Dozens of Stonnington residents honoured at Australia Day awards
A staggering 27 people in Stonnington were recognised at the Australia Day honours — more than 3 per cent of all general award recipients from across the country. One of them was plastic surgeon Michael Leung, who has done something remarkable in Myanmar. Find out who else featured.
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Dr Michael Leung is one of the many Stonnington residents to be recognised as part of the Australia Day awards, appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM)
The Malvern man received the award for his significant service to medicine, and to the international community.
The plastic surgeon has an extensive career after finishing his training in 1987, appointed director of the plastic surgery units at both The Alfred and Monash Health.
His work is all reconstructive, mainly on people involved in car accidents and those who suffer from cancer.
“I felt very humbled,” Dr Leung said of the appointment.
“It’s a great honour and I really didn’t expect it. It’s fantastic to have it, but is the last thing I thought I would get in my lifetime.”
But it is what he has achieved overseas which has made him most proud.
A volunteer plastic surgeon with Interplast, Dr Leung has worked in Papua New Guinea, the Pacific Islands and Vietnam since 1988.
He also started volunteering in Myanmar in 2006 and developed a relationship with the people there, wanting to do more.
“I felt the best way to help the people there is not just to operate, but by establishing a training course,” Dr Leung said.
“It took us a few years … but we developed a masters and doctorate degree in plastic and reconstructive surgery at the Yangon (capital of Myanmar) university.
“That’s what I see as my biggest achievement in terms of teaching of plastic surgery for overseas.
“I was especially proud when the first trainee passed the exams and got their doctorate, it was quite fulfilling.”
Dr Leung also emphasised his appreciation of Australia as a country, after emigrating from Hong Kong in 1971 to study.
“To be able to get where I am, you have to thank the government, the people,” he said.
“This is my country now. It is important to say that.
“Australia gives everyone a bit of a go and I think it’s important that overseas students, who get their studies done here … they can get an honour like this.
“It’s very humbling in terms of society, to give everyone a chance, I think that’s important.”
DOZENS OF HONOURS FOR STONNINGTON
Stonnington was well-represented at this year’s Australia Day honours, attracting more than 3 per cent of all general division award recipients from across Australia.
Twenty-seven people were recognised, which included four people appointed as an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) and 13 appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia (am)
Governor-General David Hurley said those recognised were “outstanding” and exemplified “the best of Australia”.
“Behind every medal and citation is a story,” he said.
“Whether through their service, sacrifice or significant achievement, these people help others and make our towns, communities and nation better.
“They’re extraordinary but also, in the best way possible, ordinary.
“The fantastic thing, the inspirational thing, is that we all know people like those who have been recognised — people who look out for each other and, day-in day-out, serve their communities in ways big and small.”
Anyone can nominate any Australian for an award in the Order of Australia. If you know someone worthy, nominate them at gg.gov.au
OTHERS HONOURED
AO — Officer of the Order of Australia
Professor Rachelle Buchbinder, Malvern — For distinguished service to medical education in the fields of epidemiology and rheumatology, and to professional associations.
Graham Goldsmith, Hawthorn — For distinguished service to the community through philanthropic foundations, to education, and to the banking and employment sectors.
Jane Hansen, Toorak — For distinguished service to the community, to education and cultural institutions, and through philanthropic support for charitable foundations.
Julie Kantor, South Yarra — For distinguished service to the community though philanthropy, to indigenous governance initiatives, and to the visual and performing arts.
AM — Member of the Order of Australia
Emeritus Professor Richard Broome, Malvern East — For significant service to education in the field of history, and to historical groups.
Dr John Collins, Toorak — For significant service to medicine, particularly to breast cancer treatment.
David Curtain QC, Toorak — For significant services to the law, and to professional legal organisations.
Carl Dowd, Toorak — For significant service to the community through philanthropic endeavours.
Wendy Dowd, Toorak — For significant service to the community through philanthropic endeavours.
Diane Fleming, Prahran — For significant service to Australia-Africa relations, and to education.
The Honourable Hartley Hansen QC, Toorak — For significant service to the law, and to professional associations.
Bella Hirshorn, Toorak — For significant service to the Jewish community, and to women.
Rose Lew, Toorak — For significant service to the community, and to philanthropy.
Susan Logie-Smith, Armadale — For significant service to the decorative and fine arts.
Professor Lenore Manderson, Prahran — For significant service to education, particularly medical anthropology, and to public health.
Dr Sabar Sward, Malvern — For significant service to primary industry, to genetechnology, and to the Jewish community.
OAM — Medal of the Order of Australia
Thomas Danos, Toorak — For service to the law, and to the community.
Jennifer Doubell, Toorak — For service to the community through charitable organisations.
Professor Diana Egerton-Warburton, Prahran — For service to emergency medicine.
Caroline Johnston, Toorak — For service to the community.
Russell Magee, Malvern East — For service to the museums and galleries sector.
Nigel Porteous, South Yarra — For service to the community, and to the shipping transport industry.
Seri Renkin, Malvern — For service to the community through charitable organisations.
Sam Sharma, Toorak — For service to the Jewish community of Melbourne.
Reginald Smith, Glen Iris — For service to youth through intercultural programs.
David Weil, Glen Iris — For service to the community through a range of roles.