Living with Disability Research Centre Director Professor Christine Bigby has been awarded an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for her distinguished service to tertiary education across research, policy and practice in the fields of intellectual disability, social welfare and inclusion.
Professor Lisa Amir, Principal Research Fellow at La Trobe’s Judith Lumley Centre has received a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her significant service to women’s health, particularly breastfeeding research and support.
La Trobe acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Robert Pike congratulated Professor Bigby and Professor Amir on their outstanding achievements, hailing their contributions and impact in their field of expertise.
“Professor Bigby’s groundbreaking research transformed how we understand and support adults with intellectual disabilities,” Professor Pike said.
“Her work has not only shaped best-practice training but also significantly enhanced quality of life and social inclusion for countless individuals.
“Beyond her research, Professor Bigby has been a pillar of our academic community – founding and leading a world-class research centre and serving with distinction for six years as Chair of our Academic Board. Her recognition is a testament to the profound impact she’s had both in Australia and globally.”
Among her many achievements, Professor Bigby is the founding editor of the Research and Practice in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities journal and currently serves as president of the Australasian Society for Intellectual Disability. She was awarded the 2019 Distinguished Research Award from the International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual and Developmental Disability.
Professor Bigby said she was thrilled to be recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours list.
“I’m deeply honoured for my work to receive this recognition. It reflects not just my work, but the collective efforts of colleagues, industry partners and individuals with lived experience who have shaped and enriched it over many years.”
Professor Lisa Amir is a medical practitioner with a long-standing interest in women’s health and an international expert in breastfeeding and mastitis. She is also the inaugural editor-in-chief of the International Breastfeeding Journal, which is the leading publication in the field.
Professor Pike said Professor Amir’s contributions to women’s health, particularly in breastfeeding research and support, had been deeply impactful in general practice and hospital settings.
“Her leadership in developing widely adopted clinical guidelines for breastfeeding through the Royal Women’s Hospital in Melbourne has improved care for mothers and infants across Australia,” Professor Pike said.
Professor Amir said she was pleased to be honoured along with other notable recipients.
“I’m truly honoured to be acknowledged alongside many remarkable Australians. This award reflects the importance of women’s health and the collective efforts of those working to support mothers and babies every day.”
Former head of the Bendigo and Adelaide Bank and La Trobe Distinguished Alumna, Marnie Baker, has been awarded a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her significant service to the financial and banking sectors.
Marnie was appointed to the Reserve Bank of Australia’s monetary policy board in 2024 and has served as a member of the Regional Advisory Board at La Trobe’s Bendigo Campus since 2020, and Chair since the beginning of 2025.
Professor Pike said this honorary award was a fitting tribute to Marnie’s outstanding leadership in the banking sector and her enduring commitment to regional communities.
“We are proud to count her among our distinguished alumni and grateful for her substantial contribution to La Trobe through her role as chair on the University’s Regional Advisory Board in Bendigo.”
Professor Pike also acknowledged other La Trobe alumni, current and former staff recognised in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours list.
“I want to congratulate all of this year’s King’s Birthday Honours’ list recipients from across La Trobe and acknowledge the incredible contribution they have made towards advancing knowledge and making an impact in their communities.”
La Trobe University King's Birthday Honours recipients include:
Companion of the Order of Australia (AC)
Professor John Coetzee AC
For eminent service to the arts, particularly literature, to literary studies, to tertiary education, and to animal welfare.
Officer of the Order of Australia (AO)
Professor Christine Bigby AO current staff member
For distinguished service to people with intellectual disabilities, to social welfare and inclusion research, policy and practice, and to tertiary education.
Member of the Order of Australia (AM)
Professor Lisa Amir AM alumni and current staff member
For significant service to women's health, particularly breastfeeding research and support.
Marnie Baker AM alumni
For significant service to the financial and banking sectors.
Professor Bronwen Dalton AM former staff member
For significant service to social advocacy and social justice academia, and to charitable organisations.
Associate Professor Maria McCarthy AM alumni
For significant service to paediatric psycho-oncology research and education.
Professor Markham Rose AM staff member
For significant service to Indigenous tertiary education, and to community health.
Marcus Stewart AM alumni
For significant service to Indigenous advocacy.
Michael Young AM alumni
For significant service to the project management industry, and to hockey.
Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM)
Joy Pitts OAM alumni
For service to the community through emergency response organisations.
Professor John Rosenberg OAM former staff member
For service to tertiary education, and to the Jewish community.
CAPTION: Professor Christine Bigby (on left) and Professor Lisa Amir.
Media enquiries:
Debora McInnes – d.mcinnes@latrobe.edu.au, 0487 448 734 or media@latrobe.edu.au
