Congratulations to our Honorary Awardees!
10 min read
12 Oct 2023
A group of the region’s most prominent Australians have been recognised with the University of Southern Queensland's highest honours, joining the ranks of numerous exceptional individuals.
Mr Robert Atkinson AO APM, Air Marshal (Retd) Geoff Brown AO, Professor Patrick Murray AM, Mr Paul Antonio and Mr Athol Kerridge were awarded honorary degrees and awards at a recent ceremony, acknowledged for their outstanding and lasting contribution to their field, the public and the University of Southern Queensland.
Professor Patrick Murray AM has a background as a pilot, flight instructor and academic and has held senior leadership positions in the military, a major international airline, and academia. He is the inaugural industry chair of the Aviation Safety Advisory Panel of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and is a member of Boeing’s external safety advisory board. In 2021, he was appointed by the Deputy Prime Minister to chair a select committee, formed to provide advice to the Government on the future of Australia’s aviation sector during the recovery from COVID-19 and beyond.
Professor Murray has been awarded fellowships of the Royal Aeronautical Society, the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport and the Institute of Managers and Leaders and has received international awards for his contributions to aviation safety. In 2022, he was appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to aviation safety and the air transport industry.
Professor Murray entered academia after a 37 year career in the front line of aviation safety. He was appointed as the first Professor of Aviation at the University of Southern Queensland in 2015. His exceptional technical and employment experience and extensive industry connections informed and elevated aviation programs at the University until his retirement in July 2017.
Since his retirement, Professor Murray has continued to work with the University aviation team to provide excellent outcomes for students and build pathways for technically trained professionals to enter postgraduate aviation education. He continues to supervise Doctor of Philosophy students and mentors undergraduate students in their flying careers.
This honorary title is conferred upon Professor Patrick Murray in recognition of his distinguished career, significant achievements in aviation safety, air transport, aviation education and ongoing contributions to the University of Southern Queensland.
Mr Paul Antonio retired as Mayor of the Toowoomba Regional Council on 21 July 2023 after 42 years of dedicated service in local government. Mr Antonio served as Mayor and a Councillor on the former Millmerran Shire Council from 1982 to 2008, and as Toowoomba Deputy Mayor from 2008 to 2012. He was elected as Mayor of Toowoomba Regional Council in 2012, and was the founding Chair of the Darling Downs South West Queensland Council of Mayors and Deputy Chair of the South East Queensland Council of Mayors.
As Mayor, Mr Antonio represented the interests of his community to all levels of government and industry. Under his leadership and guidance, Toowoomba Regional Council established Toowoomba as a Refugee Welcome Zone and led an extensive flood recovery and mitigation program following the devastating floods of 2011 and 2013. Working in collaboration with the private sector, Council established thriving industrial developments at Wellcamp and Charlton and lobbied the Australian and Queensland governments for funding for the Toowoomba bypass.
Mr Antonio was awarded the Distinguished Past Students Award in 2014 by the University of Queensland Gatton Past Students Association for Achievements and Services and the Paul Myatt Memorial Safer City Award in 2016 for his contribution to safety in Toowoomba. He was recognised as the Regions No. 1 Citizen by the Toowoomba Chronicle in 2020.
Mr Antonio has demonstrated exceptional dedication and service to local government and his community for over 40 years. He has advocated tirelessly for the Toowoomba region and promoted the benefits of the region to attract and retain families, business owners and investors.
Mr Antonio is a strong supporter of the University and facilitated the ongoing positive and collaborative relationship between Toowoomba Regional Council and the University over many years. Under his leadership, Council supported and collaborated with the University on a wide range of programs including youth and education schemes and sustainability projects.
This honorary title is conferred on Mr Paul Antonio in recognition of his distinguished career, significant achievements in local government and service to the region.
Mr Kerridge joined the University of Southern Queensland in 2012 as the Chief Financial Officer. Between August 2014 and July 2017, he also had responsibility for the University’s Human Resources function, as Executive Director of Finance and People Capability. Mr Kerridge retired from his role as Chief Financial Officer in February 2023.
Mr Kerridge led the financial function of the University through a period of significant and complex change in the University’s operating environment. He served as a member of the University’s Vice-Chancellor’s Executive and, as the University’s principal financial advisor, he was highly regarded and well-respected by University Council members and colleagues.
