The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sydney, a prominent fundraiser and the organiser of an annual memorial service for the bereaved are among Sydney Anglicans in the Australia Day Honours list.

Vice-chancellor and clergyman the Rev Dr Michael Spence was made a Companion in the General Division of the Order of Australia (AC) for services to the tertiary sector and to the Anglican Church.

Several other prominent Anglicans were named in the 958 awards approved by the Governor-General and Chancellor of the Order of Australia, Sir Peter Cosgrove.

“We are fortunate as a community to have so many outstanding people willing to dedicate themselves to the betterment of our nation and it is only fitting that they have been recognised through the Australian Honours system,” the Governor- General said. “To all recipients I offer my deepest congratulations, admiration and respect for your contribution to our nation.”

Radiation oncologist Professor John Boyages, a member of St John's, Beecroft, has been named an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for his work with breast cancer patients.

Fellow Beecroft parishioner Professor Chis Maxwell of Sydney University was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to veterinary science in the field of animal reproductive biology through academic and advisory roles.

Leading cardiologist Professor Chris Semsarian, a member of St George North parish, was made a Member in the General Division of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to medicine in the field of cardiology as a clinician, administrator and educator, and to the community.

Also awarded an AM was Philip Twyman, a member of St Thomas', North Sydney, for significant service to the insurance industry, as a mentor and role model in business, and to international relations.

Other Anglican recipients were given the Medal of the Order Of Australia (OAM).

They include the rector of Pymble, the Rev Dr Roger Chilton, honoured for service to the Anglican Church of Australia and the community. in addition to his parish work Dr Chilton has also held senior roles on the board of the Bible Society.

Dr Allan Fife of Kirribilli was honoured for service to aged welfare, business and the property sector. He was a board member of Anglican Retirement Villages for 10 years before serving as chairman from 2008 to 2014.

Two members of St Mark’s, Darling Point were honoured with Order of Australian medals. Alicia Watson, who has raised funds and served extensively on diocesan committees, was named on the list for service
to the community through church and fundraising bodies. Ms Watson is the Archbishop’s appointee on the council of Macarthur Anglican School and a former council member of St Catherine’s School in Waverley.

She has also served on Synod, on diocesan committees and councils including Anglicare, and in her own parish as warden, nominator, parish council and choir member. Ms Watson is currently a consultant to the Archbishop’s New Churches for New Communities.

Fellow parishioner Charles Wade, a member of St Mark’s since the 1940s, was honoured for service to the community through a range of volunteer roles. Mr Wade has been active in suicide prevention and in community policing in the Eastern Suburbs for more than 20 years.

Mrs Helen Miller of St James’, Turramurra was given an OAM for service to veterans and their families, while Mrs Patricia Spooner of North Turramurra was named for service to the community through volunteer roles – including at the Opportunity
Shop of St John’s, Gordon.

Richard York, currently in the Czech Republic received an OAM for service to Australian-Czech relations.

Ronald Dryburgh, a member of Albion Park Anglican Church where he has served as a warden and parish councillor, was honoured for service to the community, including founding the Albion Park Men’s Shed. Margaret McMahon, a Sunday school teacher at St Thomas’, Moorebank since 1969 and a Scripture teacher in local schools since 1978, was named for service to community health.

The founder of a significant ministry to the bereaved, Lynnette Molan, was awarded an OAM for service to the community, particularly to those mourning the loss of a child. Mrs Molan is the organiser of an Annual Service of Remembrance for children who have died or are missing, which began at St Andrew’s Cathedral and has been hosted at St Matthew’s, West Pennant Hills, since 1995. She has also been a member of the pastoral care team at St Matthew’s for many years.

Photo: (l-r) Dr Michael Spence, Dr Roger Chilton, Alicia Watson and Dr Allan Fife. Special thanks to Ramon Williams of Worldwide Photos for the photo of Dr Chilton and assistance in preparing this report.