Queen’s Birthday Honours for Southern Cross changemakers

Southern Cross extends its warm congratulations to University family members recognised for their significant contributions to Australian society.

Officer (AO) of the Order of Australia

Adjunct Professor Baden Offord received one of the country’s highest honours, an Officer in the Order of Australia (AO), for distinguished service to tertiary education in the field of human rights, social justice and cultural diversity.

The self-described "activist scholar” is an internationally-recognised specialist in human rights, sexuality, culture and education. After earning his PhD at Southern Cross, Professor Offord taught cultural studies and human rights at the University for 15 years. Learn more.

Member (AM) of the Order of Australia

Commonwealth Games Australia CEO Craig Phillips was honoured with a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to high profile sporting organisations through executive roles.

Mr Phillips has more than 35 years’ experience in elite sports administration including nine years as CEO of the Australian Olympic Committee and as a member of its Executive Board and the Olympic Winter Institute of Australia Board.

He also served on the Board of the Gold Coast 2018 (GC2018) Commonwealth Games Corporation as well as the GC2018 Sport and Technical Committee and GC2018 Joint Marketing Committee. Mr Phillips has an MBA from Southern Cross University. Learn more.

Medal in the General Division (OAM)

Disability and Queer Rights activist, writer and public speaker Jax Jacki Brown was awarded a Medal in the General Division (OAM) for service to people with disability.

Jax’s Bachelor of Arts (Cultural Studies and Communication) examined the intersections between disability and LGBTI identities and their respective rights movements.

Also receiving an OAM was John Lee for his service to the community through social welfare organisations. Mr Lee founded the Tweeds Head-based charity You Have A Friend in 2008 to help homeless people, single parents and other vulnerable community members.

Mr Lee graduated with a Bachelor of Social Science. For several years he has supported the University and improved students’ experience through a range of activities including as a long-standing member of the University’s Community Reference Group that supports the social work and community welfare programs at the Gold Coast; and other initiatives like the student sleep-out for homelessness. Learn more.

“I am really proud of the Southern Cross University graduates who received awards in the Queen’s Birthday 2021 Honours list,” said Professor Robin Stonecash, Dean of the Faculty of Business, Law and Arts. 

“They have all shown a commitment to using their education to help others and to benefit their communities.  They embody the Southern Cross ethic of having a positive impact. 

“I hope our current students can look to these outstanding graduates as role models and realise that a Southern Cross degree can lead to great careers and rewarding lives.”

If you have received an Honour, or know of anyone from the University community who has, please send their name and any information to the University’s Media Office at scumedia@scu.edu.au

Media contact: Sharlene King, media office at Southern Cross University, 0429 661 349 or scumedia@scu.edu.au