Melbourne Integrated Cancer Service, 2005 – 2014.

Foundation Member and Executive Committee, Medical Oncology Group of Australia, 1978 -1987.

Chairman, Specialist Advisory Committee in Medical Oncology , Royal Australasian College of Physicians, 1980 – 1986.

Education Supervisor, Co-opted Examiner, Professional Development Advisor for Internal Medicine, Federal Councillor.

Member, various committees, Cancer Council of Victoria, since 1977.

Key participant in several International Collaborative Groups including:

International Breast Cancer Study Group, Australasian Germ Cell Trial Group and Ludwig Breast Cancer Study Group.

Member, Australian Cancer Society Oncology Education Committee, 1999.

Member of a range of medical organisations including the:

Australian Medical Association.

Haematology Society of Australia.

Clinical Oncology Society of Australia.

Australian Society of Medical Research.

American Society of Clinical Oncology.

American Association for Cancer Research.

Australian Association of Consultant Physicians.

International Society for Supportive Care in Oncology.

Medical Oncology Group of Australia.

Author of over 250 research abstracts and publications.

Awards and recognition includes:

Fellow, Royal Australasian College of Physicians, since 1976.

Fellow, American College of Physicians

Foundation Fellow, Australasian Chapter of Palliative Medicine, Royal Australasian college of Physicians.

Max Schwarz  told J-Wire: “I was stunned initially when I got the award letter and thought it was a joke.  However I was pleased to receive it as it acknowledges the commitment that I have made to teaching and mentoring other medicos. It pleases me to have made a significant contribution because I was fortunate enough to study oncology when it was an emerging field.   I was in the right place at the right time.”

 

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

 

Mr Daniel ALMAGOR, St Kilda VIC 3182

For service to the not-for-profit sector, and to social entrepreneurship.

Service includes:

Engineers Without Borders:

Ambassador and benefactor, current.

Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, 2003-2010.

Director, 2003-2012.

Other community and professional service includes:

Board Member and benefactor, Stand-Up (formerly Jewish Aid Australia), since 2006 and Chair, 2008-2013 and Member, Selection Panel, Ron Castan Humanitarian, and Young Humanitarian Awards.

Board Member, Australian Jewish Funders, current; Past Board Member, Jewish Museum of Australia.

Member, Advisory Board, Gross National Happiness Centre in Bhutan, current.

Board Member, Smiling Mind, 2013-2014.

Melbourne Chair, New Generation of Giving Program, Philanthropy Australia, 2013-2014.

Managing Director Founder, Small Giants, 2007.

Owner/Director, ‘Dumbo Feather’ magazine, since 2010.

Board Member and Major Partner, The Cape Residential Project, current.

Chair, Impact Investment Group, since 2012.

Former Chief Executive and founder, Medivax, 2003-2010.

Non-Executive Director and benefactor, B Lab Australia and New Zealand, since 2012 and Board Member, BCorporation ANZ, since 2012.

Member, Wisdom Council, Hub Australia/Melbourne, 2011-2015.

Program Advisory Committee, Impact Investment Summit Asia Pacific, and Platinum sponsor, 2015.

Member, Advisory Board, Unitus Livelihood Impact Fund, current.

Local Leader and Member, Toniic, current and Board Advisor, since 2015.

Social Entrepreneur in Residence, RMIT University, 2010-2013.

Director and Co-Founder, The School of Life Cultural Centre Australia, since 2013.

Founding Member, 100% Impact Network, ‘no dates’.

Leader and Benefactor, Habonim Dror, ‘no dates’.

Awards and recognition includes:

Co-awardee, Hal Taussig Award, Global B Corp Champions Award, ‘for individuals who most embody the aspirational ideas of the B Corp Community’, 2015.

Recipient, Inaugural Steve Lawrence Award, Changemaker Festival, Steve Lawrence Social Innovation Fund, 2014.

Alumnus of the Year, RMIT University, 2009.

Recipient, Australian Leadership Award, Australian Davos Connection (ADC Forum), 2009.

Recipient, Southern Region Social Entrepreneur of the Year, Ernst and Young, 2012.

Recipient, Churchill Fellowship, 2003.

Recipient, Social Investment Pioneer Award, Principles for Social Investment (UN Global Compact).

Daniel Almagor told J-Wire: “My wife, Berry Liberman, and I founded Small Giants as a force for good.

