Sally Capp recognised for her ‘distinguished service to the people of Melbourne’

Melbourne’s Lord Mayor says she is “surprised and humbled” to be appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO). See the other Victorians recognised.

Lord Mayor Sally Capp says it is a privilege to serve the people of Melbourne. Picture: Tim Carrafa

Melbourne’s first directly-elected female lord mayor, a trailblazing cancer researcher, a renowned chef and the longest-serving policewoman in the world head the list of Victorians to be acclaimed in today’s King’s Birthday honours.

Culinary star Stefano De Pieri will be bestowed with the honour of becoming a Member of the Order of Australia (AM), four decades after arriving in Australia from Venice in Italy.

Since then, Mr De Pieri has become an invaluable asset to Mildura and the broader Australian food and wine scene.

After opening his restaurant, Stefano’s, Mr De Pieri wrote a book that led to an ABC TV show.

Mr De Pieri said he was “chuffed” with the recognition.

“I don’t know who nominated me but very grateful to them, I’m very chuffed that someone saw fit to give me this award,” he said.

Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp is recognised for her “distinguished service to the people of Melbourne, to local government, to business, and to the community through various organisations”.

Ms Capp, elected in 2018 and 2020, said she was “surprised and humbled” to be appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO).

“It is a privilege to serve the people of Melbourne, and I thank them for the opportunity to work alongside them through past challenging circumstances and now as we shape the future of our city together,” Ms Capp said.

Professor Grant McArthur who heads the VCCC Alliance, a group of 10 leading medical research institutions, said he felt proud to be recognised as an Officer of the Order of Australia.

“It’s been an honour and privilege to work in this important area,” he said.

Professor Grant McArthur, executive director of the VCCC Alliance.

Former sex discrimination commissioner Kate Jenkins was also honoured with an AO.

Ms Jenkins served for seven years in the role and helped change the national conversation on all forms of discrimination against women, especially in the workplace.

Ms Jenkins, who was also Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commissioner, said she was “extra thrilled to be in the class of gender equality” – this year’s list having more women than men for the first time.

Among long-serving politicians to be listed in the honours list were former Victorian deputy premier and Nationals MP Pat McNamara and Jenny Macklin, who was among six Australians to receive the nation’s highest honour, AC, for her services as federal MP for Jagajaga and as a minister in the Rudd and Gillard governments.

The medical and academic sector was well represented among the Victorian recipients. Business executive Jane Bell was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM), as was Monash University mobility and ageing expert Professor Terry Haines and Professor Melanie Bahlo, from the Walter and Eliza Institute of Medical Research for her work in genetic and infectious disease research.

Victorian Council of Social Service chief executive Emma King was honoured with an OAM as was former Melbourne Football Club Don McLardy and businessman Alex Waislitz.

Several Victoria Police officers were recognised for their service.

Detective Sen-Sgt Joy Murphy, the longest-serving female police officer in the world – was honoured for her service which began when she graduated in 1973.

Also honoured was Supt John Fitzpatrick, a senior officer in road policing.