Australia Day Honours for RMIT

The honours recognise Australians who have made a significant difference to their communities, and for outstanding achievements, excellence or meritorious service.

Mr Dowler, RMIT University Vietnam's Hanoi Head of Campus, received the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his service to the community of Central Queensland.

He was recognised for his contribution through emergency services and intercultural programs in Queensland.

Mr Dowler was awarded a bravery medal by the Royal Humane Society of Australasia in 2009.

He has also served as the Chairman of the Australian arm of the AFS Intercultural Programs, which has hosted more than 20 exchange students over 13 years, and lead a Central Queensland helicopter rescue service for more than 12 years.

Members of RMIT's alumni community also received awards, including Dr Simon Barter, who studied a Bachelor and Diploma of Applied Science and a Graduate Diploma in Metal Finishing and Surface Protection.

Dr Barter received a Public Service Medal for outstanding public service to aircraft accident investigation and safety, particularly the area of metal fatigue in military aircraft, and the development of differentially corrected GPS-based debris mapping.

Michelle Seddon, who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice Administration, also received a Public Service Medal for her outstanding service to community correctional services in Victoria, particularly through the introduction of innovative and accessible justice delivery programs.

Other members of the RMIT community who received honours:

Armando Ficarra, who holds a Graduate Diploma in Careers Education, received a Medal of the Order of Australia for service to education and to the community.

Air Commodore Robert Lawson, who studied a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering, received a Medal of the Order of Australia in the Military Division for meritorious service as Officer Commanding Strike Reconnaissance Systems Program Office and Director General Airlift and Tanker Systems in the Royal Australian Air Force.

Ronald Gretton, who has an Associate Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, received a Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the community through the preservation of military action heritage.

Air Vice-Marshall Leigh Gordon, who has a Bachelor of Aeronautical Engineering, was made a Member in the Military Division of the Order of Australia, for exceptional service to the Australian Defence Force in aerospace logistics.

Carrie Graf, who has a Bachelor of Applied Science in Physical Education, was made a Member in the General Division of the Order of Australia, for significant service to basketball, particularly as a coach, mentor and athlete, and to the community.