Congratulations to the six Minerva Mentors and Athletes who were among the 1,042 Australians recognised in the Australia Day 2024 Honours.
Top honours went to Professor Fiona Wood who was awarded an AO (Office of the Order of Australia). Avril Henry, Christina Matthews and Ellie Cole each earned an AM (Member of the Order of Australia), and Dominique Mecoy and Rachael Lynch were awarded OAMs (Medal of the Order of Australia).
739 Australians received awards in the general division for 2024, with Australian women receiving 373 awards, just over half of all awards. This is only the second time a majority of honours were awarded to women since the national system was introduced in 1975.
Professor Fiona Wood, AO
Professor Fiona Wood has been appointed an AO for her distinguished service to plastic and reconstructive surgery, to medical research, and as a clinician scientist and mentor.
Fiona has been a plastic and reconstructive surgeon and researcher for almost 30 years and is Director of the Burns Service of Western Australia (BSWA). Commencing her training in 1991 as Western Australia’s first female plastic surgeon, Fiona quickly became a pioneer in her field. Her greatest contribution to burns care is her work pioneering the innovative ‘spray-on skin’ technique (Recell), which greatly reduces permanent scarring in burn victims. For her work, Fiona was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia, won the Western Australian Citizen of the Year award, and named the 2005 Australian of the Year, Australia’s highest accolade.
Christina Matthews, AM
Christina Matthews was awarded an AM is acknowledgment of her significant service to cricket as a player and administrator, and to women.
Former cricketer, Christina Matthews holds the Australian records for most capped female Test player and most dismissals by an Australian wicketkeeper. As Chief Executive Officer of the Western Australian Cricket Association (WACA), she is the only women in Australia to hold the position of CEO of a cricket association. Having represented Australia as a member of the women’s cricket team from 1984 to 1995, Christina is a well-respected voice within the Australian cricket community. Her strong leadership skills and understanding for the game has driven a supportive culture and work environment, with a focus on wellbeing and professional development.
Avril Henry, AM
Avril Henry was awarded an AM for her significant service to business consultancy, project management, and to women.
Founder and Executive Director of Avril Henry & Associates, Avril is an acclaimed keynote speaker, consultant, author and mentor, who is passionate about diversity and inclusion, developing collaborative leaders and positive workplaces. She has served as a senior advisor on cultural transformation, gender and diversity to the Chief of Defence, Chief of Army, and the ACT Commissioner of Emergency Services. Avril has been recognised by the Human Rights Commission and received business awards in Australia and the United States for her diversity programs.
Ellie Cole, AM
Ellie Cole was named an AM for her significant service to sport as an advocate for diversity and inclusion.
Paralympic swimmer, Ellie Cole, is one of Australia’s most accomplished Paralympians. She has won 15 Paralympic medals including the two gold, three silver, and 1 bronze she took home at the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games. Following her retirement from competitive swimming after the 2022 Commonwealth Games, Ellie was named Vice President of the Australian Swimmers Association where she continues to advocate for athletes and para-athletes alike.
Dominique Mecoy, OAM
CEO of Leadership Australia, Dominique Mecoy was awarded an OAM in acknowledgement for her service to business, and to the community.
With a respected career in government and the not-for-profit sector, Dominique’s ability to see and execute opportunities has resulted in enduring success across many organisations, including the OnBoardWA initiative to increase female representation of WA Government boards. Dominique is passionate about creating leaders motivated to create positive impact within the community, with a particular focus on mentoring women to succeed across any endeavours. She was a WA State Finalist for the 2020 Telstra Businesswoman of the Year Awards and was Specially Commended in the 2017 Institute of Public Administration Achievement Awards for Leader of the Year.
Rachael Lynch, OAM
Minerva Alumni Athlete, Rachael Lynch was awarded an OAM for her services to hockey.
Former Hockeyroo, dual Commonwealth Games gold medallist, and World Cup silver medallist, Rachael Lynch, has played in over 220 games for Australia. In 2014, she was awarded goalkeeper of the tournament at the World Cup and was nominated again in 2018. Off field, Rachael works as a registered nurse, runs STOMP Goalkeeping and is an RUOK? Day and Lifeline ambassador. She is also a member of the Australian Olympic Committee’s Athlete’s Commission, advising the AOC Executive on all matters related to the Olympic Movement.
The Governor General David Hurley congratulated the outstanding Australians recognised in the Honours List.The Governor General David Hurley congratulated the outstanding Australians recognised in the Honours List.
“Recipients have made a difference and had an impact at the local, national and/or international level. Individually, they are inspiring and collectively they speak to the strength of our communities,” said the Governor General.
We’re delighted to add our congratulations and thanks to these amazing women.
