Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Rob Pike congratulated the recipients and said the honours were reflective of the University's deep ties to the community.
“These awards are recognition of the significant local, national and global contribution of the La Trobe community,” Professor Pike said.
“Our University makes an impact on all levels of society, whether it’s advancing medical research, embracing the future with our AI-first mindset, training job-ready workers or serving the community at large.“
Dr Peter Brukner OAM was also awarded 2025 Senior Australian of the Year for Victoria.
The internationally recognised sports medicine physician has made remarkable contributions to healthcare and wellness in Australia and beyond.
As founder of the world-leading La Trobe Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Centre, Dr Brukner's achievements inspire the University's community of students, researchers, and health professionals.
Australia Day Honours List recipients linked to La Trobe include:
Order of Australia (AO)
Emeritus Professor Keith Nugent AO (Ex-Staff)
For distinguished service to tertiary education, to science as a physicist and to the advancement of optical physics.
Member of the Order of Australia (AM)
Professor Kim Bennell AM (Alumni)
For significant service to medical research and education, particularly in the field of health and rehabilitation science.
Rose Cuff AM (Ex-Staff)
For significant service to community mental health and to youth.
Dr Robyn Miller AM (Alumni)
For significant service to children, young people and families.
Professor Paul Pickering AM (Alumni)
For significant service to tertiary education, social studies and history preservation.
Professor Samar Aoun AM (Ex-Staff)
For significant service to community health through palliative and aged care research, and to tertiary education.
Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM)
Dr Wendy Bunston OAM (Alumni, Staff Member)
For service to social welfare research.
John Head OAM (Alumni)
For service to the arts and to the community of Shepparton.
Alison MacGregor OAM (Alumni)
For service to music and horticulture.
Bassilios Morcos OAM (Alumni)
For service to the community of Brimbank.
Public Service Medal (PSM)
Mark Johnstone PSM (Alumni)
For outstanding public service in financial policy and economic reform.
Jennifer Sloane PSM (Alumni)
For outstanding public service during the ACT Government’s COVID-19 public health response.
Luke Wilson PSM (Alumni)
For outstanding public service in the advocacy and support of regional communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