Mr Kerridge delivered and managed ten University budgets and annual financial statements during his tenure, providing comprehensive advice on University investments and navigating government funding policy changes while maintaining collaborative and collegial relationships with internal and external stakeholders. He oversaw numerous developments in the ongoing maturity of the University’s financial and human resource management processes and capabilities, delivering a highly capable and future focused function with client service at the forefront of all operations, balanced with the best interests of the University. Prior to his retirement he led the process of establishing the University’s first Modern Slavery Statement involving wide-ranging consultation with internal stakeholders.
Mr Kerridge acted as a University representative on the Board of Management of the Queensland College of Wine Tourism. Other contributions include being a member of the Glennie School Council and an employer nominated representative of the UniSuper Board of Directors.
Mr Kerridge consistently led by example and demonstrated University values in all aspects of his work. He was a positive role model for other leaders and staff and his sound advice and effective stewardship played a key role in supporting the University progress its goals and enable future endeavours.
This honorary title is conferred upon Mr Athol Kerridge in recognition of his distinguished career at the University of Southern Queensland.
Professor Alfio Parisi was a research and teaching academic for almost 34 years at the University of Southern Queensland. During this time, he undertook the role of Faculty Associate Dean (Academic) from 2007 until his retirement in 2021. He is currently an Honorary Professor in the School of Mathematics, Physics and Computing.
Professor Parisi has consistently demonstrated distinction in his academic endeavours and contributions to the University. His contribution to undergraduate and postgraduate physics teaching was recognised when he was awarded a Carrick Institute Citation in 2007 for the development of curricula, imaginative resources and teaching and learning scholarship that enhance life-long learning in physics. He was also awarded a University Excellence in Teaching Award.
As a researcher he led the development of a research strength and established a productive co-ordinated research concentration in Solar Ultraviolet Radiation and Atmospherics. He supervised Doctor of Philosophy and Research Masters students and authored many research publications which have been recognised nationally and internationally.
Professor Parisi has demonstrated impact in service to the University, the community, and the field of academic endeavour by producing research reports for Queensland Health, the New South Wales Cancer Institute, and the Sax Institute which have contributed to the development of guidelines for the reduction of the risk of skin cancer.
Professor Parisi is a strong supporter of the University of Southern Queensland and continues to collaborate with University researchers to co-author papers, and supervise Doctor of Philosophy and Research Masters students.
This title is conferred upon Professor Alfio Parisi in recognition of his distinguished career, significant achievements in physics and ongoing contributions to the University of Southern Queensland.
Mr Robert Atkinson AO APM, Air Marshal (Retd) Geoff Brown AO, Professor Patrick Murray AM, Mr Paul Antonio and Mr Athol Kerridge were awarded honorary degrees and awards at a recent ceremony, acknowledged for their outstanding and lasting contribution to their field, the public and the University of Southern Queensland.
Mr Robert Atkinson AO APM
Honorary Award of Doctor of the University (Honoris Causa)
Mr Robert Atkinson AO APM commenced his career with the Queensland Police Service in 1968 progressing through the ranks until his appointment as Police Commissioner in 2000. Significant achievements throughout his career include his role in the implementation of organisational changes to the Queensland Police Service following the Fitzgerald Inquiry; oversight of security for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in 2002: oversight of emergency responses following state-wide disasters such as Cyclone Larry in 2006 and the 2011 floods; supporting the service to respond better to diversity with the appointment of Police Liaison Officers including the first Sudanese and Muslim Police Liaison Officers; and oversight and introduction of the national framework for responding to terrorist attacks.
Mr Atkinson’s service to the community has continued since his retirement in 2012, most notably in his appointment as a Commissioner to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse; Co-chair of the Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Council; Special Advisor for the Report on Youth Justice (Atkinson Report); and Chair of the Truth, Healing and Reconciliation Taskforce.
In recognition of his exceptional dedication and achievements, Mr Atkinson has been honoured with several distinguished awards including Officer of the Order of Australia, Australian Police Medal, National Emergency Medal, 2019 Queensland Greats Award, Centenary Medal, National Medal and Queensland Police Service Medal.
