RMIT Shines in 2025 King's Birthday Honours

The 2025 Honours, awarded on Monday 9 June, featured the exemplary impact RMIT alumni, staff, donors and partners have on the Australian community.

Current staff members, Distinguished Professor Vasso Apostolopoulos and Professor Kate Galloway, were awarded the Member of the Order of Australia, while Emeritus Professor Robert Baines OAM was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia.

Apostolopoulos was recognised for significant service to medical research, particularly in immunology. Since 2004, she has been an RMIT Professor in Immunology, and Director, Healthy Lifespan and Chronic Diseases program, following an 11-year stint with Victoria University.

Galloway is a Professor of Law, and Deputy Dean Learning and Teaching in the RMIT School of Law. She has dedicated more than 20 years to the higher education space.

Baines, an Emeritus Professor in the college of Design and Social Context, was highlighted for service to the creative arts, particularly as a jeweller, and to education.

RMIT former staff, alumni and supporters also received King's Birthday honours.

King's Birthday honours - current and former RMIT staff

Distinguished Professor Vasso Apostolopoulos AM

Awarded the Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to medical research, particularly immunology.

Professor Kate Galloway AM

Awarded the Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to the law, to education, and to the community.

Emeritus Professor Robert Baines OAM (PhD in Fine Art)

Awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the creative arts, particularly as a jeweller, and to education.

Dr Ross Wilkinson AM

Awarded the Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to data infrastructure management.

Mr Peter Datson OAM

Awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to youth through Scouts.

King's Birthday honours - RMIT alumni

Mr Neville Betts OAM (Master of Applied Science (Occupational Health and Safety))

Awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to occupational health and safety.

Captain Thomas Doherty CSC (Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical))

Awarded the Conspicuous Service Cross for outstanding achievement as the Director Training Authority - Engineering.

Ms Anne Flanagan AM (Fellowship Diploma of Interior Design)

Awarded the Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to the arts, particularly the museums and galleries sector.

Mr Robert George AM (Associateship Diploma of Medical Radiography)

Awarded the Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to medicine as a diagnostic radiographer.

Mrs Lynne Harris OAM (Bachelor of Arts (Public Administration))

Awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the community through social welfare organisations.

Mrs Sharon Kennelly-Merritt AFSM (Bachelor of Applied Science (Medical Laboratory Science))

Awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal.

Professor Corbett Lyon AO (PhD in Architecture and Design)

Awarded the Officer of the Order of Australia for distinguished service to architecture, to the arts as a benefactor and administrator, and to tertiary education.

Ms Rebecca McGrath AM (Master of Project Management)

Awarded the Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to business through leadership roles in compliance, audit and finance.

Flight Sergeant Drew Miller CSM (Bachelor of Business (Logistics and Supply Chain Management))

Awarded the Conspicuous Service Cross for meritorious achievement in enhancing Defence Fuel Systems delivery, training and quality management for the Australian Defence Force.

Brigadier John-Paul Ouvrier AM (Master of Business (Logistics Management))

Awarded the Member of the Order of Australia for exceptional service across multiple leadership appointments in the acquisition and sustainment of vehicle, Joint Health and Joint Logistic capabilities within the Land Domain.

Mr Gregory Ridder AM (Bachelor of Business (Accounting))

Awarded the Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to the community through charitable organisations.

Lieutenant Colonel Nathan Robinson CSM (Advanced Diploma of Engineering (Electronics))

Awarded the Conspicuous Service Cross for meritorious devotion to duty as Staff Officer Grade One Command Support Trade and Training, Defence Command Support Training Centre.

Distinguished Professor Mark Rose AM (PhD in Professional and Further Education)

Awarded the Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to Indigenous tertiary education, and to community health.

Ms Lisa Saxton PSM (Bachelor of Business (Business Administration))

Awarded the Public Service Medal for outstanding public service in enhancing governance, integrity and reforms in the Victorian racing industry.

Mr Igor Zambelli OAM (Associateship Diploma of Civil Engineering)

Awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to engineering.