The Order Winter July 07 - Order of Australia Association

THE
ORDER
The National Magazine of The Order of Australia Association
No 21 Winter 2007
Come to the Canberra you never knew existed. Fun, food, frolics, architecture, old and young masters, history made and in the making;
old battles and new memorials; tranquil gardens and challenging bush walks. Be part of the National Capital — the nation's heart and
soul — when you come to the Order of Australia Association’s national conference in February 2008. See full details in the brochure
enclosed with this magazine and read more about your national capital on pages 6 and 7.
Future leaders
get
their prizes
— Page 3
Citizenship: a feeling
from the heart and a
gift from neighbours
— Pages 4, 5
Alienation in the
Australian Federation:
an OAA oration
— Pages 8, 9
The Quiet Australians features about 700 histories of recipients of the Order of Australia and it’s on the
Association’s web site, www.theorderofaustralia.asn.au . Contribute to this project with your details on the pro
forma on our redesigned web site, which has relaunched the project. Go on — be in it!

2
The Order, Winter 2007
Quite a National Conference, that one ...
THE RECEPTION AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE. Above left,Mr Bryce Saint OAM, immediate past Chairman, South Australia;
Mrs Silvana Vidoni OAM; Dr David Game AO, Chairman, South Australia; Mrs Nan Saint; and Mr Giulio Vidoni OAM. Above
right, the Governor of NSW, Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, addresses Conference attendees. Below left, Mr John
Laforest OAM, Mr
Bernie Banton AM
and Commander
Ken Swain AM.
At right, Mr Jack
Harris OAM, his
wife Orr, Mr Wolfgang
Grimm AM,
NSW Chairman and
Sir Guy Green AC
KBE CVO, immediate
past National
President.
This year's national conference, hosted in Sydney by the NSW
branch of the Order of Australia Association, attracted more
than 300 guests and delegates, a figure that swelled to 420 for
the annual dinner at which guests were entertained by the Royal
Australian Army Reserve Band.
The Governor of NSW, Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir
AC CVO, hosted a reception for delegates and guests at Government
House, Sydney.
Those who like to see the tangible results of the Order of
Australia Association Foundation's work with young people were
delighted with the presentation given by bursary awardee Dr
Natalie Rainger at the annual dinner held in the Grand Ballroom
of the Four Seasons Hotel.
THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA ASSOCIATION
MERCHANDISE
Please FORWARD ME:
........ Tie(s) @ $35 + $1 postage
........ Scarf(ves) (Polyester Twill) @ $27.50 + $1 postage
........ Scarf(ves) (Polyester Chiffon) @ 27.50 + $1 postage
........ Pen(s) @ $10 + $1 postage
AT THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING. From left, Mary
Doughty AM, Dina Browne AO, National Chairman, Bill Galvin
OAM, Conference Chairman and Helen Christian AM.
My cheque is attached; or
charge my Visa Mastercard Bankcard
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Expiry Date …………………………………………………
Name on Card ......……………………………………………
Signature ……………………………………………………
My full mailing address is……………………………………
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Telephone:……………………………………………………
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Fax or mail your order to:
Mr Richard Rozen OAM
National Merchandise Officer
The Order of Australia Association
3/144 Were Street, BRIGHTON Vic 3186
Fax: (03) 9592 1767 Tel: (03) 9592 8068
REMINDER – MEMBERS ONLY MAY WEAR TIES AND SCARVES

Future leaders take centre stage
At the sparkling formal dinner of
the 2007 National Conference of
The Order of Australia Association in
Sydney, four talented young Australians
were awarded $40,000 each to help them
complete tertiary studies.
The Governor-General, His Excellency
Major General Michael Jeffery AC CVO
MC (Ret’d), officiated at the ceremony.
The Order of Australia Association
Foundation sponsored the four prizes.
The selection process is Australia-wide
and seeks to support promising young
leaders from all walks of life to achieve
Ashley Hunt,
who is studying
Chemical
Engineering at
Curtin University
of Technology, WA.
His experience to
date has been with
iron ore, but gold
and alumina is a
big drawcard in his
studies. He is keen to gain employment
within a large multi-national company.
Meanwhile he has excelled at part-time
management positions to support his
University studies to date.
Ashley’s prize was made possible
through funds generously donated by Mr
Frank P Lowy AC through the Westfield
Foundation.
Jarrad Cody,
who is studying
Engineering
(Electrical and
Mechatronic)
at University of
South Australia. A
particular interest
is in increasing
the efficiency of
solar cells. Electric
powered cars are
another passion.
With several community interests
Jarrad is a volunteer swim coach, a
mentor in robotics and electronics with
school student groups, hosts backpacker
The Order, Winter 2007 3
their potential.
“What makes these awards unique”,
says Foundation Chairman Hugh Morgan
AC, “is the allocation of a mentor to each
awardee. The mentors are volunteers
from the ... Association who are eminent
in the awardees’ chosen fields of study.”
To date the Foundation has sponsored
12 prizes to awardees in all states.
A professorial committee guides the
selection by assessing awardees as:
• showing potential as future leaders in
their fields of study and in community
involvement;
And this year’s Awardees are ...
THE ORDER OF
AUSTRALIA ASSOCATION
FOUNDATION AWARDEES
PRESENTATION 2007
visitors to Adelaide, and is a keen
musician – especially with guitars. He
would love to establish an Australian
amplifier company.
Jarrad’s Prize was made possible
through funds generously donated by Mr
Robert G Gerard AO.
Johanna Elms,
who is studying
Advanced Science
(Pharmacology) at
University of New
South Wales. She is
keenly interested in
regulatory affairs in
the pharmacology
industry and
clinical toxicology.
She wishes to work with victims of
drug overdose and toxic animal bites. Her
outside interests include teaching dance,
St John Volunteer Ambulance Service,
and Red Cross. She is Vice-President
of Student Association and plays social
netball and soccer.
Johanna’s prize was made possible
through funds generously donated by Mr
Frank P Lowy AC through the Westfield
Foundation.
