PM Follows Gough Whitlam’s Path

The media has drawn strong parallels between Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s July 2025 visit to China and that of Gough Whitlam, who, as Leader of the Opposition, famously visited China in 1971 “to open the door to relations with China,” as reported by The Sydney Morning Herald. Journalist Paul Sakkal referred to Whitlam as a “Labor icon.”

“At the time, that was a controversial decision to recognise the People’s Republic of China,” the Prime Minister said. “I have the sense of history following in the footsteps of … Gough Whitlam … We are literally standing on history.”

In July 1971, Whitlam led a bold and historic delegation to the People’s Republic of China. At a time when the Australian government, under Prime Minister William McMahon, refused to establish diplomatic ties with China, Whitlam’s initiative marked a dramatic shift in foreign policy and demonstrated his commitment to regional engagement and internationalism.

The Rt Hon Sir William (Billy) McMahon GCMG CH, who attended St Paul’s College from 1927 to 1931, served as Prime Minister from 1971 to 1972 before being defeated by Whitlam, a fellow Pauline who studied at the College from 1935 to 1942. Whitlam served as Prime Minister until his dismissal by the Governor-General on 11 November 1975. For more about these and other Paulines who have served in federal politics, click HERE.

In 1966 two Pauline political rivals battle it out on TV – Gough Whitlam, Deputy Leader of the Opposition and Billy McMahon, Federal Treasurer

Whitlam’s delegation included Labor parliamentarians, advisers, and journalists. The visit was politically risky, occurring during the Cold War when China was still viewed with suspicion by many in the West. His decision was vindicated when, coincidentally, US National Security Adviser Henry Kissinger arrived in Beijing just as Whitlam was leaving, secretly laying the groundwork for President Nixon’s landmark visit in 1972.

During the trip, Whitlam met with Premier Zhou Enlai in the Great Hall of the People. Originally intended to be a private meeting, it was transformed into a public diplomatic event when Zhou invited journalists to witness the occasion—underscoring China’s desire to build friendly relations with Australia and highlighting Whitlam’s role in reshaping perceptions of China.

One of the most memorable moments of the visit was Whitlam’s journey to the Great Wall of China. Photographs from the trip show him and members of the delegation exploring the ancient structure, symbolizing not only cultural exchange but also the bridging of a diplomatic divide that had long separated Australia and China.

Whitlam’s 1971 visit laid the foundation for the formal establishment of diplomatic relations between Australia and China in December 1972, just weeks after he became Prime Minister. It was a turning point that redefined Australia’s place in the region and opened the door to a mature and multifaceted relationship with China.

Continuing the Legacy in 2025

In 2025, St Paul’s College continues to value Australia’s engagement with China, maintaining a strong cohort of international students from the region. Of the ten Chinese students currently residing at Paul’s, their fields of study include a JD, PhD, Doctor of Science, and Masters degrees in Finance, Education, and Commerce, as well as a Bachelor of Advanced Computing.

These students are here not only to pursue academic excellence but also to continue the building of “friendly bridges” that their predecessor once began. As one student shared:
“I’d love to see China and Australia continue to trade, cooperate, and keep building bridges instead of barriers.”

Their presence is a living testament to the enduring value of international engagement and mutual respect—echoing the vision Whitlam set in motion on the Great Wall over fifty years ago.

[Gough Whitlam visited the College in 1973, 1982 (pictured left) and 1989 (right)]

Sources:

Sources:

https://www.whitlam.org

Picture credits: St Paul’s College Archives, The Australian

Sports: End of Semester 1

Hockey

Throughout May the long season of Rosebowl Hockey was played at the University’s Cumberland Campus and St George Randwick Hockey Club. In Round 1 St Andrew’s defeated St Paul’s 4 goals to nil. In Round 2 Abigail Ballhauson scored our only goal against St John’s who won by 4. In Round 3 Heidi Best scored our only goal against Wesley who won with 2. In Round 4 Sophie Davis, Olivia Greenwood and Sarah Poolman scored a goal each winning the game against Women’s. In Round 5 Skye Weston scored 2 goals along with Amelia Tabary-Edwards and Sarah Poolman scoring one each defeating Sancta.

St Paul’s secured equal 4th with Sancta and behind Wesley 3rd, St Andrew’s 2nd and St John’s 1st.

