The Governor-General, His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd), Chancellor of the Order of Australia, has approved awards announced today in The Queen’s Birthday 2014 Honours List. Among them are eight recipients whose life-work has had great impact on the lives of people with blindness or low vision.
Vision Australia is particularly proud to congratulate Maryanne Diamond, General Manager of Advocacy and Engagement, Vision Australia, awarded an AO, Officer of the Order of Australia, for distinguished service of a high degree to Australia or to humanity at large for her service to people who are blind or have low vision through national and international leadership roles, and as an advocate for best practice employment opportunities.
In addition to her work at Vision Australia, Maryanne is Chair-Elect of the International Disability Alliance and immediate Past President of the World Blind Union (WBU). The WBU represents the interests of the 285 million people who are blind or have low vision in 190 countries.
In her time as president of the WBU, Maryanne was instrumental in the development of the Marrakesh Treaty, a treaty developed to loosen international copyright laws on books published in accessible formats.
Currently only 5% of books in Australia are converted into readily accessible formats, such as braille or audio. Outside of Australia, there are 285 million people in the world who are blind or have low vision and, in the developing world, the number of accessible books drops to an alarming 1%.
When ratified, the Marrakesh Treaty will allow organisations to share books directly with individuals who are blind or have other print disabilities and enable the international exchange of books between relevant organisations. This will mean that people who are blind or have low vision throughout the world will have a significantly expanded choice of books to read.
Congratulations Maryanne!
Vision Australia heartily congratulates the following awardees and thanks them for their work in supporting our vision of a full and inclusive society for Australians living with blindness and low vision.
AC - Companion of the Order of Australia, for eminent achievement and merit of the highest degree in service to Australia or to humanity at large.
The Honourable Dr Barry Owen Jones AO
For eminent service to the community as a leading intellectual in Australian public life, through contributions to scientific, heritage, musical, medical, political and public health organisations, and to the Australian Parliament. Dr. Jones has been Chairman of Vision 2020 Australia since 2002.
AO - Officer of the Order of Australia, for distinguished service of a high degree to Australia or to humanity at large.
Ms Betty Amsden OA
For distinguished service to the community through philanthropic contributions and support for the arts, including the development of public education and participation programs, particularly for children. Ms Amsden supported the Vision Australia School through philanthropic support for music therapy projects.
For distinguished service to people who are blind or have low vision through national and international leadership roles, and as an advocate for best practice employment opportunities.
AM - Member of the Order of Australia, for service in a particular locality or field of activity, or to a particular group.
Associate Professor Michael Robert Johnson
For significant service to the blind and those with low vision, to education, and to the community. Professor Johnson was a Founding Director at Fred Hollows Foundation.
OAM - Medal of the Order of Australia, for service worthy of particular recognition
Mr Henry Wallace (Wal) Browning
For service to the community of the Bankstown region. Mr Browning was a member of Balmain Blind Bowlers Association, for several years and a member of the New South Wales Vision Impaired and Blind Bowlers Association, since 2004.
Mr Peter Duthie Stewart
For service to the international community through the provision of eye health programs.
Mrs Gertrude Marguerite Westh
For service to the blind and people with low vision. Mrs Westh was the State President, Council of Auxiliaries, Royal Victorian Institute of the Blind (now known as Vision Australia), between 1986-2004. She was State Vice-President between 1972-1985 and a Member, since the 1930s. Mrs Westh was also Involved in establishing the Lighthouse Auxiliary.
Listen to RPH Adelaide's interview with Gertrude's son Roger
Dr Felice Zaccari
For service to the community, and to mental health support organisations. Dr. Zaccari is an ongoing benefactor to Vision Australia, QIMR, Wesley Hospital, Mater Hospital Trust, and many other health-related organisations.
Vision Australia heartily congratulates these awardees and thanks them for their work in supporting our vision of a full and inclusive society for Australians living with blindness and low vision.
Australia celebrating Australians
Anyone can nominate any Australian for an award in the Order of Australia. If you know someone worthy, nominate them. Visit the It’s an Honour website for more information.