• benefiting the Australian community
in future years through the prize award
and their specialised knowledge;
• needing financial assistance to
complete their studies; and
• having the ability to gain significantly
from the guidance of suitably
experienced mentors from The Order
of Australia Association, who will have
appropriate expertise and experience in
the awardee’s field of study.
For more information: Professor Brian
O'Keeffe AO, Secretary of the OAA
Foundation on 02 6273 5995
Laurie Pearcey,
who is studying
International
Studies (Asian
Studies and
Mandarin Chinese)
at University
of NSW. His
particular interest
is in public
administration in
post-Mao China
and its implications
for development in the provinces.
He represented his university at the
Inaugural Youth Delegation visit to China
to strengthen bilateral youth exchanges.
He won the Chinese Language Prize
for his work in 2006 and would love to
work in China on a diplomatic mission
or manage aid projects. Outside his
studies he has launched the Australia
China Youth Business Council and acts
as Executive Director of Government
Relations. Laurie’s Prize was made
possible through funds generously
donated by Mr Frank P Lowy AC through
the Westfield Foundation.
All four awardees commented on the
award evening, “The room was so full
of energy and passion. ... The black tie
occasion was just so memorable — a real
buzz. ... To meet people I have admired
for so long was unbelievable. ... The
Governor-General was so supportive
and caring.” The awards clearly made
a lasting impression on audience and
Awardees alike.
Summary of Bursaries 2004–05 and Prizes 2006
Year Award Awardee Course of Study Tertiary Institution Mentor
2004 Bursary Rahul Khubchandani Engineering and Commerce Uni of Western Australia Mr Dennis Glennon AO
Bursary Felicia Ang Commerce and Science Uni of Melbourne Prof. Adrienne Clarke AC
Bursary Natalie Rainger Graduate Medical Degree Uni of Sydney Dr John Yu AC
2005 Bursary Melissa Bowtell Occupational Therapy Uni of Queensland Dr Cherrell Hirst AO
Bursary Nicholas Clements Arts Uni of Tasmania Dr Kalev Kruup OAM
Bursary Jason Ford Adv. Dip, Civil Engineering Victoria Uni John B Laurie AC
Bursary Andrew Johnson Cert. Arts Applied Design Victoria Uni Harold Mitchell AO
Bursary Emily Bond Cert. in Animal Technology Victoria Uni Prof. Wayne Morrison AM
2006 Prize Ashley Hunt Chemical Engineering Curtin Uni Robert King OAM
Prize Jarrad Cody Elect. & Mechatronic Eng. Uni of SA TBA
Prize Johanna Elms Advanced Science (Pharm) Uni of NSW Prof. Stella O’Donnell AO
Prize Laurie Pearcey International Studies Uni of NSW Sam Wong AM

4
By Ian Mathews AM
Citizenship has always been ambiguous.
There’s the natural, geographic
sort of citizenship derived from accident
of parentage, place of birth or place of
settlement.
Then there is the political citizenship
recognised or conferred by governments.
Both have a long history.
The word derives from the Latin civitas
and is generally accepted as being the
inhabitant of a city or town, long before
national states existed as they do today.
Nevertheless, empires and city governments,
even then, saw “citizenship” as
something to be valued by attracting
special privileges.
The Romans made broad use of
the term far beyond the confines
of the city of Rome. Anybody
within the Roman Empire could
lay claim to being a Roman citizen
although not all achieved it.
In the first century AD there was a
clear distinction between Roman citizens
throughout the empire and the peregrini,
the non-citizens living in lands colonised
by the Romans. Within 300 years, however,
almost everybody within the empire’s
borders was considered a Roman.
One of the unspoken frustrations of
governments is that they can give citizenship
only to foreigners. Those born into
citizenship, be they good or bad, have it
for life unless they decide to give it up.
It rather mirrors Malvolio’s speech in
Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night in which
he reads, “…some are born great, some
achieve greatness, and some have greatness
thrust upon them” .
What governments have done down the
The Order, Winter 2007
Citizenship — a feeling from the heart
centuries is to make citizenship, for those
seeking it, a prize in the gift of politicians
to be won and awarded.
Perhaps a more prosaic way of looking
at the obvious pride people take in citizenship
is to compare it to a person’s love for
a specific make of car.
There are Holden fans, Ford fans and
even a few Lamborghini fans who aspire
to own, polish and drive their favourite
vehicles. Some give their pet vehicles
personal names. This is akin to the natural
love a person has for the country in which
she or he was born or has chosen to live.
This is a feeling from the heart.
Those same car lovers don’t feel quite the
same affection for their car rego papers,
necessary as they are.
In its heyday and decline, the British
Empire adopted a generous Romanesque
attitude to citizenship. Wherever on the
world map British red existed, the people
were British subjects as well as being
citizens of their own country. This was not
to last as more and more colonies claimed
their independence and Britain bulged
at its seams as floods of British subjects
claimed British citizenship.
Citizenship in its current political
and national sense signifies
a member of a state as opposed
to an alien.
The United States probably describes
it best as a person, native or naturalised,
who has the privilege of voting for public
offices, and is entitled to protection in the
exercise of private rights; and of consular
services while overseas.
While it is easy to understand that governments
can deny citizenship to unwelcome
foreigners, there is a lingering sense
of unease that a baby born in Australia has
no right to claim Australian citizenship.
This was tested in the High Court which
ruled against married asylum seekers who
sought to have their daughter declared
an Australian. In another, less prominent
situation, the son of an alien single mother
was deemed stateless despite being born
in a Brisbane suburb. Britain will give
him citizenship if he lives there for three
years. Ironically, the Australian media
will claim both tots as “Australian-born”
should they eventually become Nobel
prizewinners or be awarded an Oscar!
For a century, Australia has
benefited from hundreds of
thousands of migrants, some of
whom could not speak a word of
English.
Most were grandparents who came
with or were reunited with family here.
Ironically, their lack of English has probably
ensured that several generations of
their Australian-born families are now
bilingual. Refugees who, for lack of English,
earned their new living by cooking
exotic meals for the rest of us, are fathers
and mothers to a generation of bilingual
lawyers, accountants and politicians.
