The St Patrick’s College Old Collegians Association is aiming to compile a complete list of Old Collegians who have received Australian Honours and Awards which recognise their outstanding service and contributions.

Recipients come from right across the country and from all walks of life. While some well-known people receive awards, many more are known only to those they help and serve day-in-day-out.

We are also looking to include those who received British Empire awards prior to the establishment of the Australian Honours in 1975.

The College offers no judgment on those included on this list but is hoping to compile an accurate historical record of those who have been honoured.

If you can help us add to the list below, please email details through to oca@stpats.vic.edu.au

Honoured Old Collegians

Bassett, Lieutenant Colonel Paul (SPC 1983-88): Received a Conspicuous Service Medal (CSC) on June 8 2015 in recognition of Outstanding Achievement as Defence Materiel Organisation Liaison Officer, Headquarters and Joint Operations Command, and Acting Director Military Operations and Liaisons in support of operational capability.

Benson, Anthony (Tony) (SPC 1957-61) (pictured left): Received an Australian Sports Medal on November 30, 2000, for outstanding service as an international athlete, since as a coach, including as National Head Coach.

Bongiorno, Paul (SPC 1957-62): Received an Australian Centenary Medal on January 1, 2001, for service to journalism and political discourse.

Bourke, David (SPC 1944-52): Received an Australian Centenary Medal on January 1, 2001, for outstanding service to the metropolitan and regional Victorian racing industry. On August 30, 2000, Mr Bourke also received an Australian Sports Medal in recognition of his role as chairman of the Victoria Racing Club and for being instrumental in the privatisation of the TAB. On December 31, 1981, Mr Bourke also received the Order of the British Empire – Commander (Civil) (Imperial) (CBE) in recognition of service to horse racing.

Bourke, Dr John (SPC 1945-49): Received a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) on June 14, 1989 for service to equine veterinary science and to horse racing.

Bourke, Dr Michael (SPC 1950-54): Received an Order of Australia Medal on Australia Day, 2019, in recognition of his service to medicine in Leongatha.

Bracks, The Honourable Stephen (SPC 1968-71) (pictured right): Received a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) on the Queen’s Birthday in June 2010 for eminent service to the Parliament and the community of Victoria through reform of the constitutional and electoral systems, the introduction of initiatives for education and training, leadership in the promotion of multiculturalism and through economic development. Mr Bracks also received an Australian Centenary Medal on January 1, 2001.

Breen, Gavan (SPC 1948-52): Received an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) Medal on Australia Day, 2016, for distinguished service to the Indigenous community through the preservation of languages, to the development of orthographies, and to education.

Brown, Assistant Commissioner Gavin (SPC 1951-60): Received an Australian Police Medal in the 1993 Queen’s Birthday Honours List. Mr Brown also received a National Medal on February 9, 1981 followed by a National Medal 1^st Clasp on May 1, 1987 and a National Medal 2^nd Clasp on February 28, 1998. Mr Brown received an National Overseas Police Medal – Clasp Cyprus on July 8, 1992.

Byrne, Murray (SPC 1939-47): Received a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (Imperial) Medal on January 1, 1977 in recognition of service to the community of Victoria.

Carmody, Thomas (SPC 1906): Received a Meritorious Service Medal on August 21, 1917, for gallantry in the Australian Flying Corps.

Carson, Detective Senior Sergeant Kevin Carson (SPC 197073): Received an Australian Police Medal on Australia Day, 2021, in recognition of his many years of work investigating sexual offences committed against children that included a number of high-profile cases in the Ballarat area. He has worked tirelessly with victims and their families to provide on-going support and assistance. Year after year in the Ballarat area he continues to engage with the community, and has subsequently earned the total confidence of abuse victims and associated agencies.

Connell, John (SPC 1934-39): Received the Office of the Order of Australia (AO) Medal on Australia Day, 1989, in recognition of service to medicine, particularly in the field of vascular surgery.

D’Arcy, Joseph Simon (SPC 1908): Awarded a Military Medal (MM) in July 2018 for bravery in the field.

Delaney, Desmond Joseph (Joe) (SPC 1943-44): Received an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) on the Queen’s Birthday, 2000, for service to the community through the Victorian Catholic health and aged care system, particularly relating to restructuring the Mercy health care service and expanding the range and location of facilities available to Victorians

Devine, Sir Hugh (SPC 1893-94): Was made a Knight Bachelor (Imperial) on January 1, 1936 in recognition of service to surgery.

