Seven prominent Australians have been recognised by QUT with Honorary Doctorates for their exceptional service to the community, to scholarship and to the university.
Adjunct Professor Veronica Casey AM, Mr Simon Dyer, Emeritus Professor Graeme George AM, Dr Tony McAvoy SC, Mr Archie Moore, Aunty Denise Proud and Mr Chris Saines CNZM have each been awarded the title of Doctor of the University, the highest honorary award bestowed by QUT.
QUT Vice-Chancellor Professor Margaret Sheil AO welcomed the new award recipients.
“We celebrate their accomplishments and contributions and look forward to continued engagement with them as valued members of the QUT community,” Professor Sheil said.
Adjunct Professor Veronica Casey AM is a distinguished nursing leader, recognised for excellence in establishing clinical standards, and patient care and nursing education.
She is currently Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery at Metro South Health and has held a range of executive leadership positions in Queensland Health since 1998. Her long career has been dedicated to continuous improvement and innovation in the nursing and midwifery professions.
Adjunct Professor Casey has a long-standing connection with QUT, with ties back to the Queensland Institute of Technology where in 1987 she received a Diploma of Applied Science in Nursing Management.
Since 2004, she has been Adjunct Professor with the QUT School of Nursing, lending her expertise in collaborations on publications, clinical partnerships and research.
Mr Simon Dyer is a visionary Australian business leader. Owner of the Brisbane-based Sealy of Australia mattress business, and director of Tempur-Sealy International, he has an unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence in the sleep industry.
Mr Dyer’s long-standing connection to QUT through Sealy’s collaborations with the QUT Biomechanics and Spine Research Group have led to improvements in sleep for people of all ages and conditions, by enhancing understanding of what people need from a mattress to get a good night’s sleep.
Building on these collaborations and research projects, in June 2023 QUT celebrated the opening of the Centre for Biomechanics and Sleep Research, a world-leading capability that provides space for discovery and development of cutting-edge, sleep health focussed knowledge and technology to benefit the community.
Emeritus Professor Graeme George AM is an eminent figure in the field of polymer science, whose contributions led to the development of new applications for biomedical and degradable plastics. His leadership and commitment to science education earned him widespread admiration and lasting recognition as a pioneer in his field.
Professor George was Head of the QUT School of Chemistry from 1993 to 1996 and Dean of the Faculty of Science from 1997 to 2005. On his retirement from QUT in 2007, he was awarded the title Emeritus Professor and has remained connected to the University through collaborations and research projects in the School of Chemistry and Physics.
Dr Tony McAvoy SC is a trailblazing barrister who became Australia's first Indigenous Senior Counsel in 2015. Immensely respected as a leader of profound influence and integrity, he specialises in native title and land rights, coronial inquests and administrative, human rights, discrimination, and criminal law.
He graduated from Queensland Institute of Technology in 1988 with a Bachelor of Laws and has sustained an ongoing connection with the QUT Faculty of Law, committed to giving back to the Indigenous Australian law student community by mentoring young practitioners and young Indigenous lawyers and law students.
In 2018 he was QUT Alumnus of the Year and the Faculty of Law Outstanding Alumni Award Winner.
Mr Archie Moore is one of Australia’s most significant contemporary artists, whose thought-provoking works challenge perceptions of identity, culture, and history. His deeply reflective and imaginative approach has made him a celebrated force in the art world.
A graduate of QUT Bachelor of Visual Arts in 1998, his practice remains embedded in Indigenous politics and the wider concerns of racism and cultural borders. For almost two decades, Mr Moore has held regular solo exhibitions at universities, not-for-profit and commercial galleries in most states and territories of Australia and has presented at shows around the world.
At the La Biennale de Venezia 2024, his exhibition kith and kin at the Australia Pavilion was awarded the prestigious Golden Lion for Best National Participation, the first time in history an Australian artist has received this accolade.
Aunty Denise Proud is a revered Indigenous Australian Elder and educator, whose tireless advocacy for cultural awareness and Indigenous knowledges has inspired generations. Her deep wisdom, nurturing spirit, and unwavering commitment to empowering community have earned her profound respect and admiration across Australia.
An esteemed early childhood professional, for nearly 50 years she has championed access, education and participation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
Aunty Denise has a long association with QUT. She completed the innovative Associate Diploma of Childcare at the University’s predecessor institution the Brisbane Kindergarten Teachers’ College in 1979 and continues to contribute to the work of the Faculty of Creative Industries, Education and Social Justice across multiple academic domains.
Mr Chris Saines CNZM is a remarkable leader in the arts, renowned for his transformative impact on cultural institutions both in New Zealand and Australia.
His dynamic leadership and exceptional passion for art have earned him wide recognition as a champion of artistic excellence and vibrant inclusive cultural environments.
Since 2013, he has been Director of the Queensland Art Gallery/Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) where he has expanded the Gallery’s collection, introduced innovative exhibitions, and enhanced public engagement programs.
He is an active collaborator and supporter of QUT and the QUT Art Museum through many projects, interactions and associations over the years.
These honorary doctorates will be conferred at future graduation ceremonies where the eminent individuals will have the opportunity to address QUT graduands.
QUT Chancellor Ann Sherry AO said the seven recipients have enriched the community through their individual fields of endeavour and the University recognizes the value through the awarding of an Honorary Doctorate.
“These prominent Australians have much to give our future graduates and it is a privilege to welcome them to our QUT community as we focus on developing the leaders of tomorrow,” Ms Sherry said.
Main picture:
Top: (left-right) Aunty Denise Proud, Mr Archie Moore, Adjunct Professor Veronica Casey AM,
Bottom: (left-right) Mr Chris Saines CNZM, Mr Simon Dyer, Dr Tony McAvoy SC, Emeritus Professor Graeme George AM
Media contact:
Debra Bela, QUT Media, media@qut.edu.au
07 3138 7702 / 0407 585 901 (After Hours)