St John’s 1st with 9 points | St Andrew’s 2nd with 7 points | Wesley 3rd with 5 points | St Paul’s 4th (eq) with 2 points | Sancta 4th (eq) with 2 points | Women’s 6th


Rugby

The three round-season of Rugby was dominated by a strong team from St John’s winning all of their games. In Round 1 we were beaten by St Andrew’s 52-5 with a try from Ed Taylor. In Round 2 St John’s overwhelmed us 73 to 5 with our try by Oli Stafford. In Round 3 Wesley forfeited allowing St Paul’s to take the win. This time in a friendly match St Paul’s Bo Baffsky, Will Power, Ed Taylor, Zac Warden and James McReery each scored tries and two conversions were kicked by Bo Baffsky to bring the score up to 31-8.

St John’s 1st with 7 points | St Andrew’s 2nd with 5 points | St Paul’s 3rd with 3 points | Wesley 4th with 1 point.


Rugby 7s

Due to the event being washed-out Rugby 7’s has been moved to late semester 2.


Previously reported:

Rowing – full story HERE

Rosebowl back-to-back Win!: St Paul’s 1st | St Andrew’s 2nd | St John’s 3rd | Wesley 4th | Women’s 5th | Sancta 6th

Rawson Cup: St John’s 1st | St Paul’s 2nd | St Andrew’s 3rd | Wesley 4th

Mixed race back-to-back win!: St Paul’s 1st | St John’s 2nd | Wesley 3rd | St Andrew’s 4th

Swimming – full story HERE

Rosebowl: Women’s 1st |  St Andrew’s 2nd | St Paul’s 3rd |  Sancta 4th | Wesley 5th  | St John’s 6th

Rawson Cup: St John’s 1st |  St Andrew’s 2nd | Wesley 3rd |  St Paul’s 4th

Netball – full story HERE

Women’s 1st | St Andrw’s 2nd | St John’s 3rd | St Paul’s 4th | Wesley 5th | Sancta 6th

Cricket – full story HERE

St John’s 1st | St Paul’s 2nd | Wesley 3rd | St Andrews 4th


POINT SCORES END OF SEM 1

Both contests have become really tight for St Paul’s in equal second and Semester 2 competitions will be hard fought to close in on St John’s in Rawson and St Andrew’s in Rosebowl. 

  • Rawson Cup: St John’s 26 | St Paul’s 14 | St Andrew’s 14 | Wesley 10
  • Rosebowl: St Andrew’s 28 | St Paul’s 19 | Women’s 19 | St John’s 19 | Wesley 10 | Sancta 5

Pauline Appointed Ambassador to Saudi Arabia

His Excellency Miles Armitage, a distinguished alumnus of St Paul’s College (1982–85) and Senior Student in 1985, has been appointed Australia’s next Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, as announced by Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs. His posting also covers Bahrain, Oman, and Yemen, reflecting Australia’s strategic engagement across the Gulf region.

Miles holds a BA (Hons) and Graduate Diploma in Museum Studies from the University of Sydney, as well as a Diploma of Foreign Affairs and Trade from ANU. A senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, he has served as Ambassador to Türkiye (current posting since 2021), Jordan, and Timor-Leste, and as Ambassador for Counter-Terrorism. He has held other diplomatic roles representing Australia in the Philippines, Pakistan, and the United Nations in New York.

Australia’s relationship with Saudi Arabia is anchored in trade, education, and people-to-people links, including support for Australian Muslims undertaking Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages. The country is a G20 partner and a key player in regional diplomacy.

Australia maintains strong ties with Bahrain, particularly in resources, agriculture, and security cooperation. With Oman, collaboration spans Indian Ocean affairs, data connectivity, agribusiness, and education. Since 2015, Australia has also provided over $40 million in humanitarian aid to Yemen, supporting communities affected by conflict.

Minister Wong noted: Saudi Arabia’s hospitality towards Australian Muslims undertaking Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages and our strong education cooperation demonstrates the ongoing strength of our people-to-people links.

The St Paul’s College community congratulates Miles and his family as they begin this new chapter in their life of service to Australia.

USU Presidency Hand-Over: Celebrating Bryson Constable’s Leadership

On 4 July 2025, Bryson Constable (in College 2022–24) concluded his term as President of the University of Sydney Union (USU), marking the end of a remarkable chapter in student leadership.

