Queen’s birthday bonanza for Australian Jewry

JEWISH Australians figured strongly again in this year’s crop of Queen’s Birthday Honours, reflecting the depth of involvement that community members have shown in medicine, science, the arts and communal projects.

Almost 20 Jews were tapped for top honours this year, with Queensland Professor Nathan Efron receiving the highest recognition as a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) for his pioneering work in optometry, specifically in visual correction, corneal physiology and juvenile diabetes.

Prof Efron, an expert in contact lenses, developed the first daily disposable contact lens in the 1990s.

“I was surprised, truly honoured and genuinely humbled,” he told The AJN, as he found himself in the company of recipients he described as “household names”.

Senior Victorian public servant Helen Silver was a key figure coordinating support services during the Black Saturday bushfire crisis in 2009.

She was made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for her service to public administration, in roles including secretary to the Department of Premier and Cabinet, deputy secretary of Policy and Cabinet and deputy secretary of economic and financial policy for the Department of Treasury and Finance.

“I was a bit shocked and also honoured to receive this,” she said.

Sydneysider Thomas Dery, chairman of the Australian Cancer Research Foundation, has been awarded an AO for his distinguished role in the not-for-profit field, especially in cancer research, through the development of governance structures and fundraising drives. He was also recognised for his contribution to the performing arts and business.

Dery, founder and world chairman of the M&C Saatchi advertising group, attributed the inspiration for his work in fundraising for cancer to “my mentor – Sir Peter Abeles”, when he worked for the late Australian business tycoon, who had also chaired the cancer foundation.

Among other notable recipients in this year’s honours list was TV presenter Susie Elelman who was named a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to the not-for-profit sector.

While not Jewish herself, her father was an Auschwitz survivor. “He was only a teenager when he and his sister were among a group who had to dig a huge ditch and then had to watch their mother get shot in the back of the neck, not knowing if she was alive or dead when they buried her in a mass grave,” she told The AJN.

“Although I wasn’t raised Jewish I’m very proud of that part of my heritage.”

For full coverage see this week’s AJN.

AJN STAFF

Professor Nathan Efron was made a Companion of the Order of Australia.