“I think it is the most meaningful thing I have done in my life. We try to use the business to solve social and environmental issues. There is an empathy deficit in the business world and we use a variety of opportunities to engage people to try to do good.

“You name it, we do it” said Almagor.

 

Danny GOLDBERG, Vaucluse NSW 2030

For service to the visual arts, and to the community.

Service includes:

Co-organiser, with Museums and Galleries New South Wales, of a touring exhibition of 57 American contemporary art works from personal collection to nine regional museums in New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria over a 2 year period.

Has donated art works for exhibitions to a range of galleries including:

The National Gallery of Australia.

Art Gallery of NSW.

Queensland Gallery of Modern Art.

Monash University Museum of Art.

Has also lent art works from personal collection to a range of Australian and international galleries/museums for specific exhibitions.

Supporter of a range of art organisations including:

The Biennale of Sydney.

Sydney Theatre Company.

Kaldor Public Art Projects.

Gold Patron, Sydney Writers’ Festival, 2015.

Directors’ Circle, MoMA PS1.

Vice President, Jewish Communal Appeal, since 2015.

Chairman, Communal Planning, since 2015 and Member, since 2011.

Chair, Allocations Committee, 2010 and Member, 2008-2010.

Chair, Sydney Chapter, Young Presidents’ Organisation, 2007-2008 and Member, Executive Committee, 2004-2008.

Danny Goldberg commented: “I feel privileged to have been acknowledged by the the country for my efforts within both the Jewish and broader communities. I have attempted to make a difference in the the areas in which I am passionate.”

 

Julia GOLDING, Bondi Junction NSW 2022

For service to aged persons.

Service includes:

Chief Executive Officer, Jewish Centre on Ageing (COA), since 1986.

Julia Golding told J-Wire: “My work with aged and frail people has great built-in satisfaction for me , so I am genuinely moved that it also rates such recognition.

I appreciate it very much and feel very honoured and hope to make a lot more to make a difference in the life of our aged.”

 

 Leslie Simon HEIMANN, Moorabbin VIC 3189

For service to the community through a range of organisations.

Service includes:

Chairman, Bayside/Glen Eira/Kingston Local Learning and Employment Network (BGKLLEN), 2004-2008, and Vice Chairman, 2003, and Treasurer, current and 2009-2013, and Committee Member, since 2002.

Chairman, Highett Branch, Bendigo Community Bank, 2001-2013 and Company Secretary, current and President, Steering Committee, 2000-2001.

Volunteer Driver, Kingston City Council Meals on Wheels, since 2008.

President, Highett Chamber of Commerce, 1999-2005.

Chairman, Moorabbin-Highett Village Committee, 2005-2009 and Member, 2005-2013.

President, Highett Neighbourhood Community House, 2010-2011 and 2008-2009 and Vice President, 2009-2010.

Council Member, B’nai Brith Victoria, current and President,1997-2001 and Secretary, 2009-2011 and Member, since 1993.

President, Yitzhak Rabin Unit, B’nai Brith Victoria, since 2013 and Founding Member.

Treasurer, Brighton Synagogue, 1999-2003.

Leslie Heimann was both proud and pleased. He told J-Wire: “I considered it very important in my life to to put effort into the community.”

 

Rabbi Jeffrey Barnet KAMINS, Emanuel Synagogue, Woollahra NSW 2025

For service to the community through religious and educational institutions.

Service includes:

Senior Rabbi, Congregation of Emanuel Synagogue, since 1999 and Associate Rabbi, 1989-1999.

Rabbinic Consultant, NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, since 1999.

Rabbinic Consultant, Executive Council of Australian Jewry, since 1999.

Chaplain, Religious Advisory Committee to the Services (RACS), Australian Army Reserves, since 1995.

Board Member, Shalom Institute, since 1994.

Founding Member, Mazon Australia Board, 1991.

Member, Voiceless Council, since 2011 and Board of Directors, since 2015.

Co-founder, Masorti Judaism in Australia, 1991.

Member, Council of Masorti Rabbis in Australia, since 2011.

Member, Council of Progressive Rabbis of Australia, Asia and New Zealand, since 1989.

Rabbinic Consultant, Emanuel School, since 1999.

Teacher, Florence Melton School, 1993-2000.

