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Interior designer, medical researcher and maritime historian honoured on Australia Day

Six of Banyule’s best have made the Australia Day honours list for outstanding achievements to the community. Among them is an interior designer, medical researcher and a maritime historian.

Mary Featherston was awarded an AM for significant service to the arts, particularly to interior and industrial design. Picture: George Salpigtidis
Mary Featherston was awarded an AM for significant service to the arts, particularly to interior and industrial design. Picture: George Salpigtidis

Six extraordinary stars of Banyule are being celebrated for their amazing achievements this Australia Day.

Among them is an interior designer, medical researcher, and a maritime historian who earned a spot on the Australia Day honours list for their contributions to the community.

Mary Featherston was awarded an AM for significant service to the arts, particularly to interior and industrial design. Picture: George Salpigtidis
Mary Featherston was awarded an AM for significant service to the arts, particularly to interior and industrial design. Picture: George Salpigtidis

Ivanhoe’s Mary Featherston was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her contribution to interior and industrial design for more than 50 years.

“I’m thrilled, it really was so surprising and a great pleasure to get recognition and support for the work I’m doing,” Ms Featherston said.

The design maven’s innovative furniture and interiors earned her a Hall of Fame induction to the Design Institute of Australia.

Mary Featherston in 1969 in the living room of her house in Ivanhoe.
Mary Featherston in 1969 in the living room of her house in Ivanhoe.

“My passion is designing learning environments for children,” she said.

“Design can really make a difference to not only how things look but how they function.

Ms Featherston has lived in her heritage-listed Robin Boyd designed home in Ivanhoe for more than five decades, boasting a voluminous open plan space with a translucent roof.

Many of her furniture designs are still on display in the National Gallery of Victoria.

SEE WHO ELSE WAS AWARDED

Melbourne University Medical Professors lead by Professor Jeffrey Zajac, who was made an Officer of the Order of Australia (OA).
Melbourne University Medical Professors lead by Professor Jeffrey Zajac, who was made an Officer of the Order of Australia (OA).

Heidelberg’s Prof Jeffrey Zajac was made an Officer of the Order of Australia (OA) for his service to medical research and education, specifically in endocrinology.

He has been the Austin Health’s division of medicine chair since 2000 and has published more than 200 papers in international scientific journals.

Dr John Santamaria was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM).
Dr John Santamaria was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM).

Dr John Santamaria from Heidelberg was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his contribution to intensive care medicine.

The president of the Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Society has also been St Vincent’s critical care medicine director since 1985.

Graeme Speers, Peter Williams, president Jenn Burgess and Jenny Macklin MP at the Heidelberg Historical Society. Peter Williams received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).
Graeme Speers, Peter Williams, president Jenn Burgess and Jenny Macklin MP at the Heidelberg Historical Society. Peter Williams received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).

Eaglemont’s Peter Williams received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his contribution to maritime history.

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Mr Williams was the founding member of the Maritime Trust of Australia in 1970 and served as president of the Heidelberg Historical Society.

Principal Julie Ryan (right) received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).
Principal Julie Ryan (right) received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).

Ivanhoe’s Julie Ryan received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her contribution to secondary education.

She was principal of Heidelberg’s Our Lady of Mercy College for 12 years and served as president of the Principals Association of Victorian Catholic Secondary Schools.

Montmorency’s Michael Said also received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his service to accountancy and to public sector governance.

courtney.beaumont@news.com.au

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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/east/interior-designer-medical-researcher-and-maritime-historian-honoured-on-australia-day/news-story/ac79386ffdacb859a2d25b44815c8084