Australian Honours

Four Korovians received King’s Birthday Honours who, when added to the Australia Day Honours, brings the total to eight Korovians who have been recognised in 2023. We are very proud of their spirit of service – a hallmark of a Korowa education.

Jen McVeity OAM (Class of 1971)

Received a Medal of the Order of Australia in the King’s Birthday Honours for service to literacy education as an author and publisher. Jen was the Founder of Seven Steps to Writing Success, Australia’s largest educator of writing literacy that has now assisted many teachers in the vital development of their students’ literacy skills. She is also the author of 20 children’s books, a feature journalist, and an international keynote speaker.

Marina Prior AM (Class of 1981)

Received an AM in the Order of Australia in the 2023 King's Birthday Honours in recognition of her significant service to musical theatre as a singer and performer. Marina has had an amazing career over many decades and is one of Australia’s foremost musical theatre stars. She has also been involved in many charitable pursuits, notably her long association with Vision Australia’s, Carols by Candlelight. Reflecting on her school years Marina recalls loving all things musical under the watchful eye of Robin Wright. She recalls, “my first taste of performing on stage was in the Beatrice K. Guyett Assembly Hall when my dreams of becoming a performer were just that - dreams. I have many magical memories of my early years of treading the boards there”.

Natalie Wischer OAM (Class of 1989)

Received a Medal of the Order of Australia in the King’s Birthday Honours for service to the community, particularly to people living with diabetes. Natalie has been CEO of the National Association of Diabetes Centres since 2017. Natalie has also been very involved in her local community and led the Yea Hospital’s management of the Black Saturday bushfire emergency response and post incident review.

Miriam Stanborough AM (Lyons, Class of 1991)

Awarded an AM in the General Division of the Order of Australia in the 2023 King’s Birthday Honours for significant service to the minerals and mining sector, and to the community. Miriam is a non-executive director on three ASX listed mining company boards, has been Chair of the Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia since 2019 and is a past Chair of the Women in Mining Network, Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. Miriam has also been extensively involved in community work, particularly for SHINE Inspire Achieve Belong, NACC NRM and Scouts WA.

Sue Crow AM (Class of 1981)

We are really delighted to report, yet another Korovian was recognised in the Australia Day Honours in January. Sue Crow (Haward, Class of 1973) was made a member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia in recognition of her significant service to sports administration, including as Head of Community at Melbourne City Football Club from 2010 – 2021 and as a valued member of Football Australia’s Women’s Football Council. Whilst at school, Sue developed a passion for sport, a passion that continues today. In her final year, she was appointed House Captain of Jamieson. She went on to study at the University of Melbourne gaining a Bachelor of Education and a Post Graduate degree in Sports Management. She is a past CEO of Softball Australia, Netball Victoria, and Executive Director of Women’s Cricket Australia.