That’s the problem with administering
citizenship: speaking English, listing
Australian values (however that is defined),
having a general knowledge of the
country are all similar to reciting the road
rules. They don’t necessarily make you
either a good driver or a good citizen.
This is why there is such value in the
Order of Australia Association’s aim, “To
foster love of and pride in Australian citizenship
…” It is a task all members can
do well — from the heart.
Ian Mathews is a former editor and editor-in-chief of The
Canberra Times. He is contributing editor to UNity, the
publication of the United Nations Association of Australia.
The Order’s editorial policy re-endorsed
Ten years in the life of a publication
is really only a blink of an eye,
especially when only two editions are
published each year. So why draw attention
to The Order’s 10th year of publication?
Partly it’s to restate some founding
principles; partly it’s to appeal for some
feedback; and partly and importantly it’s
to acknowledge a concern raised by three
readers about the last edition.
In 1997, the national committee agreed
to a proposal by Ian Mathews AM that
the Order of Australia Association should
publish a national magazine. It was
acknowledged that “while the majority
of members do not want the Association
to be party political, they realise that the
Association’s aims have the potential
to be highly political. For instance, one
aim is to foster commitment and pride in
Australian citizenship which can touch
sensitive issues of naturalisation, immigration,
as well as Aboriginality. Raising
awareness ... of Australia’s history, traditions
and culture can focus on colonial,
Aboriginal and diverse migrant aspects of
our history, none of which is without current
controversy. Promotion of a sense of
national unity is capable of being interpreted
in several political ways.
“The association should not shrink from
expressing views on any of these issues
just because they can be politcally sensitive.
...”.
Revisiting The Order’s editioral policy,
the national committee noted at a recent
meeting:
Correspondence was tabled concerning
an article in the Summer edition of The
Order, “The case for leaving elephants
at home” by Dr Hugh Wirth AM. It was
agreed that the existing editorial policy as
submitted by Ian Mathews, editor of the
magazine, in 1997 would be re-endorsed.
With a change to point five and the addition
of a seventh point which would now
read as follows:
1 Profiles and pictures of people who
have received awards in the Order;
2 News reports of past recipients;
3 Reports of Association activities by
state and territory branches;
4 Statements by Association officers;
5 Material reflecting the Association’s
aims and objectives;
6 Reviews of books by or relevant to Association
members;
7 Reports of Foundation activities, profiles
and pictures of awardees.
It was agreed that this policy would be
published in the Winter 2007 edition. It
was also agreed that Taronga Park [Zoo]
would have the one-off opportunity of
publishing a response to the article on
elephants.
This invitation was rejected.

NATIONAL OFFICE BEARERS
National Office
The Order of Australia Association
Old Parliament House
King George Terrace, Parkes ACT 2600
oaasecretariat@ozemail.com.au
Phone: (02) 6273 0322
Fax: (02) 6273 0041
BRANCH CHAIRMEN/SECRETARIES
The Order, Winter 2007 5
Responsible citizenship builds nations
For four decades closely associated
with people struggling for recognition
and with those who oppose
or delay it, I have seen three generations
of communities trying to find peaceful
ways forward. Disagreements about
origins, ethnicity, a sense of identity and
nationality with the right to fly a national
flag have caused divisions and wars. Two
of the nastiest witnessed by me were civil
wars. Individualism too often became a
dominating but dividing force.
Lecturing through recent years in a
Europe of borderless mobility of a large
labour force and professionals, one has
seen the resultant confusions of identity.
National bonds weaken as a sense of
individualism increases without home
support groups. Without a history in the
societies of new work locations, individual
disorientation has created the need for
cohesion with others and adjustments.
The former creed of holding to national
values is slowly replaced by awareness
of shared basic human values. Individual
skills and talents are needed but history
illustrates that individualism weakens
citizens’ communities and nations.
Either mediating or negotiating with
communities and persons in conflict over
the years has shown the vital importance
of dialogue and engagement based on
proven trust. Constructive engagement
through dialogue has become possible
when parties in conflict over specific issues
recognise the humanity of each. The
guiding principle has been that language
is the vehicle for ideas, communication is
the motor and leadership is its fuel.
The only Australian in several of my
postings, I have been pleased to mention
President
Dr Neil Conn AO
Chairman
Dina Browne AO
Deputy Chairman
Air Commodore Peter
McDermott AM CSC
By Roy Skinner AM ED
Language is the
vehicle for ideas,
communication
is the motor and
leadership is its
fuel
the manner in which Australians welcome
and accept people from many lands.
Referring to the Australian idea of a
“fair go” for all has frequently helped
to smooth troubled waters. Australia’s
history highlights that we are a nation of
people of different ethnic origins, religions
and political and national backgrounds.
Our strength has been to engage
in common tasks to earn our living and
maintain and strengthen our economies
and nation.
At some human cost we have learned
that, although national identity will
always be important, it is not the binding
cement of a nation. The cement of our
national society is what bushmen, sports
people, individuals in the business community
and those serving in the defence
forces recognise as mateship. Translated,
it is responsible citizenship based on the
richness of the human spirit. Those who
recognise their neighbours as fellow
citizens and engage with them in a common
purpose do far more than just have
dialogue with them.