Rabbi Jeffrey Kamins told J-Wire: “I guess this means that after 27 years I can now considered a real Australian. On one hand it feels nice to for Emanuel Synagogue  recognised as part of the fabric of the wider Australian community.  Another important element is that I want Emanuel Synagogue to become the model of a spiritual community.“

 

Tom LOWENSTEIN, Caulfield VIC 3161

For service to the visual arts, and to the community.

Service includes:

Founder, Lowenstein Arts Management, since 2002.

Founder, Painters and Sculptors Association (now Australian Artists Association), 1984.

Foundation Board Member and Honorary Accountant, 45 Downstairs Inc, since 2000.

Fellow, Heide Museum of Modern Art, since 2002; Board Member; Chair, Acquisitions Committee, 1992-2001.

Advisory Board Member, Viscopy, 1995-2001.

Founding Member, Australian Visual Artists Benevolent Fund (under the National Association for the Visual Arts).

Founder, LSFA Arts 21 Fellowship, Arts Victoria, 1997-2000.

Trustee and Honorary Accountant, George Baldessin Foundation.

Trustee and Accountant, Margaret Olley Art Trust, since 1990.

Foundation Member, Gertrude Street Artist Spaces, 1985; Treasurer, 1985-1989.

Patron, Kedumba Art Prize.

Partner, Maitland Regional Art Gallery.

Tom Lowenstein commented: “This is wonderful recognition for all I have done. I really enjoy assisting artists.”

 

Debra Ruth SCHAFFER, Claremont WA 6010

For service to people who are blind, or with low vision, and to the community.

President, VisAbility (formerly Association for the Blind of Western Australia), since 2010 and Board Member, since 2007;

Founding Member, Association for the Blind Foundation, current.

Member, Board of Presidents, Guide Dogs Australia, current.

Involved in fundraising events, Ear Science Institute Australia, since 1990.

Has supported a number of organisations including:

Foundation and Major Donor, Carmel School, Guide Dogs Australia, Ear Science Institute Australia and a range of Jewish Community Organisations.

Chair, Women’s Division, United Israel Appeal (WA), since 2014 and Patron, since 1995.

Supporter, Jewish National Fund, ‘for many years’.

Member, National Council of Jewish Women of Australia, WA, current.

Member, Advisory Board, OzHarvest WA, current.

Director, Australian Opera Studio, 2003-2005 (Studio closed in 2008).

Debbie Schaffer told J-Wire: “It’s such a high honour and seems surreal. I do what I do simply because I love it.”

 

Stephanie SCHWARZ, Bellevue Hill NSW 2023

For service to information technology education.

Service includes:

Director of Computing, Moriah College, 2003-2008.

High School Teacher, since 1989.

Head Teacher of Computing, Sydney Technical College, 1988 and Teacher of Computing 1982-1987.

Teacher, NSW Institute of Technology, 1977-1981.

Board Member, ICT Educators of NSW, 1994-2009 and Life Member, since 2004.

Supervisor, HSC Examinations, Software Design and Development, Board of Studies NSW, 2008-2011 and Contributor, re-design of the Stage 6 (Years 11-12) computing syllabuses, 1999-2010.

Contributor, Computing Curriculum, NSW Board of Studies, Teaching and Educational Standards (BOSTES), 1990s-2012.

Awards and recognition includes:

Recipient, Outstanding Professional Teachers Award, Professional Teachers Council, 2005.

Stephanie Schwarz told J-Wire: “I was overwhelmed to receive this award. It has been a humbling and emotional experience.

I love teaching and being involved in running HSC enrichment sessions with country students.”

 

Daniel Aron TELLER, Caulfield North VIC 3161

For service to aged persons, and to the community.

Service includes:

Volunteer, Melbourne Chevra Kadisha, since 2005.

Director, Harlea Properties Pty Ltd, current.

Director, Teller Group, since 1996.

Director, Teller Automotive Group, since 1996

“I was in shock when I got the letter about the award. I didn’t believe it was real at first.” Daniel Teller told J-Wire.

“I guess the work we do has been recognised by the community. We go to outer Melbourne suburbs and try to find affordable housing for the elderly and homeless people.”

Teller is also on call with the Chevra Kadisha where he prepares bodies for burial.

Henry Benjamin and Roz Tarszisz prepared this report.