BRISBANE Catholic Education’s executive director David Hutton was honoured with an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in last weekend’s Queen’s Birthday Honours.
The respected educator received the OAM for services to education in Queensland and his contribution to professional associations.
Mr Hutton, who has been executive director for 14 out of a total 27 years at Brisbane Catholic Education, said he was honoured to receive the medal but viewed it as reflection of the organisation as a whole.
“It is a recognition not just of my own contribution but the contribution of Catholic Education, and all who work in it, to Queensland and Australian society,” he said.
“We make a significant contribution not just within the Church but beyond it, and in recognising my leadership they are recognising all the people who have been involved in it.”
Brisbane archdiocese’s Moderator Fr Peter Meneely praised the announcement, saying he was delighted Mr Hutton’s lifelong ministry in Catholic education had been recognised in such a significant way with the national honour.
“David has been a passionate and deeply committed Catholic educator and leader and he has given his all to the promotion of the Church’s ministry in education within the Archdiocese of Brisbane and throughout Australia,” Fr Meneely said.
“I congratulate him and all who have worked alongside him on this award and thank him for his many years of serving and supporting families and young people in the most important endeavour of education and faith development.”
In addition to the OAM Mr Hutton has previously been admitted as a fellow to the peak body Australian College of Educators and the Australian Council for Educational Leaders.
In receiving the OAM he joins company with the former head of the Queens-land Education Commission (QCEC) Alan Druery and former head of both the Rockhampton diocese Cath-olic Education Office and the QCEC Joe McCorley.
Mr Hutton has flagged his intention to retire in January 2013. An executive search to fill his leadership role is already under way.
Among other Catholics on the Queen’s Birthday Honours list were former Queensland Liberal senator Dr John Her-ron; Monsignor Anthony Doherty, of Rose Bay, Sydney; Jesuit Father Peter Steele, of Parkville, Victoria; James Geiger, Gympie, Queensland; Mercy Sister Heather McCly-mont, of Toronto, NSW; and Presentation Sister Mary (Rosa) MacGinley, of Scar-borough, Queensland.
Dr Herron was named an Officer (AO) of the Order of Australia for distinguished service to the Australian parliament, to international relations through diplomatic and humanitarian roles, to professional associations, and to the community.
After retiring from politics, Dr Herron was Australian Ambassador to Ireland and to the Holy See from 2003-05.
Monsignor Doherty was named a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia for service to the Catholic Church through adult faith education and pastoral care, and to the Rose Bay parish.
Fr Steele received the same honour for service to literature and higher education as a poet, author, scholar and teacher, and for service to the Catholic Church.
Sr McClymont received a Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia for service to the community through the Sisters of Mercy.
Sr MacGinley received the same honour for service to theological education, including for her work with the Australian Catholic University.
