The Wesley College community congratulates Her Excellency the Honourable Linda Dessau AC, former Vice President of the Wesley College Council and past parent, on the award of the Companion of the Order of Australia “for eminent service to the people of Victoria through leadership roles in the judiciary, to the advancement of economic ties and business relationships, and as a supporter of charitable, sporting and arts organisations.”

Linda Dessau had a long distinguished legal career as a magistrate and then later as a judge of the Family Court of Australia. She has served on a wide range of organisations including President of the Melbourne Festival, Chair of the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust, a Commissioner of the Australian Football League, a Trustee of the National Gallery of Victoria, a Board member and former Chair of AFL Sportsready and Artsready. She is currently serving as the 29th and first female Governor of Victoria.

Linda Dessau along with her husband,  Mr Anthony Howard QC, have been longstanding and passionate supporters of the College. Linda was the first female Vice President of the Wesley College Council. Most recently, Governor Dessau and Anthony Howard opened Learning in Residence at the Glen Waverley campus.

Governor Dessau is in the company of many other deserving recipients who have been honoured within the Wesley College community.

See the full list of Australia Day 2017 Honours below:

Australia Day 2017 Honours List

COMPANION (AC) IN THE GENERAL DIVISION

Her Excellency the Honourable Linda Marion DESSAU AM - Former Vice President of the Wesley College Council & Past Parent

For eminent service to the people of Victoria through leadership roles in the judiciary, to the advancement of economic ties and business relationships, and as a supporter of charitable, sporting and arts organisations.

OFFICER (AO) IN THE GENERAL DIVISION

Mr Paul Maurice KELLY - Past Parent

For distinguished service to the performing arts and to the promotion of the national identity through contributions as a singer, songwriter and musician.

The Reverend Alistair James MACRAE – Former Member of the Wesley College Council

For distinguished service to the Uniting Church in Australia through executive and ministerial roles at state and national levels, and to the promotion of ecumenism, interfaith dialogue and reconciliation.

Professor Colin Louis MASTERS - Past Parent

For distinguished service to medical research through international and national contributions to understanding Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases.

Dr John Graeme SLOMAN AM ED (OW1944) - Past Parent

For distinguished service to medicine, particularly to the specialty of cardiology, as a clinician, through advisory roles with a range of medical organisations, and to the community.

MEMBER (AM) IN THE GENERAL DIVISION

Dr Noel Ami ALPINS - Past Parent

For significant service to ophthalmology, particularly to the development of innovative refractive surgery techniques, and to professional associations.

The Honourable Justice Kevin Harcourt BELL - Past Parent

For significant service to the law and to the judiciary, to native title and human rights, and to the community.

Mr Stephen Philip KNOTT - Current Parent

For significant service to the resources and energy industries, to the advancement of women, and to industrial relations.

Mrs Aija Gundega THOMAS - Past Parent

For significant service to architecture, particularly in the area of health facility planning and design.

Ms Jennifer June WILLIAMS - Past Parent

For significant service to the community through leadership roles in the public health sector, and to NGO governance.

MEDAL (OAM) IN THE GENERAL DIVISION

Mr Raymond Arthur ALLSOPP (OW1952) - Past Parent

For service to sport, particularly for school children.

Mrs Thelma CASTLES – Wife of John Castles OAM (OW1958)

For service to the community through charitable organisations.

Mr Andrew Niven CREEK - Past Parent

For service to business, particularly to the domestic gas industry.

Mr Thomas John MORRIS - Past Parent

For service to the building and construction industry.

Mr John Alexander SHALIT - Past Parent

For service to the community, and to the construction industry.

Ms Janet Patricia SPOONER - Past Parent

For service to the community through charitable organisations.

Mr Robert Fraser WARD (OW1955) - Past Parent

For service to business, particularly to the motion picture industry.

The late Dr Allan Hyam ZAVOD - Past Parent

For service to the performing arts as a musician and composer.

AUSTRALIAN POLICE MEDAL (VICTORIA)

Assistant Commissioner Debra Joan ABBOTT - Past Parent

For distinguished service as a member of the Victorian police force.