Mr Atkinson has participated in the University of Southern Queensland’s School of Law and Justice Vulnerable Persons Conference since its inception in 2018. His ongoing support of this event and willingness to share his expertise in classrooms and curricula development across a range of disciplines reflects his genuine concern for the issues affecting our society and recognition of the importance of educating the next generation to effect change.
This honorary title is conferred upon Mr Robert Atkinson AO APM in recognition of his distinguished career and dedicated service to the community.
Air Marshal (Rtd) Geoff Brown AO
Doctor of the University (Honoris Causa)
Air Marshal (Rtd) Geoff Brown AO completed an engineering degree at the Darling Downs Institute of Advanced Education (now the University of Southern Queensland) in 1980.
After obtaining his degree he joined the Royal Australian Air Force where he spent 35 years until his retirement in 2015. During this time, he was the Deputy Chief of Air Force from 2008 to 2011 before being appointed Chief of Air Force and serving in this role until his retirement.
As Chief of Air Force he designed and implemented Plan Jericho which led the Air Force’s transformation across every aspect of the organisation. He also introduced important cultural changes including gender diversity and programs for Indigenous recruits.
Air Marshal (Rtd) Brown received the Meritorious Service Medal (Singapore) in 2014. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) during his term as Chief of the Air Force in 2012. He received the Australian Active Service Medal, the Iraq Medal, the United States Legion of Merit Legionnaire Degree in 2003 and the Defence Force Service Medal in 2000.
He is currently Chair of the Advisory Board of CAE Asia Pacific, Chair of the Sir Richard Williams Foundation, Chair of Canberra Region Defence Industry Advisory Board, Director on the Senior Advisory Board of Lockheed Martin Australia, Director of Electro-Optic Systems, Senior Advisor to Hawkeye 360 and Principal of GCB Stratos Consulting.
Air Marshal (Rtd) Brown remains a strong supporter of the University of Southern Queensland reflecting that his time at the University provided him with the skills necessary to undertake a lifetime of learning.
This honorary title is conferred upon Air Marshal (Rtd) Geoff Brown AO in recognition of his distinguished career, significant achievements in the defence, space and engineering sectors and ongoing contributions to the University of Southern Queensland.
Professor Patrick Murray AM
Professor Emeritus (Professores Emeriti)Professor Patrick Murray AM has a background as a pilot, flight instructor and academic and has held senior leadership positions in the military, a major international airline, and academia. He is the inaugural industry chair of the Aviation Safety Advisory Panel of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and is a member of Boeing’s external safety advisory board. In 2021, he was appointed by the Deputy Prime Minister to chair a select committee, formed to provide advice to the Government on the future of Australia’s aviation sector during the recovery from COVID-19 and beyond.
Professor Murray has been awarded fellowships of the Royal Aeronautical Society, the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport and the Institute of Managers and Leaders and has received international awards for his contributions to aviation safety. In 2022, he was appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to aviation safety and the air transport industry.
Professor Murray entered academia after a 37 year career in the front line of aviation safety. He was appointed as the first Professor of Aviation at the University of Southern Queensland in 2015. His exceptional technical and employment experience and extensive industry connections informed and elevated aviation programs at the University until his retirement in July 2017.
Since his retirement, Professor Murray has continued to work with the University aviation team to provide excellent outcomes for students and build pathways for technically trained professionals to enter postgraduate aviation education. He continues to supervise Doctor of Philosophy students and mentors undergraduate students in their flying careers.
This honorary title is conferred upon Professor Patrick Murray in recognition of his distinguished career, significant achievements in aviation safety, air transport, aviation education and ongoing contributions to the University of Southern Queensland.
Mr Paul Antonio
Fellow of the UniversityMr Paul Antonio retired as Mayor of the Toowoomba Regional Council on 21 July 2023 after 42 years of dedicated service in local government. Mr Antonio served as Mayor and a Councillor on the former Millmerran Shire Council from 1982 to 2008, and as Toowoomba Deputy Mayor from 2008 to 2012. He was elected as Mayor of Toowoomba Regional Council in 2012, and was the founding Chair of the Darling Downs South West Queensland Council of Mayors and Deputy Chair of the South East Queensland Council of Mayors.
As Mayor, Mr Antonio represented the interests of his community to all levels of government and industry. Under his leadership and guidance, Toowoomba Regional Council established Toowoomba as a Refugee Welcome Zone and led an extensive flood recovery and mitigation program following the devastating floods of 2011 and 2013. Working in collaboration with the private sector, Council established thriving industrial developments at Wellcamp and Charlton and lobbied the Australian and Queensland governments for funding for the Toowoomba bypass.