Devine, John (SPC 1952-55): Received an Australian Sports Medal on October 24, 2000 in recognition of his service to Australian Rules Football.

Diddams, Sergeant Blaine (SPC 1988-89) (pictured left): Received a Medal for Gallantry (posthumous) on June 10, 2013 for acts of gallantry in action in hazardous circumstances as a patrol commander, Special Operations Task Group Rotation XVII on Operation SLIPPER in Afghanistan on 2 July 2012.

Dockendorff, David (SPC 1965-70): Received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) on Australia Dya 1997 in recognition of service to the Army, particularly the 5th/7th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment.

Doolan, Francis (SPC 1908): Received the The Order of the British Empire – Medal (Civil) / British Empire Medal (Civil) (Imperial) (BEM) on December 30, 1978 in recognition of service to the public.

Dowling, Fr Gerard (SPC 1949-50): Received an Order of Australia Medal on Australia Day, 1985, in recognition of service to the community, particularly in the field of family welfare.

Duff, Graham (SPC 1956-59): Received a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) on Australia Day, 2006, for service to the administration of sport in Victoria through the establishment and development of the Institute of Sport and to the thoroughbred racing industry.

Edwards, Anthony (SPC 1985-90): Received an Australian Sports Medal in 2000 for services to rowing.

Evans, Graham (SPC  1958-59): Received an Order of Australia  (AO)  on Australia Day 1995 for service to microeconomic reform in the transport and communications fields.

Fitzgerald, Gerard (SPC 1973): Received an Australian Sports Medal on October 24, 2000, in recognition of services in VFL administration as a coach.

Flanagan, Noel (SPC 1932-36): Received an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) Medal on Australia Day, 1983, in recognition of service to the Public Service.

Flynn, William (SPC 1944): Received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) on Australia Day, 2012, for service to the community of Ballarat, and to the Catholic Church in Australia through administrative roles.

Fogarty, Major Joseph (SPC 1900-01) (pictured right): Received the Military Cross on September 22, 2016 and then the Order of the British Empire – Officer (Military) (Imperial) (OBE) on December 12, 1919.

Foley, Dennis (SPC 1967-72): Received an Australian Sports Medal on September 13, 2000 in recognition of services as an administrator of basketball and harness racing.

Frankin, John (SPC 1974-77): Received an Officer of the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) on January 25, 2021 for meritorious service as the Band Sergeant Major of the Band of the 1st Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery. Warrant Officer Franklin executed his appointment as the Band Sergeant Major to an exemplary standard for two decades. Resulting from his service, the Band of the 1st Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery flourished, becoming a cohesive and highly effective organisation that provides quality musical support to the Australian Defence Force and a valued method by which the Australian Army achieves community, Indigenous and international engagement objectives, domestically and regionally.

George, Daryl (SPC 1944-49): Received the Member of the Order of Australia (AM) Medal on Australia Day, 1991, in recognition of service to industry.

Gibson, Brian (SPC 1949-53): Received a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) Medal in the 1988 Australia Day Honours List in recognition of service to the forestry industry. Mr Gibson also received a Centenary Medal on January 1, 2001, for service to business leadership and the parliament.

Glenane, Detective Senior Sergeant Michael (SPC 1967-72): Received a National Medal on September 7, 1990 and a National Medal 1^st Clasp on July 31, 1999. As Federal Agent Glenane he received a Police Overseas Service Medal -(clasps:   Afghanistan/Timor-Leste/Solomon Islands/PNG/Cyprus). Michael has also received a National Police Service Medal, Australian Federal Police (AFP) Bravery Medal, Commissioners Group Citation for Hazardous Overseas service (AFP – Afghanistan), Commissioners Group Citation for Conspicuous Conduct (AFP – Timor-Leste), Australian Federal Police Service Medal, Australian Federal Police 40^th Anniversary Citation, Timor-Leste Solidarity Medal, North Atlantic Treaty Medal (Afghanistan), Solomon Islands International Police Medal, Jordan International Police Training Centre Medal, United Nations Peace Keeping Force Medal (Cyprus) and a United Nations Assistance Mission (Timor-Leste).

Grant, Donald (SPC 1943-50): Received an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) Medal on Australia Day, 2020, for distinguished service to surveying, particularly through the establishment of a combined public sector mapping agency.