In many lands one has seen that flagwaving
nationality alone does not foster
national citizenship. Those who overcame
Secretary
Jim Leedman AM
Treasurer
Geoff A Vincent AM
Membership Secretary
Colleen Thurgar AM
Australian Capital Territory
South Australia
Chairman: Dr Ray Newcombe OAM
Chairman: Dr David Game AO
Secretary: Liz Scrivener
Secretary: Mrs. Joyce Ross AM
9A Bellbush Close
56 Sydney Street, Glenside SA 5065
Jerrabomberra NSW 2619
Phone: (08) 8379 2869; Fax: (08) 8379 8588
Phone: W (02) 6288 4244
Tasmania
lizajane@cyberone.com.au
Chairman: Mrs Pat Igoe AM
New South Wales
Secretary: Mrs Linley Grant OAM
Chairman: Mr Wolfgang Grimm AM 79 Mt Stuart Rd, Mt Stuart Tas 7000
Ph: (02) 9223 3322 Mob: 0416 124 092 Ph: (03) 6234 6672. malingrant@bigpond.com
Secretary: Mrs Colleen Wardell OAM Victoria
PO Box 309, Roseville NSW 2069
Chairman: Mr Geoff Neilson AM
Phone/Fax: (02) 9680 2618
Secretary: Mr Max Chester OAM
wardelljandc@bigpond.com
PO Box 18389 Collins St East, Melbourne,
Northern Territory
Vic 8003. Ph: (03) 9650 5286
Chairman: Mrs Wendy James OAM mchester@bigpond.com
Secretary: Dr Bill Wilson APM OAM Western Australia
PO Box 2171, Parap NT 0804
Chairman: Colonel Rod Willox AM RFD ED
(08) 8941 5847 billwilson2@mac.com Secretary: Mr Clive Robartson OAM
Queensland
Box Y3525 E. St George’s Tce Perth WA 6832
Chairman: Mr Mick Davis AM
Phone: (08) 9225 5454; Fax: (08) 9325 9977
Secretary: Professor Stella O’Donnell AO ooawa@swiftdsl.com.au
11 Norman Street, Fig Tree Pocket Qld 4069 UK/Europe Overseas Regional Group
Phone/Fax (07) 3378 3244
Chairman: Mrs Margaret Humphreys OAM
s.odonnell@uq.edu.au
8 Kingston Rd, W Bridgford Notts NG2 7AQ UK
their many differences as they coped with
inherited and cultivated prejudices and
emotions finally recognised and accepted
the humanity of each.
Continuing challenges face us all. Climate
change, dwindling water resources,
sustainable clean energy, continuing
droughts and ever-changing pressures of
international markets will continue to test
our nation’s strength. We can be proud
that we give top priority to the type of
responsible citizenship that builds our nation
with respect for human values.
Some mixed and growing communities
in Australia and elsewhere today find it
difficult to cope with the emotive issues
of ethnic origins and different religions.
Through Plato’s pen, Socrates offered his
relevant view 2,300 years ago:
If one could build a system of morality
absolutely independent of religious
doctrine, as valid for the atheist as for
the pietist, then theologies might come
and go without loosening the moral cement
that makes of wilful individuals the
peaceful citizens of a community.
Our own sense of community-supported
national identity has translated this.
We do not take what we think are our
democratic rights and enjoy our liberty by
depriving other persons of theirs.
The author: Middle East affairs commentator
and author, resident in Switzerland,
former CMF and Regular Army
officer and former long-term senior
United Nations official, from Egypt to
Iraq. Was appointed a Member of the
Order on Australia Day 1987 for services
to international relations through
the United Nations Organisation.
The Order of Australia Association Foundation
Chairman: Hugh Morgan AC
Secretary: Professor Brian O’Keeffe AO
Treasurer: Darvell M Hutchinson AM
Old Parliament House
King George Terrace, Parkes ACT 2600
Phone/Fax: (02) 6273 5995
oaafoundation@theorderofaustralia.asn.au
Phone: +44 115 9822811 Fax: +44 115 9817168
mshepley2@aol.com
REGIONAL GROUPS (Contact Branch Secretaries)
NSW
Central Coast, Illawarra, Mid North Coast,
Shoalhaven. Blue Mountains/Penrith, Cent. West,
Dubbo, Hunter, Northwest, Riverina, Southern Highlands,
Southern Tablelands
Queensland
Gold Coast, Toowoomba, Sunshine Coast, Bundaberg,
Townsville, Far North Queensland & Torres
Strait Islands Group, Rockhampton
South Australia
Barossa Valley, Fleurieu Peninsula
Tasmania North-Western, Northern, Southern
Victoria
Barwon, Cent. H’lands, Goulburn Valley & North East,
Loddon Campaspe, Gippsland, Mornington Peninsula,
Eastern Suburbs, Western Suburbs.
Western Australia
Great Southern (Albany), Lower South West
(Bunbury)
Northern Territory
Alice Springs

Only dull people find Canberra dull —
The National Botanic Gardens are remarkably close to the City Centre.
The best thing about conferences
is all the wonderful
things you can do before,
after or even during the
business end of the meeting
— and Canberra has more
places of interest to visit than
most people ever imagined.
Organisers of next year’s national conference
in the national capital, February
14 to 17, have put together a program of
visits to suit all tastes, interests and pockets.
Those who have never been to court (and
those who have) will find few such establishments
that host a conference reception
as sumptuously as the High Court of
Australia. Registration begins there at 5pm
on Thursday, February 14, followed by the
conference reception in the Great Hall of
the High Court from 6pm to 7.30pm.
From its inception in 1913, Canberra’s
people have fostered and continued a long
tradition of home entertaining. Lucky visitors
will need to register early for a homehosted
dinner after the reception.
Alternatively, you can explore eateries
in Canberra’s various centres and right out
into the suburbs, where some of the best
can be found. Again bookings are advisable.
The next day, February 15, is busy with
visits to:
The Australian National University.
240 early birds will be welcomed to a
special tour of the Australian National
University, ranked 16th in the world, by its
Vice Chancellor, Professor Ian Chubb, who
will talk about contemporary issues facing
Australian universities.
There will also be presentations on
The Royal Thai Embassy is one of many in Canberra designed to striking themes.
medical research in the 21st century; new
boundaries to our universe; and international
affairs — all topics in which the ANU
specialises. This will be followed by lunch
in the Great Hall, University House.
Alternatively you can tour Parliament
House, meet some politicians, visit the
Senate President’s suite and the Prime
Minister’s office; then have lunch at Old
Parliament House in the Members’ Dining
Room.
Between 2pm to 4.30pm there is a private
guided tour of the Australian Institute of
Sport, where some of Australia’s Beijing
Olympic hopefuls will still be training.
These activities will be followed by the
Governor-General’s Reception at Government
House, Yarralumla. After all that,
for those with hearty or delicate appetites,
Canberra’s varied restaurants will beckon.