The St Paul’s College community extends its warmest congratulations to Bryson for his outstanding service and dedication to the University of Sydney student body. His leadership on the USU Board—and most recently as President—has been defined by vision, integrity, and impact.

The USU, Australia’s premier student union, delivers over $35 million in services annually to more than 50,000 members. Under Bryson’s leadership, the organisation achieved several historic milestones. Together with his executive team of Ben Hines, Julia Lim, and James Dwyer, Bryson championed a vision of long-term sustainability and reform. Key achievements during his presidency include:

  • Incorporation of the USU — completing a project 35 years in the making
  • Launch of the 2025–28 Strategic Plan
  • Organisational restructuring to align with strategic goals
  • Introduction of the USU’s first-ever:
    • Reconciliation Action Plan
    • Disability Inclusion Action Plan
    • Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Strategy
  • Campus-wide infrastructure investments to enhance the student experience

Reflecting on his term, Bryson shared:

“It has been an honour to serve and learn in this role alongside some truly remarkable staff ably led by Janina Jancu. I know the organisation is in good stead to move from strength to strength over the coming years, and I wish incoming President Phan Vu well.”

Bryson continues a proud tradition of Paulines contributing to student leadership at the University. We thank him for his service and look forward to seeing what he accomplishes next.

Pauline Lawyer Helps Thousands Escape Domestic Violence

It began as a conversation over a couple of beers—two lawyers airing their frustrations about having to turn away victims of domestic violence who couldn’t afford legal representation. That moment sparked an idea that would go on to help thousands.

Jack O’Donnell (St Paul’s College 2009–2011, Senior Student in 2011, BA/LLB) and his colleague Andy O’Connor founded JustFund, a first-of-its-kind legal financing service designed to support people—primarily women—fleeing abusive relationships. Their innovative divorce and separation loan is based not on income or credit score, but on the borrower’s likely share of a property settlement.

Three years on, JustFund has helped more than 2,300 people and facilitated over $1.3 billion in settlements. The impact has been profound.

“We’d come to realise after spending years working in law that it is a really unfair system,” Jack told news.com.au. “We kept turning away really good people who deserved really good advice, simply because they couldn’t afford our fees—and that never seemed right to us.”

Unlike traditional lenders, JustFund assesses eligibility through a “family law lens,” estimating the borrower’s likely share of assets to be divided. This approach allows clients to access funds within days—often critical in urgent situations.

In Australia, one in six women has experienced financial abuse—a form of family violence that includes controlling access to money, incurring debts in a partner’s name, and excluding them from financial decisions. These tactics often leave victims trapped, unable to escape without facing poverty or homelessness.

JustFund’s mission is to empower people to take control of their futures. As Jack explains: “We hear time and time again from clients that our support is the difference between staying in an unsafe situation and being able to move forward.”

St Paul’s College is proud to see alumni like Jack O’Donnell leading meaningful change in society. His work exemplifies the values of leadership, compassion, and innovation that Paulines strive to uphold.

St Paul’s College Celebrates the University of Sydney’s Rise to No.1 in Australia

Since the first Act founding St Paul’s College in 1854, the College community has been proud to be “of and within” the University of Sydney. Today, our community is delighted to share that the University of Sydney has been ranked 1st in Australia and 29th globally in the 2025–2026 US News Best Global Universities Rankings for more CLICK HERE.

This recognition reflects the University’s unwavering commitment to excellence across research, teaching, and global impact. From pioneering sustainability science to breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, health, and engineering, the Uni’s researchers, including members of this College, are addressing the world’s most urgent challenges and delivering real-world solutions.

A Snapshot of the University of Sydney’s Global Standing:

  • Top 25 in the worldQS World University Rankings 2026
  • 1st in AustraliaUS News Best Global Universities 2025–2026
  • 11th globally for sustainabilityQS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2025
  • 19 disciplines ranked No. 1 in Australia
  • 61st in the worldTimes Higher Education World University Rankings
  • 74th globallyAcademic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) 2024

The US News rankings evaluated over 2,346 universities worldwide, ranking 2,250 institutions, including 38 from Australia (for more CLICK HERE for US News). The University of Sydney’s strong performance is driven by its global research reputation, high-impact publications, and leadership across disciplines such as AI (ranked 18th globally), clinical medicine (29th), and electrical engineering (12th).

