Marg O’Rourke has been instrumental in servicing the Greater Bendigo community; bringing a wealth of knowledge, deep connections across central Victoria and leadership experience to the Head of Campus role, which she commenced in January this year.
La Trobe Vice-Chancellor Professor Theo Farrell congratulated Marg on her outstanding achievement and said this a reflection of her broader commitment to the community.
“It is wonderful to see Marg’s outstanding leadership and significant contribution to the Bendigo community, including in regional tertiary education, recognised in this way,” Professor Farrell said.
Marg’s many successes include being the first Mayor of the City of Greater Bendigo to hold the position for four consecutive terms. The Bendigo Campus Head is also heavily engaged across multiple industry boards, including V/Line, as well as Chair of Bendigo Kangan Institute.
Among her achievements, Marg is a proud advocate for First Nations People and has supported embedding Traditional Owner engagement and recognition into City of Greater Bendigo practices.
Humbled by the recognition, Marg said she is deeply grateful to make the King’s Birthday Honours List.
“It is a great honour to be recognised for my work in being a voice for the region,” Marg said.
“I’ve had the privilege of serving my community as Mayor and as Councillor, and I will continue championing higher education in regional and rural communities including through my current role as La Trobe Bendigo campus head.
“I look forward to ensuring La Trobe’s Bendigo campus continues to remain connected and engaged with communities across the Loddon Campaspe region.”
Professor Farrell also acknowledged all the other recipients of this year’s King’s Birthday Honours.
“I’d like to also extend my congratulations to all of this year’s King’s Birthday Honours recipients from across La Trobe and the extraordinary commitment they have shown to their communities,” Professor Farrell said.
We’re proud to recognise and congratulate:
Companion of the Order of Australia (AC)
Daniel M Andrews AC Friend
For eminent service to the people and Parliament of Victoria, to public health, to policy and regulatory reform, and to infrastructure development.
Officer of the Order of Australia (AO)
The Honourable Kevin H Bell AO QC Former Staff Member
For distinguished service to the judiciary, to the law, and to human rights through education and reform.
The Honourable Gregory I Combet AO MP Friend
For distinguished service to the people and Parliament of Australia, and to the banking and superannuation industries.
John Furness AO Friend
For distinguished service to medical research in the field of autonomic neuroscience and neurogastroenterology.
Jane Tewson AO CBE Friend
For distinguished service to the community through social enterprise endeavours, to the not-for-profit sector, and as an entrepreneur.
Member of the Order of Australia (AM)
Robin Campbell AM Friend
For significant service to arts administration, and to the community.
Leonard Vary AM Friend
For significant service to the philanthropic sector, to the LGBTQIA+ community, and to the arts.
Thea C Brown AM Former Staff Member
For significant service to social welfare, particularly through family violence and child protection research.
Elizabeth Hartland AM Friend
For significant service to medical research, particularly microbiology, and to tertiary education.
Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM)
Jason D Ball OAM Former Staff Member
For service to the community through social inclusion initiatives.
Kerry M Bolger OAM Alumni
For service to education.
Helen C Botham OAM Alumni
For service to childhood literacy, and to historical preservation.
Suzanne M Brooks OAM Alumni
For service to the LGBTQIA+ community, and to women in business.
Kristine Olaris OAM Alumni
For service to the community of Victoria.
Maureen A McInerney OAM Former Staff Member
For service to the community through social welfare roles.
Lisa McKenzie OAM Friend
For service to the community of Shepparton.
Margaret O'Rourke OAM Current Staff Member
For service to the community of Bendigo.
Denise A Heinjus OAM Alumni
For service to nursing.
Tuanh Nguyen OAM Current Staff Member
For service to the community through governance and advocacy roles.
Kathryn M Rodden OAM Alumni
For service to conservation.
Public Service Medal (PSM)
William Whitford PSM La Trobe University Council Member
For outstanding public service in the financial sector.
Australian Police Medal (APM)
Arlene Mavratsou APM Alumni
Media Contact:
Claire Bowers – c.bowers@latrobe.edu.au – 0437 279 903
or the media team: https://www.latrobe.edu.au/news/contact-us
