Among those recognised, Professor Simon Willcock, Clinical Program Head of Primary and Generalist Care, Wellbeing and Diagnostics at MQ Health, was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to primary health care, and to tertiary education.
Professor Willcock is 40 years into a stellar career that has spanned research, teaching and clinical practice. He says the “surreal but gratifying” experience of being named on the honour roll would not have been possible without those around him.
“The most important thing is that I have worked with so many patients and clients and colleagues who have helped make my life rich,” he says. “I hope I have contributed to their wellbeing as well.”
Professor Warren Harding, Professor in Dementia Care at Macquarie Medical School, was also awarded an AM in recognition of his significant service to business, to community health, and to the information technology industry. Professor Harding joined Macquarie University in 2022 to help steer its vision to create an integrated journey for people living with dementia. He is working with colleagues to develop a Dementia Hub, which combines comprehensive early detection, journey navigation and care. Professor Harding is also chairman of Alzheimer's Western Australia and a driving force for digital health in WA.
Crowning glory: Professor Warren Harding, Macquarie Medical School, and Professor Simon Willcock, MQ Health, were among those recognised on the 2023 King’s Birthday Honours List
Professor Patrick McNeil, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Medicine and Health), says the achievement reflects the irreplaceable work both men have done at Macquarie University and elsewhere.
“My heartfelt congratulations to Simon and Warren on this recognition of their incredible contributions to health and beyond,” he says.
“Both MQ Health and the Macquarie Medical School have built a strong reputation in great part thanks to innovative and progressive thinkers who are interested in helping people and improving communities. Simon and Warren epitomise this ethos.”
Alumna Dr Julie Vonwiller, who serves as Advisory Board Chair of the Macquarie University Reading Clinic, received an AM for significant service to science and technology development. The achievement is a nod to Appen, the pioneering tech company Vonwiller co-founded with her husband, Chris, in 1996. Chris was also awarded an AM.
The pair won the University’s 2020 Alumni Award for Innovation and Enterprise while Vonwiller, who holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) (1980) and a PhD (Linguistics and Psychology) (1989) from Macquarie University, also collected the Alumni Award for Distinguished Service in 2008.
Professor Gail Whiteford, who was Pro Vice-Chancellor of Social Inclusion at Macquarie University between 2009 and 2014, was awarded an AM for significant service to tertiary education, and to community health.
A full list of King’s Birthday Honours can be viewed here.