The conference itself begins at 9.30am
on February 16 in the National Convention
Not only children are thrilled by Questacon’s
amazing miniature tornado.
Centre. After the formalities of the annual
meeting, members can take part in the
National Forum, led by a panel of international
experts on a range of issues facing
the world and individuals.
The Conference Dinner, at which the
Governor-General, Major General Michael
Jeffery, will present the 2007 Order of Australia
Assocation Foundation scholarships,
will be held in the Great Hall of Parliament
House from 7pm to 10.30pm.
Sunday, February 17 begins for those
attending the conference at 9am at the Australian
War Memorial, where the multifaith
observance will be held, accompanied by
the choir of the Canberra Girls’ Grammar
School. After the observance, guides will
accompany members, who can tour either
the Australian War Memorial or the Anzac
Parade memorials.
The conference’s closing lunch will be a
buffet at the War Memorial.

the national capital is bursting with life
A major external element of the High Court of Australia is its imposing water feature, a vast
“staircase” of water cascading from just outside the building to near the road outside. The
other side of the building looks over Lake Burley Griffi n to the Cook Memorial Jet.
All pictures on these pages and the front cover
courtesy of Australian Capital Tourism.
... or to do your own thing ...
Politicians have been known to massage
the facts, bend the truth or, according
to Winston Churchill, make terminological
inexactitudes. Many visitors to Canberra
get much of the pre-visit education from
politicians who, as occasional visitors, don’t
have a good word to say about the place.
The fact is that Canberra is a treasure
house for all Australians and most of it is
free entry — so why not come early to the
national conference or stay on for a few
days when it’s over.
To overcome the myth that Canberra is a
maze (as well as amazing) a good place to
begin is at the National Capital Authority’s
Regatta Point Display. Situated on the edge
of Lake Burley Griffin, it tells the story of
Canberra’s development from paddock to the
present — and lays out plans for its future. It
has a cafe. From Regatta Point the visitor can
see several interesting places to visit.
On the opposite side of the lake is the
National Library of Australia with its vast
book collections, special displays, book
shop and restaurant (inside and outside).
Alongside the National Library is the
absorbing National Science and Technology
Centre — Questacon. Most children
believe Canberra was established to house
Questacon and its hands-on activities.
Adjacent, lakeside, is part of the National
Portrait Gallery (other collections are in
Old Parliament House); and a little further
east is both the High Court of Australia
and the National Gallery of Australia with
its massive collections, extensive book and
gift shop and restaurant.
Not far from Old Parliament House, in
Canberra’s former and refurbished general
post office, are the National Archives,
which probably can show you documents
relating to you and your family. Migrants
can find their names on the manifests of
ships or aircraft that brought them to Australia.
The National Museum of Australia
sits on its own peninsula adjacent to the
Australian National University. An awardwinning
tourist attraction, the museum tells
Australia’s story through the themes Land,
Nation and People.
The National Film and Sound Archive,
also adjacent to the ANU, is the living
repository of Australia’s recorded and
If you join the tour of the Australian Institute
of Sport you’ll join the many who have rejoiced
in this famous sculpture there.
For more information about the
2008 National Conference, see the
brochure enclosed with The Order.
filmed history, including first movies, radio
broadcasts and television events.
For some fresh air the visitor shouldn’t
miss the Australian National Botanic
Gardens, at the foot of Black Mountain,
which has experts on hand, a gift shop,
display area and restaurant.
Still outdoors, visitors are invited to a
“touching experience” at the National Zoo
and Aquarium at the far western end of
Lake Burley Griffin. There are charges.
To revisit the past, take a stroll through
Calthorpe’s House in Mugga Way. Its garden,
buildings and contents, right down to
mail-order catalogues, are just as they were
left in the 1930s.
Have you applied for your official Order
of Australia Association plaque? See
the rear of the address sheet of The
Order for more details and the order
form. The sale of this plaque assists
the Order of Australia Association
Foundation’s fund-raising.

8
The Order, Winter 2007
Alienation in the Australian Federation
Addressing what he said was a growing
concern about the unfolding
dynamics of the Australian Federation
and the consequences of that for our
place in the world, Lieutenant General
John Sanderson AC said Australia’s
greatest strategic advantage was “the fact
that we are the only people in the history
of humankind to have united a whole
continent under one flag. That is surely
worth retaining ...”
In his present role as Special Adviser
on Indigenous Affairs to the WA Government,
he said he was dealing with “the
suffering of a people who demonstrate a
widespread alienation, not from the country
but from the nation that embodies the
source of their loss of spiritual connection
to land and family. There is no amount
of rewriting history that can change this
— it requires a new spirit of renewal
through partnership based on equality and
respect”.
He called for mechanisms to overcome
“the widespread ignorance and
disengagement among non-indigenous
Australians, which includes generating an
understanding of the importance of this
renewal to the future of all of us; and the
other is about building trust in a people
who have been betrayed on so many
occasions up to very recent times and
who have rarely been consulted on policy
decisions that determine their fate”.
“My principal contention is
that a large part of this continent
is increasingly neglected
and, for a significant number of
our rural people, governance is
weak and intangible.
Such is the evolving nature of our
federation under the extant philosophy
of market forces that government is
receding from the country to what I will
describe as pockets of indulgence and
indifference in the south-east and southwest
corners.”
Recalling his task as UN military
commander in Cambodia charged with
restoring peace and a sense of nationhood
to Cambodia in the wake of the Pol Pot
regime, he said, “I quickly learned that
reconciliation is the only foundation of
effective human relations and enduring
strategy. Indeed, through intense engagement
in the field and my work with the
United Nations, I recognised the essential
role of international organisations,
protocols and conventions in providing a
framework for mediation and reconciliation
and I saw clearly the peril of undermining
these institutions out of narrow
national and commercial self-interest. ...”
He said the the key question was, “are
the dynamics of governance in our federation
towards or away from this principle
for developing resilience in democracy?”
