Australia Day Honours 2012

University of Sydney academics have been recognised for the significant contributions they've made in their fields and to their communities with the latest round of Australia Day Honours, announced yesterday by the Governor-General. This year's recipients have been honoured for their work in fields as diverse as nutrition, family law, history and paediatrics. Vice-Chancellor Michael Spence has extended his congratulations to the staff and community members who have received honours this year. "I warmly congratulate all those members of the University community who have been awarded Australia Day Honours, and thank them for the outstanding contribution they have made in such a broad range of fields," said Spence. "These awards reflect the strength and breadth of teaching and research at the University, and we are delighted that the members of our community have received such prestigious public recognition." Two alumni have been named Companion of the Order of Australia, the highest honour bestowed. These include conductor Richard Bonynge, who studied at the Conservatorium of Music, and The Honourable Justice Virginia Bell (LLB '77). This year's Honours include: - Officer (AO) in the General Division of the Order of Australia - Ian Darnton-Hill, Adjunct Professor at the Boden Institute of Obesity, Nutrition, Exercise and Eating Disorders, Sydney Medical School For distinguished service to the international community, particularly in the areas of public health and nutrition, to disease prevention and health promotion, and as a physician, academic and educator.