As the University continues to rise in global prominence St Paul’s College remains committed to fostering academic excellence, leadership and community within this world-class institution. Applications for 2026 undergraduate residency close on 5 September 2025 and offers will be made in October. Postgraduate resident applications can be made at any time during the year. For more about a residential place at St Paul’s College CLICK HERE.

Gallery: St Paul’s College people…

Rikard Wines Wins Vigneron Trophy at Young Gun of Wine Awards – a Pauline Success Story

At the 19th Annual Young Gun of Wine Awards, Rikard Wines took home the prestigious Vigneron Trophy. The award recognizes excellence in winemaking and viticulture, and this year it went to William Rikard-Bell, at St Paul’s 1999–2000.

Will began his academic journey studying Liberal Studies at the University of Sydney, where he was also the Tennis Convener at Paul’s. He later completed a Wine Science degree at Charles Sturt University, setting the foundation for his winemaking career.

In 2015, after years of industry experience, Will established his own vineyard. But his path wasn’t without hardship. In 2008, a winery explosion in the Hunter Valley left him with third-degree burns over 70% of his body. This life-altering event became the turning point that inspired him to pursue his dream of making wine under his own label.

The Young Gun of Wine Awards, held annually since 2007, celebrate the most exciting new winemakers and projects in Australia. Rikard Wines was recognized not only for the exceptional quality of Will’s wines but also for his meticulous approach to viticulture.

Will is now focusing on regenerative farming and biodiversity at his vineyard at Mount Canobolas, close to Orange, NSW. This cool-climate region, known for its fertile red basalt soils and unique volcanic topography, is gaining a reputation for producing outstanding vintages.

Mount Canobolas, a dormant volcano from the Miocene Epoch, rises to 1,395 meters and plays a key role in shaping the region’s climate and soil—ideal conditions for premium grape growing.

In addition to his winemaking accolades, Will was recently featured in the Creators and Innovators Showcase at the 2024 Sydney University Alumni Festival, highlighting his contributions to the industry.

The St Paul’s College community proudly congratulates Will Rikard-Bell on his innovation, resilience, and growing recognition in the world of wine. For the Young Gun of Wine story CLICK HERE

[Picture credits: Young Gun of Wine]

USYD Rocketry Team Soars to Victory in World Championship — With Strong Ties to St Paul’s College

Paulines Warwick Holmes, Sam Richards and Gigi O’Rourke have contributed to the University’s success.

Main image: The USYD Rocketry Team celebrates their victory in Texas. Pauline Gigi O’Rourke (front centre) holds the 10k Hybrid Launch trophy.
Image credit: The University of Sydney

The University of Sydney Rocketry Team has soared to global success, defeating more than 150 international teams to win the world’s largest student rocketry competition—with key contributions from members of St Paul’s College.

Their rocket, Pardalote, claimed first place in the 10k Hybrid Launch Vehicle category at the International Rocket Engineering Competition (IREC) in Midland, Texas. The event, held over six days in June in extreme heat and windstorms, drew 156 student teams from 19 countries. Of the launches attempted, 136 were successful.

Pardalote reached an altitude of 10,342 feet (3.15 km)—just 3.42% off the target—setting a new record for apogee accuracy in the competition’s nearly 20-year history.

A Legacy of Mentorship and Innovation

The IREC, run by the Experimental Sounding Rocket Association (ESRA), has been held annually since 2006 and gained international status in 2011. Sydney’s success is no accident—it is built on years of leadership and mentorship, particularly from Pauline Warwick Holmes (St Paul’s College 1981–82).

Warwick, former Executive Director of Space Engineering in the School of Aeronautical Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, led Sydney University to world championship wins in 2019 and 2022. He mentored lead engineer Mitch Galletly, a PhD student, and introduced the team to European spacecraft engineering standards—a move that made Sydney University the first Australian university accepted into the competition.

Two of Warwick’s top students from the 2019 team have since secured roles at DLR, the German National Space Agency, thanks to his guidance and international connections.

Left: This photo shows the first victorious USYD Rocketry Team, with Warwick Holmes at the centre. In 2019, he arranged the test firing of their SilverEye rocket on a farm near Dubbo—marking the first time an Australian university team was accepted into the prestigious Spaceport America Cup in New Mexico. The team not only won their category but achieved the highest score in the competition’s 11-year history. 