Addressing this question of the dy-
This is an edited
text of the 2007
Order of Australia
Association
Oration by the
former Governor
of Western
Australia,
Lieutenant
General John
Sanderson AC
namics of Australian governance, he
drew on his experience of the last five
months looking at ways to increase the
participation of indigenous people in
the economic and social development
of Western Australia and added, “… the
poverty, poor health, lack of participation
in the education systems, family violence,
infant mortality and alienation of the
young is said to be Third World in nature
and magnitude.
“In fact, I find that it is worse than
Third World, and the figures of 90 per
cent of the jail population above the
Tropic of Capricorn in Western Australia
being Aboriginal, and 42 per cent of the
total detainees in the state coming from
3.5 per cent of the population say it all,
really.
“I contend that, in any other state in
the world, such figures would be seen to
constitute a state of civil war — such is
the alienation they represent ...
“Some would contend that it is the
Aboriginals’ fault, subscribing to the
view that white involvement has been
quite benign and that the primitive
indigenous systems could not adapt to
the superior systems of human relations
brought from the wider world. Such
people seem to be prepared to accept the
family breakdown and high incarceration
rates as a consequence of this — believing
that the sooner they assimilate and
become like us the better. On the other
hand, others might reflect on the emerging
realisation that European aggression
has not simply tipped the balance in a
40,000-year-old system of relationships
but also, in parallel with the destruction
of these cultures, destroyed the ecology
of an entire continent in less than two and
a half centuries.
What is more apposite, given
that we cannot go back and
change the past, is the fact that a
large part of this continent is no
longer governed at all.
“Over the last three or four decades,
possibly as a consequence of market
forces, we have seen a steady withdrawal
of the presence of both the public and
private sector from the remote regions of
the continent. ...
“Now no one is responsible.”
Initiatives to change the situation “most
often involve cameo performances by
politicians rather than strategic leadership,
and amount to treating the symptoms
rather than the causes ... ”.
Increased funding drew criticism. Aboriginal
violence and suicide in regional
and urban centres brought the issues into
the lives of non-indigenous people.
“Rather than accept the fact that these
problems demand genuine engagement
by elected leaders, there is now an attempt
by governments to pass the responsibility
to the private sector through job
training and enhancement schemes and
an attempt to also involve them in social
development of communities,” he said.
“… Businesses cannot fill the
vacuum for governance in the
regions.”
The lack of regional governance was
not simply about indigenous issues; it
flowed on to the important issue of the
environment and the destruction of the
ecology of our distinctive biodiversity.
“Out in the bush, of course, the erosion
of the environment has been going on for
years,” he said. “Western Australia has
a rising salt problem [in an area] about
the size of France — a problem that has
accelerated ever since they cut down
all the trees to plant wheat. In the event
that rainfall in the wheat belt returned to
former levels the salt could be expected
to rise faster and be more widespread.
“The outback is full of imported vermin
of all types: camels, donkeys, goats,
pigs, starlings, foxes, rabbits, cats, feral
dogs, ... cane toads and weeds; you name
it and it is all flourishing out there at the
expense of Australian flora and fauna.
In the federal-state government blame
game, “… public servants ... drift across
the landscape, powerless to do anything
other than feign concern, while small
pockets of police try to keep the lid on
communities in despair”.
“I know that this is a depressing picture
that I paint of the ‘Lucky Country’ and
some might choose to include me with
those who have a ‘black armband’ view
of the country and its history; but my
experience is that most of our people, by
choice or ignorance, share very limited
horizons on these matters, failing to
recognise the perils of not nurturing the
whole continent,” he said.
“What I have been describing to you
is an emptying-out of Australia — the
creation of a true terra nullius — an
uninhabited place where anyone has a
right to make [his or her] way. We should
not need any lessons on the implications
of this, having once used terra nullius as
an imperative to deprive the Aboriginal
people of the land they had occupied for
thousands of years.”
Continued next page

Getting to know you
Despite some logistical nightmares
caused by the concurrent visit to
Sydney of two Queens (Mary 2 and
Elizabeth 2) and a vice-president (Mr
Cheney), the National Conference in
February proceeded seamlessly.
The reception at Government House,
hosted by the very gracious Governor
of NSW, Her Excellency Professor
Marie Bashir AC CVO and Sir Nicholas
Shehadie AC OBE, the passionate and
provocative oration given by Lieutenant
General John Sanderson AC [see edited
text pages 8–9] and the opportunity to
meet some of the young recipients of our
Foundation Scholarships, were among the
many highlights.
Warm congratulations to the NSW
Branch for providing members
— and partners — with such a rich and
rewarding experience.
My having held office as National
Chairman for only two months at the time
of writing, my report will be necessarily
brief. Our executive subcommittee held
its first meeting in April. Under the
stewardship of Deputy Chairman Air
Commodore Peter McDermott AM CSC,
good progress is being made on the draft
of the Strategic Plan, which will guide
the Association into the future. The plan
will be presented to members at the
AGM in 2008. Treasurer Geoff Vincent
AM is leading the subcommittee, which
is examining corporate structure and
governance issues, which will also inform
the Strategic Plan.
The Chairman of the 2008 National
Conference organising committee, Roger
Dace AM QGM, attended the ESC
meeting to outline the exciting program
planned for the event in Canberra next
year. The details are in a brochure
Continued from previous page
General Sanderson said he had been
introduced recently to the rock art
on the Burrup Peninsula. “There is a
tendency for people to think of this as a
few primitive scratchings on some rocks
getting in the way of the development of
modern industry,” he said.
“There are, in fact, tens of thousand of
engravings of all sizes in granite that have
lasted up to 20,000 years and represent a
culture that was sustained for all that time
from the ice age to the present day.
“Further north on the Kimberley coast
and interior we have the elegant Bradshaw
paintings that are 15,000 to 16,000
years old and clearly represent the transition
of another ice age culture as the river
valleys flooded with rising sea levels.
“Painted over the top of many of these
are examples of the more recent Wadjina
culture that includes, among its dreamtime
connections, both flood and resurrection
stories.
The Order, Winter 2007 9
By National Chairman
Dina Browne AO
National Chairman Dina Browne AO
enclosed with this edition of The Order.