Grogan, Brian (SPC 1949-53): Received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) on Australia Day, 2007, for service to the Mildura community through a range of water resource, environmental, local government, educational and church organisations.

Hanrahan, Joe (SPC 1925): Received a Distinguished Flying Cross (Imperial) (DFC) on September 15, 1944  for services in the 102 Squadron RAF.

Hayes, John Delaine (SPC 1933-36): Received a Military Medal (Imperial) (MM) on March 6, 1947 for services with Z Force in WWII.

Hayden, Colonel John Gerald (SPC 1910-17): Received the Order of the British Empire – Commander (Military) (Imperial) (CBE) on October 14, 1943, in recognition of distinguished service in the army in the Middle East.

Heinze, Professor Sir Bernard (SPC 1905-1912) (pictured left): Received a Knight Bachelor (Imperial) on January 1, 1949  in recognition of being the Professor of Music at Melbourne University. On January 26, 1976, Prof Heinze was made a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) for eminent achievement and merit of the highest degree in the field of music.

Heinze, Sgt Ferdinand: In November, 1918, Sergeant Heinze was awarded the DCM (Distinguished Conduct Medal) for his actions near Villers-Bretonneux on 4 July 1918.

Hetherington, Chief Superintendent Brian (SPC 1946-48): Received the Australian Police Medal on June 11, 1990, for outstanding service with the NSW Police Force and the National Medal on November 4, 1992.

Houghton, Norman (SPC 1963-65): Received and Order of Australia Medal (OAM) on Australia Day, 2021, in recognition of decades in professional archival roles, and other voluntary roles including founding member of the Royal Historical Society of Victoria, Australian Forest History and Otways Historical Society, and historian at The Geelong Club.

Hyland, Matthew (SPC 1935-37): Received an Order of the British Empire medal (OBE) on January 1, 1969 for service as the 1st Assistant Secretary of the Navy Department.

Hyland, Peter (SPC 1940-42): Received a Centenary Medal on January 1, 2001 for service to the Centenary of Federation celebrations in Deakin.

Janes, Michael (SPC 1955-56): Awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) on January 26, 2004 for services to the community in particular to the blind and those with impaired vision and for services to the Catholic church. In 2016, Michael was also awarded a Papal Knighthood – Knight of St Gregory for work within the Catholic Church.

Jones, Edward (SPC 1921): Received the Order of the British Empire – Member (Civil) (Imperial) (MBE) on June 2, 1973 for service to local government.

Jubb, Alan (SPC 1954-59): Received a National Medal on November 25, 1986 and a National Medal – First Clasp on June 8, 1988. Awarded the Chief Commissioner of Police Certificate for Community Service in 1990 and in 1991 was awarded the Australia Police Medal in the Queens Birthday Honours. On June 26, 1996 Alan was awarded the second clasp to National Medal for 35yrs service. In 1997 he was awarded the Victoria Police Medal for 35 years of Ethical and Diligent Service and then, in 2017, he received the National Police Service Medal.

Larmer, Lawrence (SPC 1935-40): Received a Medal of the Order of Australia on June 14, 2021 for his “service to the community through a range of roles”. Laurie, as a World War II bomber command pilot, was also awarded the French Legion of Honour in 2015.

Lenaghan, Colonel Eamon (SPC 1985-90): Received a Commendation for Distinguished Service Medal on June 14, 2010 for distinguished performance of duty in warlike operations as the principal Operations Planning Staff Officer at Headquarters Regional Command (South), International Security Assistance Force, Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. Eamon also received a Conspicuous Service Cross (CSC) on June 11, 2012 for outstanding achievement as the Staff Officer Grade One, The Army Plan in Army Headquarters. Eamon also received a Commendation for Distinguished Service medal on June 12, 2017 for distinguished performance of duty in warlike operations as the Chief of Plans for Combined Joint Forces Land Component Command, Operation INHERENT RESOLVE, Iraq.

Little, Archbishop Sir Frank Little (SPC 1938-42): Made an Order of the British Empire – Knights Commander (Civil) (Imperial) (KBE) on June 11, 1977.

Little, Lieutenant Leo Paul (SPC 1906-10): Received a Military Cross (Imperial) on December 17, 1917.

Lloyd, John (SPC 1961-67): Received a Public Service Medal (PSM) in June, 2004 for outstanding public service in the field of workplace relations, particularly his contribution to the Royal Commission into the Building and Construction Industry.

