Among the many outstanding people recognised in the 2023 King's Birthday Honours List, it was exciting to see these two members of UTS FASS community celebrated for their vital contributions.
Juliette O’Brien OAM is a Data Journalist and UTS Lecturer in Data and Entrepreneurial Journalism, and was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to journalism and to community health.
Juliette was recognised for her work in setting up and maintaining the tracking and reporting website covid19data.com.au, which became one of the most relied-upon, independent, volunteer-run sources of Australian pandemic data.
Juliette is also a tireless active champion of the Chris O'Brien Lifehouse holistic cancer treatment centre established in the name of the world-renowned cancer specialist.
Sean Gordon AM is a Wangkumarra/Barkindji man with a UTS Bachelor of Adult Education. He is a community leader driving Aboriginal social, cultural and economic development. and the Managing Director of Gidgee Group, a 100% Indigenous-owned business consultancy. In 2017 Sean was also key architect and signatory of the Uluru Statement From the Heart calling for a First Nations’ Voice to be enshrined in the constitution.
Sean has developed and implemented vocational education programs with TAFE and advised the NSW Government on culturally responsible strategies for Aboriginal adult education.
He is a member of the First Nations Advisory Board for Woolworths Group who have partnered with UTS to to help build Australia's first ever national First Nations University College.
Sean is also the 2016 UTS Alumni Award recipient for the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.
Sean was honoured as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his lifetime of significant service to the Indigenous community as an advocate for equity.
Congratulations Sean and Juliette!
See more people from the UTS community honoured in the 2023 King's Birthday List.