Recognising her significant service to medical education and the NT community, Flinders University Associate Professor Emma Kennedy AM has been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours List.

Currently Flinders’ Medical Program Director in the Northern Territory and a Darwin-based GP, Associate Professor Kennedy is a trailblazing advocate for reducing Indigenous health inequalities through improved cultural understanding between doctors and patients.

Flinders University’s Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Raymond Chan, congratulated Professor Kennedy on her achievement, acknowledging her as part of a group of ten staff, alumni and associates of Flinders that have been recognised this year.

“It’s inspiring to see Professor Kennedy’s leadership and significant contributions in NT healthcare have been fittingly recognised with this national honour,” Professor Chan said.

“Flinders is the sum of its people, and the King’s Birthday Honours highlight the outstanding achievements of our staff, students, alumni and extended community that make us great, and we in turn celebrate them.”

Humbled by the recognition, Professor Kennedy says her decades of work as a clinician in the NT has informed her approach as a teacher and medical educator.

“I hope that the work I do in general practice and medical education is helping to ensure patients access quality medical care through doctors who listen effectively and who recognise the importance of a shared approach to decision making,” said Associate Professor Kennedy.

“I also wish to recognise the support I have had personally to understand a little about Aboriginal ways of knowing and being. These ways are core to improving health and wellbeing as they include the spiritual connections to country and culture.

“I am also incredibly proud of the work that our local NT Medical program has delivered since 2011, building on NT focused education work that began in 1998. We have over 230 medical graduates who have learned from local Northern Territory people and communities.”

The Governor-General today announced Honours and Awards for 830 Australians, including awards in the Order of Australia (General and Military Divisions), meritorious awards and recognition for conspicuous service.

Renowned global expert in atomic collision theory and ARC Fellow at Flinders from 1991 to 2000, Professor Igor Bray AM has been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM).

“During my time at Flinders, we pioneered a groundbreaking theory for calculating collisions between particles on the atomic scale. This work has had far-reaching impact, with applications spanning fusion energy, astrophysics, medical imaging and therapy.

“This honour also acknowledges my commitment to science through outreach in high schools, where I’ve engaged to inspire young minds to pursue advanced studies in mathematics and science —for both their careers and personal growth.”

Distinguished Alumni Award recipient at Flinders, Emily Korir OAM has been awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for her service to people with disability, and to multicultural communities.

Upon receiving her Flinders’ award in 2023, Mrs Korir reflected on her journey through recovery after a life-altering stroke, which became the foundation for her advocacy.

Through her company, BET Group Global, she has emerged as a powerful voice for people with disabilities—leading efforts to create accessible housing and enhancing quality of life for those living with disability.

Other recipients of King’s Birthday Honours with connections to Flinders University include:

• Dr Carolyn Lawlor-Smith OAM (BM, BS ‘81) for service to medicine, and to community health.
• Mr Peter Sawley OAM (DipT ’81, BEd ’83) for service to the community, and to education.
• Captain David West OAM (GradCertHlth ’97) for service to mental health nursing.
• Dr Bernard Whimpress OAM (BA ’91, BA(Hons) ’92, PhD(SS) ’99) for services to literature as sportswriter and author.
• Public Service Medals have been awarded to Mr Robert Hortle PSM (GCertPubSecMgmt ‘10) for outstanding public service in industrial relations, workplace regulation, and fair employment practices.
• Ms Anita-Lee Summers PSM, (GCertPubSecMgmt ‘10) for outstanding public service in leadership, program delivery and management in relation to services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• Associate Professor Catherine Swetenham PSM (BNg(PostReg) ’97, MPallC ’06, MSc (HlthSc)(Res) ’17) for outstanding public service in end of life care.