Locke, Major General William (Jack) (SPC 1907-09): Received a Military Cross (Imperial) on June 3, 1916.

Long, Major General Charles (SPC 1924-25): Received the Order of the British Empire – Commander (Military) (Imperial) (CBE) on June 2, 1962 in the Post-War Honours list.

Long, Edward (Ted) (SPC 1935-38) (pictured right): Received a Medal of the Order of Australian on June 11, 1984, for service to the community, particularly in relation to co-operative societies.

Mason, Mervyn (SPC 1939-40): Received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) on June 12, 1989 for service to local government and to the community.

McCarthy, John (SPC 1935-36): Received a Distinguished Flying Cross (Imperial) (DFC) on June 16, 1944 for services to 30 Squadron RAAF.

McCarthy, Sir Mortimer (SPC 1905-07): Received an Order of the British Empire – Commander (Civil) (Imperial) (CBE) on January 1, 1953 for his services as Chairman of the Commonwealth Tariff Board  and was made a Knight Bachelor (Imperial) on January 1, 1962.

McGinness, Paul (SPC 1910-11): Received a Distinguished Flying Cross Medal on February 8, 1919. Paul was also awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for conspicuous gallantry in 1916.

McKew, James (Jamie) (SPC 1960-65): Received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) on June 11, 1996 for service to music through the Geelong Folk Music Club and the Port Fairy Folk Music Festival.

McMillan, John (SPC 1955-56, 1958): Received a Public Service Medal (PSM) in the 1999 Queen’s Birthday Honours list “for outstanding public service,leadership and sustained contribution in the field of transport to the Department of Transport and Infastructure, Vic Roads and the Public Transport Corporation”. John also received the Australian Centenary Medal on January 1, 2001 for services to Victorian transport and infrastructure.

Mogg, Fr Kevin (SPC 1942-48): Received a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) Medal on June 14, 2004 for service to the community, particularly as the founder of an integrated welfare delivery agency, Catholic Social Services Victoria, and as a prison chaplain. Fr Mogg also received a Centenary Medal on January 1, 2001, for service to social justice through the Catholic Social Services.

Monahan, Sir Robert (SPC 1911-14): Made a Knight Bachelor (Imperial) on January 1, 1967 in recognition of service as a Puisne Judge in Victoria.

Moneghetti, Stephen (SPC 1975-80) (pictured left): Received a Member of the Order of Australia Award (AM) on the Queen’s Birthday in 2014 as recognition for significant service to athletics as a marathon runner, administrator and mentor to young athletes. On January 1, 2001 Mr Moneghetti was also presented with a Centenary Medal in for service to Australian society through the sport of running as well as receiving an Australian Sports Medal on July 14, 2000.

Mooney, John (SPC 1960-65): Received a Public Service Medal (PSM) on Australia Day, 2014, for outstanding public service in the area of education for children with special needs. He then received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) on June 7, 2020, for service to education, and to professional organisations.

Murrihy, Michael (SPC 1957-61): Received a Centenary Medal on January 1, 2001, for service to the state government and the administration of public housing in Ballarat.

Nicholas, Lieutenant Byron Fitzgerald (SPC 1909-11): In April 1916 Byron was awarded the Military Cross.

Nicholas, Capt George Matson (SPC 1902-03): Received the Companion of the Distinguished Service Order (Imperial) medal on October 20, 1916.

Nihill, Patrick (SPC 1905-07): Was awarded a Military Medal for bravery in the field in March 2016. Then in August 2016, he was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty.

O’Callaghan, James William (Bill) (SPC 1940-41): Received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) on Australia Day, 1995 for service to aged people and to the community.

O’Keefe, Reverend Pat (SPC 1925-26): Received an Order of the British Empire – Member (Military) (Imperial) (MBE) on April 27, 1944 for distinguished service in the SW Pacific.

O’Neill, Eugene (SPC 1926-29): Received the Companion of the Distinguished Service Order (Imperial) on January 7, 1944 for services in 109 Squadron RAF and the Distinguished Flying Cross (Imperial) on November 21, 1941 for services in 57 Squadron RAF.

O’Sullivan, Reginald Joseph (SPC circa 1900): Received a Distinguished  Conduct Medal for bravery during World War I.

Oudeman, Bishop Joe (SPC 1956-60): Received a Centenary Medal on January 1, 2001, for distinguished service to the community and religion.