Please make a note of the dates in your
diaries!
I had the pleasure of attending
investitures at Government House,
Canberra, and addressing the ACT
Branch dinner in April. I look forward
to the opportunity to meet many more
members during my term of office.
Alienation in the Australian Federation
“My point in telling you this is to suggest
that there is very little awareness of
this great cultural connection [with] the
past and that it is, in fact, we non-indigenous
people who are increasingly alienated
from the land.
“Rather, we are huddled around the
estuarine regions of the south-east and the
south-west like aliens ready to jump off
to some far-away planet when the land
turns against us.
“Because of the way our democracy
is constructed we allow
— probably force is a better
word — our politicians to focus
away from the interior.
“Instead of embracing and nurturing
the living cultures that connect us [with]
country we succumb instead to the notion
that the sooner the original inhabitants
become like us the better off we will all
be.
Enjoy English is
Nick's 60th book
Nick Renton AM,
responding to
The Order's “Tell
us about it” plea for
more information
from members,
writes, “For what
it may be worth,
my 60th book was
published last year.”
Title: Enjoy Your
English!
Bas Publishing says this is a book for
writers, editors, teachers, students, public
speakers and the business community.
It will also appeal to all lovers of words
and complements Nick Renton’s popular
Compendium of Good Writing.
Several valuable summaries deal with
many common errors of grammar,
spelling, punctuation and word usage.
In the course of seven pages these cover
about 90 per cent of today’s problem
areas.
Other topics discussed range from plain
English to gobbledegook, from online
translations to Basic English, and from
gender-neutral language to Australian
metaphors. Also presented are a number
of curiosities of the English language
and assorted linguistic lists — some
useful, others just tongue-in-cheek.
This book about words will assist
people engaged in writing activities at all
levels to become more articulate.
With a glossary, an index and a
foreword by Michael Clyne, Enjoy
Your English! is 326 pages [ISBN 978
1920910693] RRP $34.95. For more
information, access
http://users.bigpond.net.au/renton/ena.htm
Telephone and Fax +613 9859 4958
“One thing I do understand, however,
is that nowhere else in the world is such
an absurdity compounded everyday as in
Australia where we attempt to govern this
vast and complex country from ministerial
offices and bureaucracies in places
like Canberra or Perth. …'
“How much is reconciliation with our
land and unity with our people worth?
“Anyone who is concerned about the
long-term future of Australia will know
the answer to this question.
“Where to find the gold of faith and
hope that these values represent is a question
that challenges us all. I believe we
must start by joining Aboriginal Australians
in reclaiming the land and renewing
our commitment to the principles of federation
by encouraging daring, responsible
and compassionate government back
into the regions.”
For a full text of the Order of Australia
Association 2007 Oration, e-mail
oaasecretariat@ozemail.com.au or access
www.theorderofaustralia.asn.au

10
After the three investiture ceremonies
at Government House, Adelaide,
conducted by Her Excellency Marjorie
Jackson-Nelson AC CVO MBE Governor
of South Australia, on the mornings
of April 3, 4 and 5, the South Australian
Branch of the Order of Australia Association
held celebratory lunches at the
Stamford Plaza Hotel.
All new Order of Australia recipients
were guests of the branch and were
invited to bring family members and
friends as their guests.
Recipients of other Australian awards,
too, were invited to attend with family
and friends. Over the three days, a total
of 304 attended, including branch committee
members and other Association
members.
The Chairman, Dr David A Game AO,
welcomed all, congratulated all recipients
and took the opportunity to encourage
The Acting Lord Mayor, Alderman
Bob Elix, and the aldermen of
Darwin City Council conferred the title of
Honorary Freeman of the City of Darwin
on the former Administrator of the
Northern Territory, the Hon Austin Asche
AC QC on January 29 this year. Austin is
a highly esteemed and respected member
of the Northern Territory Branch and is
patron or member of at least 20 clubs and
societies in the NT.
He spent a number of years in Darwin
as a boy in the 1930s. His love of the
Northern Territory began then and
continues today. He served in the RAAF
in the Second World War from 1944 to
1946. During those years he reconnected
with the Territory when he was posted to
a radar station on Bathurst Island, off the
NT coast.
When the war ended he studied
law, graduated, became a barrister
and a Queen’s Counsel. Austin had a
The Order, Winter 2007
Investiture lunches in Adelaide
The Victorian Branch’s annual meeting
was held on October 26 at the
Naval and Military Club, Melbourne.
Geoff Neilson AM was elected Branch
Chairman. After the meeting, Dr Neil
Conn AO spoke on St John Ambulance
Australia, to an audience of 150.
The Branch’s 2006 annual dinner was
held on December 1 in the members’
dining room at the Melbourne Cricket
Ground. A record attendance of 440
people heard the Governor of Victoria,
Professor David de Kretser AC, speak
about climate change.
The first branch function for 2007
was a cultural lunch at the Lanna Thai
Restaurant in Melbourne, which was
attended by more than 90 people. The
guest speaker was the Consul-General for
Perks of a Freeman of the City of Darwin
SA Branch Chairman Dr David A Game AO welcomes guests after their investiture at
Government House, Adelaide, in April.
membership of the Association, mentioning
the role and aims of the Association. the conclusion their health was drunk
briefly, the life activities of each. At
In the course of the lunch Dr Game (mainly in good South Australian wine)
introduced each recipient individually, and all present joined in singing the National
reading citations and summarising,
Anthem.
Victoria sets a busy pace in the city and regions
Past National and Victoria Branch Chairman Mrs Anne Scott OAM, Mr Jim Asimakopoulos
OAM and Mr Ken Scott catch up at the 2006 Victoria Branch annual dinner.
Thailand in Victoria, Dr Simon Wallace.
The branch’s seventh regional group
was formed in October, based on the
western suburbs of Melbourne.
distinguished legal career in Victoria, and
was a judge of the Family Law Court of
Australia for 10 years. He returned to
Darwin in 1986 and was appointed Chief
Justice of the Supreme Court of the NT.