Warwick taught the team how to use the most advanced Engineering standards (called ECSS) which he used when working with the European Space Agency (ESA) for building the big rockets and satellites. He showed the team how to use these very advanced standards and processes, but scaled down (“tailoring” is the word used) to make the first USyd World Champion Rocket called SilverEye.  “How did all this work so well, because USyd have the most exceptional Engineering students!  Just like Gigi and Austin at St. Paul’s!”, said Warwick last week.

Warwick is also assisting another current Pauline, Austin Marwick, fourth year Bachelor of Engineering (Hons)/Bachelor of Science, who is hoping for an internship with DLR in 2026.

Pictured left: current students in Aeronautical (Space) Engineering Stream find inspiration from the past, inspecting the rocket Bluewren which won in 2022 and is displayed in the Faculty of Engineering.

2025 Team: New Faces, Same Spirit

This year, Warwick is taking part in the undergraduate mentoring program at St Paul’s being a mentor to Gigi O’Rourke, a third-year student in Bachelor of Engineering (Mechatronic)(Space). Gigi is also in her third year at Paul’s and is one of the growing number of interstate residents. Her home is in Leith a small semi-rural locality on the central north coast of Tasmania. Gigi is a member of the 2025 winning rocketry team and she is its project manager. Having a leadership role as a member of the three-person executive she has many responsibilities for the development and operations of the rocketry program.

“Paul’s has given me empowerment to chase after my dreams. Being within the College community has helped shape my pathway with the strong surrounding of engineering students who share so many of their capabilities.”

Gigi O’Rourke

The student-led rocketry team designed, built, tested, and launched Pardalote—including developing the propulsion system and ground infrastructure. Their success was underpinned by a strong team culture and rigorous engineering discipline.

From Tasmania to Texas: Gigi’s Journey of Precision

In 2024 the team conducted extensive testing near Goulburn, followed by a full-scale test flight at Tolarno Station in Menindee, western NSW in April 2025. These trials were critical in validating the hybrid propulsion system and ensuring mission success in Texas.

Pictured left:  Gigi working on the propulsion system at the testing facilities which are on the University’s farm ‘Athursleigh’ near Marulan NSW. The farm is one of the 900 Ha network of University-owned farmland in south-western and north-western NSW supporting the core teaching and research activities of the Schools of Veterinary Science, of Life and Environmental Sciences and the Sydney Institute of Agriculture.

This testing tradition began in 2017 when Warwick Holmes transformed the USYD Rocketry Team by introducing spacecraft engineering standards and emphasizing the importance of full-scale ground testing. He led early teams to Trangie, where they conducted critical flight component tests, laying the groundwork for the team’s current success.

Warwick praised the 2025 team’s precision: “Knowing exactly when to shut down the engines within milliseconds to coast to 10,000 feet is an extraordinary engineering feat, especially given the variability in air pressure, temperature, humidity, and thrust.”

Pictured left: Gigi O’Rourke and her colleagues preparing Pardalote at the Menindee testing-launch in April

Gigi told USYD News: “Launching far from the comfort of our own Australian backyard, Pardalote’s performance on American soil not only broke records of accuracy but established a new standard for what an undergraduate team can accomplish.”

Living and Learning at St Paul’s

Gigi credits her time at St Paul’s College for supporting her academic and professional growth:

“Living so close to my faculty, with wholesome meals, a Blacket-designed room charged with history, and a community of high-achieving peers, has made all the difference.”

Sam Richards, in College 2022-24, has been part of the Sydney University Rocketry team since the start of 2024 and is an engineer in the Ground Support Equipment (GSE) subsystem. Sam is completing his honours year in Bachelor of Engineering (Mechatronic). Sam’s father, Tony is also a Pauline (1981-84) and studied Economics at Sydney, Masters of Public Administration at Harvard and PhD at George Washington University and today works in policy at the Reserve Bank of Australia.

Pictured below: Gigi O’Rourke and Sam Richards stand next to Pardalote during its testing in early 2024 at Menindee.

Learn more about the technical side of the project in the full article on University of Sydney News CLICK HERE

Pictured left: representing Australia, the USYD Rocketry Team in Midland Texas with the Trophy for overall winner of the 2025 International Rocket Engineering Competition (IREC)

Chief Justice Andrew Bell—Honorary Doctorate 

Pictured Chief Justice Andrew Bell, the Warden with the University Mace, and Justice Mark Leeming.

