Local heroes shine in Australia Day Honours list

Four CBD residents have been recognised for their outstanding contribution to the community in this year’s Australia Day Honours List.

Peter Mac board chair, academic, and former Victorian Labor politician Maxine Morand (pictured) was appointed Member of the Order (AM) for her significant service to the Parliament of Victoria, and to community health.

After starting her career as a general nurse at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, Ms Morand went on to become the CEO of Breast Cancer Network Australia and as a research scientist at the Centre for Behavioural Research at the Cancer Council Victoria.

At the height of her political career, she served as the Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development and Minister for Women’s Affairs between 2007-2010.

The honours list also saw Tony Pagone, a former judge of the Federal Court of Australia, awarded an AM for his significant service to the law, to the judiciary, and to professional associations.

Mr Pagone, who was appointed commissioner of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety from 2019-21, has also dedicated himself to the community.

This includes serving as a board member for the Luke Batty Foundation, council member for Melbourne Girls Grammar School, and foundation president of the Sicilian Association of Australia.

An AM was also awarded to George Stamas, the director of the Epworth Medical Foundation, for his significant service to the community through the not-for-profit sector, and to business.

After starting his career as a part-time cleaner, he worked his way up to become the principal and managing director of property maintenance firm GJK Facility Services in 1987. 

Mr Stamas is also a supporter/donor of various charitable organisations including The Hunger Project Australia, Open Family Australia, and the Kids Cancer Project.

Dr Jillian Tabbart was honoured with a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her service to the Uniting Church in Australia of which she became the first woman to be elected as president in 1991. She is currently the secretary of the Carlton Church of All Nations •