Parer, David (SPC 1962-64): Was awarded an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 2024 Australia Day honours for distinguished service to wildlife cinematography, to literature as an author, and to the environment. Received a Polar Medal (Imperial) on March 14, 1978.

Pell, Cardinal George (SPC 1949-59): Received a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) Medal on June 13, 2005 for service to the Catholic Church in Australia and internationally, to raising debate on matters of an ethical and spiritual nature, to education, and to social justice. Cardinal Pell also received a Centenary Medal on January 1, 2001, for service to Australian society through the Roman Catholic Church.

Prince, Gunner Trenton Jon (SPC 1985-89): Received a Conspicuous Service Cross (CSC) in the Australia Day Honours list in 1994.

Rankins, Edward (Ted) (SPC 1948-52) (pictured right): Received a Medal of the Order of Australia on the Queen’s Birthday in 2014 for service to the community of Bendigo, particularly through tourism roles.

Renwick, Kevin (SPC 1946-49): Received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) on Australia Day, 2007, for service to the building industry, particularly through the development of small business opportunities, and to the community.

Richardson, Barry (SCP 1961-64): Received an Australian Sports Medal in 2000 for services to Australian Rules Football.

Rinaldi, William (SPC 1958-60): Received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) on January 25, 2021 for service to people with a disability, and to the community of Ballarat.

Secombe, Major General Victor Clarence (SPC 1911-14): Col Victor Clarence Secombe was awarded the Order of the British Empire – Commander (Military) (Imperial) (CBE) on December 30, 1941 for distinguished service in the Middle East. On January 1, 1955, the now Major General Secombe was awarded the Order of the Bath – Companion (Military) (Imperial) (CB) in recognition of his duties as General Officer Commanding Northern Command.

Spong, Keith (SPC 1948-50): Received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) on June 12, 1995 for service to the community and to Australian Rules football administration.

Torney, Geoffrey (SPC 1946-52): Received a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) Medal on Australia Day, 2005, in recognition of service to the legal profession, to the community of Ballarat, and to the thoroughbred horseracing industry. Mr Torney also received an Australian Sports Medal on August 30, 2000.

Treloar, George Devine (SPC 1900): George Treloar was awarded the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) and the Military Cross (MC), after actions on the Somme which caused him to be twice buried by shell bursts, and almost bullet-ridden at Ypres.

Tunbridge, Lt John Vincent (SPC 1901-10): Received a Military Cross (Imperial) in the Australian Flying Corps on January 1, 1918.

Walsh, Judge Frank (SPC 1948): Received a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) Medal on Australia Day, 2004, for service to the judiciary and the administration of justice in Victoria, and to the community through a range of church, social support, youth and sporting organisations.

Walsh, Peter (SPC 1965-70): Received a Medal of the Order of Australia on June 13, 2016 for service to the broadcast media, and to the community.

Warner, George Joseph (SPC 1907-09): Received the Military Medal for operations near Ypres, Belgium.

Whelan, Cornelius (Con) (SPC 1921-25): Received an Order of the British Empire – Officer (Civil) (Imperial) on June 13, 1970 in recognition of service to the local community.

White, Leon James (SPC 1966):  Received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) on Australia Day, 2001 for his “service to indigenous education, particularly through the Yirrakala Homelands School and as a mentor to indigenous educators”. Leon was a boarder from Wycheproof. 

Wilson, Peter (SPC 1959-65): Received an Australian Sports Medal in 2000 for services to Australian Rules Football.

Woof, Warrant Officer Class 2 Philip James (SPC 1976-80): Received a Conspicuous Service Medal (CSM) on June 11, 2001.

 

In addition to the Old Collegians listed above, the OCA also recognises those long-serving staff members who have also received honours. They are as follows:

Healy, Reverend Brother John Dominic (SPC Headmaster 1943-48, 1950-54): Received a Order of the British Empire – Member (Civil) (Imperial) (MBE) on January 1, 1971 for services to education.

O’Malley, Reverend Brother William Theodore (Famed SPC teacher and 1st XVIII Coach): Received the Order of the British Empire – Medal (Civil) / British Empire Medal (Civil) (Imperial) (BEM) on December 31, 1976 in recognition of services to education and sport.

Casey, Dr Peter (SPC Headmaster 2002-14): Received a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) Medal on January 26, 2015 for significant service to secondary education as an administrator and teacher, to professional organisations, and to the community of Ballarat.