In May, three distinguished Paulines participated in a memorable Graduation Ceremony held in the University of Sydney’s Great Hall, where the Honourable Chief Justice Andrew Bell (St Paul’s College 1985–89, Fellow 2004–11) was conferred the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws.

Chief Justice Bell, who also serves as Lieutenant-Governor of New South Wales, was recognised for his exceptional contributions to the legal profession and public service. Honorary degrees are awarded by the University to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding service to the community or achieved excellence in academic or creative fields.

“His Honour’s career reflects a rare combination of intellectual distinction, professional excellence, and deep commitment to public service,” said Professor Fleur Johns, Dean of Sydney Law School.

Also in attendance were the Warden, Rev’d Dr Ed Loane, who had the honour of serving as University Mace Bearer for the ceremony, and the Honourable Justice Mark Leeming, a Supreme Court Judge and Challis Lecturer in Equity at Sydney Law School.

The presence of these three Paulines at such a significant academic event highlights the enduring impact of the College community on the legal and academic landscape of Australia.

For the Sydney Uni media post CLICK HERE

King’s Birthday Honours

The College community congratulates Professor Richard Kingsford on becoming an Officer of the Order of Australia in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours List. Richard completed his studies at The University of Sydney: BSc in 1980, DipEd in 1980 and a PhD in 1987, and was at St Paul’s 1977-79. He is the Founding Director of the Centre for Ecosystem Science (formerly Australian Wetlands, Rivers and Landscapes Centre), School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Science, since 2009 at UNSW where since 2005 he has been a professor.

He has worked extensively across the wetlands and rivers of the Murray-Darling Basin and Lake Eyre Basin as a river ecologist and conservation biologist. Previously he worked for the NSW Environment Department from 1986 to 2004. His research has influenced the policy and management of rivers in Australia.

Professor Richard Kingsford AO [picture credit: UNSW]

His AO is awarded for distinguished service to conservation biology, to environmental sustainability research, and to freshwater biodiversity and ecosystems governance. He is a current or former member or chair of three global environmental organisations and over 20 Australian-based organisations, societies and government panels. He has been awarded several national prizes including three Australian Museum Eureka Prizes 2001, 2008, 2023, the Frederick White Prize, Australian Academy of Science, 1994, amongst others. He has edited/co-authored five books and 95 government scientific reports, is a regular commentator in the media and Fellow of the Royal Zoological Society of NSW and the Royal Society of NSW.


The College also acknowledges the posthumous appointment of the late Matt Peacock as a Member of the Order of Australia. Matt was in College in 1971. Matt began his career as a cadet journalist at the ABC in 1973. He is most well-known as one of the ABC’s foreign correspondents being a familiar face and voice on national TV and radio news, AM and The World Today. From 2013 to 2018 he was a staff-elected member of the ABC Board.

The late Matt Peacock AM [picture credit: ABC]

His AM is awarded for significant service to the broadcast media as a journalist. He was a Senior Reporter for ABC Current Affairs, London Correspondent, 1999-2003, Chief Political Correspondent (Current Affairs Radio), 1995-1999, New York Correspondent, 1990-1993, Director, Remote Area Media, 1983-1988 and Journalist, 1973-2018. Matt was a Founding Member of ABC Alumni and an Adjunct Professor of Journalism at the University of Technology Sydney. His writing includes Killer Company: James Hardie Exposed, 2009 and Author/Interviewer, The Forgotten People – a History of Australia’s South Sea Islanders, 1979 and Asbestos – work as a health hazard, 1978.


The College community congratulates Richard Turner who was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to conservation and the environment. Richard was at College 1950-51 and studied BSc on a Commonwealth Forestry Scholarship to the University and a Dip Forestry from ANU in 1955. His career included the Land Use Survey of the Northern Tablelands 1954-56, Management and Administration of the Coffs Harbour Forest 1956-64 and Forester–in-Charge of the Forbes Sub-District of the NSW Forestry Commission 1964-67.  Richard, now 93, has been honoured for his recent work in conservation as volunteer board member since 1992 and president currently of the Glenbrook Native Plant Reserve; four periods as president and held other offices in the Australian Plants Society New South Wales; Founding member of the Capertee Valley Regent Honeyeater Recovery Project, 1993-2023 at Birdlife Australia, and his contribution to the Crown Lands Trust and Apex Macksville.