He was appointed Administrator of the
Northern Territory in 1993 and retired
from the position in 1997. He and his
wife, Dr. Valerie Asche AM MSc PhD,
are exceptional advocates of the territory
and continue to have a deep interest and
involvement in community activities.
Many of his friends were present to
see him awarded the title of Honorary
Freeman of the City of Darwin.
After the ceremony Bob Elix
commented, “Whatever it means in
modern times, in ancient English law it
meant he could not be arrested if drunk
and disorderly in the street.”
All present knew Austin would never
take advantage of that law — he is far too
busy.
The first Chairman is Royce Pepin
AM MBE. The regional groups have a
busy schedule of events planned, some of
which have taken place already.
By Wendy James OAM, Chairman,
Northern Territory Branch
Austin Asche AC QC, Honorary Freeman
of the City of Darwin

Continued from page 2
Not all the occasions associated with
the National Conference hosted in
Sydney by the NSW Branch of the Association
were formal.
Australia's oldest Parliament House,
in Sydney's Macquarie Street, was the
venue for an afternoon high tea.
That, as well as Sydney's harbour sights
and fine dining at the American Club and
Kobe Jones Restaurant, made memorable
impressions.
Nine-year-old Talya Jacobson (not
shown in this series of pictures) was in
her element making the bouquet presentation
to the wife of the Governor-General,
Mrs Marlena Jeffery.
Sydney's St Mary's Cathedral was
chosen for this year's Multifaith Observance
at which the address was given by
His Excellency the Apostolic Nuncio, the
Most Reverend Ambrose De Paoli.
Represenatives of the Christian, Jewish,
Muslim and Buddhist faiths took part.
Music was provided by the NSW
University Regimental Army Band with
students from St.Vincent's College in
attendance.
The final conference lunch at St Mary's
College Hall was made all the more
enjoyable by the support of graduates of
Kenvale College of Hospitality and the
Sydney Institute of TAFE. Soloist Rachel
Marley entertained guests.
The Order, Winter 2007 11
... not forgetting the major social occasions
THE FAREWELL LUNCH AFTER NATIONAL CONFERENCE. Above left, His
Excellency the Most Reverend Ambrose de Paoli, Apostolic Nuncio; the Most Reverend
Father Paul Sireh O’Carm and the Governor-General, His Excellency Major General
Michael Jeffery AC CVO MC. Above right, Her Excellency Mrs Marlena Jeffery and Dr
Margaret Beirne RSC cut the cake celebrating NSW’s hosting the National Conference.
THE AFTERNOON TEA
AT PARLIAMENT HOUSE. Right
(from left), Mr Wolfgang Grimm AM,
NSW Chairman and the Hon Henry
Tsang OAM, parliamentary host.
Below, Dr Natalie Rainger, one of the
fi rst of The Order of Australia Association
Foundation bursary winners.
Dr Rainger proposed the toast to The
Order of Australia Association at the Annual
Dinner at the National Conference
in Sydney.
AT THE ANNUAL DINNER. Above
(standing), Mr Wolfgang Grimm AM,
NSW Chairman, and Mrs Silvana Vidoni
OAM join other guests for a chat.
Left, standing, Dr Neil Conn AO,
National President; Mr Jack Ball AM,
Mrs Lesley Conn AM and Mrs Ellie
Ball. Sitting, Mr Wolfgang Grimm AM,
NSW Chairman; Mrs Heather Leedman;
and Mr Jim Leedman AM, National
Secretary.

12
New home for honours secretariat
The Australian Honours and
Awards Secretariat’s new
home in Canberra was opened
by the Governor-General,
Major General Michael Jeffery
AC CVO MC, on March 7.
The Official Secretary to
the Governor-General and
Secretary of the Order of
Australia, Malcolm Hazell
CVO, told guests that
the secretariat had been a
“somewhat nomadic team”.
“Nomadic, because the
Secretariat has, over the years,
worked in ... places ranging
from the National Press Club
to the Caretaker’s Cottage to
the rear of this building, to
... Black Mountain Cottage,
[since demolished] to make
way for the new building,
and more recently to a set of
demountables used while it
was being built,” he said.
The Secretariat, established
in 1975, serves both the
Council for the Order of
Australia and the Australian
Bravery Decorations Council,
which recommend awards
to the Governor-General as
Chancellor of the Order of
The Order, Winter 2007
The Governor-General and his offi
cial secretary, Malcolm Hazell.
Australia. The Secretariat
also administers over 40 other
awards in the Honours System.
Since the Order’s inception
in 1975, the Council has
considered more than 42,000
nominations and recommended
nearly 22,000 awards; more
than 5,500 nominations
considered for bravery awards
and more than 2,500 awards
given. With the many other
awards in the system, more than
203,000 have been made.
The main meeting room in
the environmentally designed
building has been named the
Sir David Smith Meeting
Room to mark Sir David’s
contribution to the Order. He
played a significant role in the
establishment of the Honours
System and served five
Governors-General as Official
Secretary from 1973 to 1990.
When the leaders gather
Present and past directors of the OAA with the Chancellor of
The Order at the National Conference dinner in February.
Standing, from left: Jim Leedman AM, National Secretary;
Bryce Saint OAM, immediate past SA Chairman; Dr David
Game AO, SA Chairman; Wendy James OAM, NT Chairman;
Colonel John Wertheimer AM RFD, immediate past Victorian
Chairman; Colleen Thurgar AM, National Membership Secretary;
Mick Davis AM, Queensland Chairman; Colonel Rod
Willox AM RFD ED, WA Chairman; Air Commodore Peter Mc-
Dermott AM CSC, Deputy National Chairman.
Seated: Dina Browne AO, National Chairman; Dr Neil Conn
AO, National President; Governor General Major General
Michael Jeffery AC CVO MC; Sir Guy Green AC KBE CVO,
immediate past National President; Wolfgang Grimm AM, NSW
Chairman. [Absent: Pat Igoe AM, Tas. Chairman, Geoff Vincent
AM, National Treasurer, Geoff Neilson AM, Vic Chairman
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