Mr Antonio was awarded the Distinguished Past Students Award in 2014 by the University of Queensland Gatton Past Students Association for Achievements and Services and the Paul Myatt Memorial Safer City Award in 2016 for his contribution to safety in Toowoomba. He was recognised as the Regions No. 1 Citizen by the Toowoomba Chronicle in 2020.
Mr Antonio has demonstrated exceptional dedication and service to local government and his community for over 40 years. He has advocated tirelessly for the Toowoomba region and promoted the benefits of the region to attract and retain families, business owners and investors.
Mr Antonio is a strong supporter of the University and facilitated the ongoing positive and collaborative relationship between Toowoomba Regional Council and the University over many years. Under his leadership, Council supported and collaborated with the University on a wide range of programs including youth and education schemes and sustainability projects.
This honorary title is conferred on Mr Paul Antonio in recognition of his distinguished career, significant achievements in local government and service to the region.
Mr Athol Kerridge
Fellow of the UniversityMr Kerridge joined the University of Southern Queensland in 2012 as the Chief Financial Officer. Between August 2014 and July 2017, he also had responsibility for the University’s Human Resources function, as Executive Director of Finance and People Capability. Mr Kerridge retired from his role as Chief Financial Officer in February 2023.
Mr Kerridge led the financial function of the University through a period of significant and complex change in the University’s operating environment. He served as a member of the University’s Vice-Chancellor’s Executive and, as the University’s principal financial advisor, he was highly regarded and well-respected by University Council members and colleagues.
Mr Kerridge delivered and managed ten University budgets and annual financial statements during his tenure, providing comprehensive advice on University investments and navigating government funding policy changes while maintaining collaborative and collegial relationships with internal and external stakeholders. He oversaw numerous developments in the ongoing maturity of the University’s financial and human resource management processes and capabilities, delivering a highly capable and future focused function with client service at the forefront of all operations, balanced with the best interests of the University. Prior to his retirement he led the process of establishing the University’s first Modern Slavery Statement involving wide-ranging consultation with internal stakeholders.
Mr Kerridge acted as a University representative on the Board of Management of the Queensland College of Wine Tourism. Other contributions include being a member of the Glennie School Council and an employer nominated representative of the UniSuper Board of Directors.
Mr Kerridge consistently led by example and demonstrated University values in all aspects of his work. He was a positive role model for other leaders and staff and his sound advice and effective stewardship played a key role in supporting the University progress its goals and enable future endeavours.
This honorary title is conferred upon Mr Athol Kerridge in recognition of his distinguished career at the University of Southern Queensland.
Professor Alfio Parisi
Professor Emeritus (Professores Emeriti)Professor Alfio Parisi was a research and teaching academic for almost 34 years at the University of Southern Queensland. During this time, he undertook the role of Faculty Associate Dean (Academic) from 2007 until his retirement in 2021. He is currently an Honorary Professor in the School of Mathematics, Physics and Computing.
Professor Parisi has consistently demonstrated distinction in his academic endeavours and contributions to the University. His contribution to undergraduate and postgraduate physics teaching was recognised when he was awarded a Carrick Institute Citation in 2007 for the development of curricula, imaginative resources and teaching and learning scholarship that enhance life-long learning in physics. He was also awarded a University Excellence in Teaching Award.
As a researcher he led the development of a research strength and established a productive co-ordinated research concentration in Solar Ultraviolet Radiation and Atmospherics. He supervised Doctor of Philosophy and Research Masters students and authored many research publications which have been recognised nationally and internationally.
Professor Parisi has demonstrated impact in service to the University, the community, and the field of academic endeavour by producing research reports for Queensland Health, the New South Wales Cancer Institute, and the Sax Institute which have contributed to the development of guidelines for the reduction of the risk of skin cancer.
Professor Parisi is a strong supporter of the University of Southern Queensland and continues to collaborate with University researchers to co-author papers, and supervise Doctor of Philosophy and Research Masters students.
This title is conferred upon Professor Alfio Parisi in recognition of his distinguished career, significant achievements in physics and ongoing contributions to the University of Southern Queensland.
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