ACU Pro-Chancellor Julien O’Connell has been awarded an upgraded Medal of the Order of Australia in the 2020 Queen’s Birthday Honours List, for his service to the community.
Mr O’Connell was previously awarded an AM (Member of the Order) medal in 2013, in honour of his work in the community. This year, his service has been further recognised with a prestigious AO (Officer of the Order) medal, celebrating his contributions to community health in the aged-care sector and to higher education.
ACU Chancellor John Fahey AC, GCSG congratulated Mr O’Connell for the role he has played in improving the lives of Australians.
“Julien has made a significant difference to health via executive positions in the aged-care sector and also through his fundraising efforts to support mothers, children and the elderly, and to extend medical research.
“He is held in the highest esteem, not only in university, business and political circles, but also within the Catholic community.”
Mr O’Connell has had a long and distinguished career in insurance, accounting and risk management, and has served as an executive on several public bodies, including:
- Chairman, Villa Maria Catholic Homes
- Chairman, CEO Institute Syndicate
- Executive Chairman, Mercy Health Foundation
- Chairman, PM Glynn Institute
- Board Member, Catholic Health Australia
- Board Member, Archdiocese of Melbourne Finance Council
- Trade Attaché Victoria, Enterprise Ireland
- Fellow, Australian Institute of Company Directors
- Chairman, Mercy Health
- Chairman, Fraynework Board
As Chair of ACU’s PM Glynn Institute, Mr O’Connell has invested considerable time and energy in helping to establish the institute’s international board of advisers, which brought a number of highly distinguished international scholars and public figures into the work of the institute and the university.
“ACU has also had the benefit of Mr O’Connell’s vast experience and guidance during his role as ACU’s Pro-Chancellor over the past four years. I thank him for his continued support, and I congratulate him on this magnificent achievement,” Mr Fahey said.