Genazzano Alumnae in Australia Day Honours

On 26 January, two members of Genazzano’s Alumnae received Australia Day honours in recognition of their achievements.

Governor General Peter Cosgrove approved the annual honours list, which he said were “a source of courage, support and inspiration” who have made Australia a “stronger, safer and more caring nation”.

“For over 40 years these honours have helped to define, encourage and reinforce our national aspirations and ideals by acknowledging exceptional Australians,” General Cosgrove said.

“Today, we add a new group of names to those we should all admire”.

Dr Jane Carolan OAM

Jane received a Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia, for service to the community as an historian, archivist and author. She was one of the 35 Catholic lay and religious clergy that were honoured on Australia Day.

Dr Carolan recently obtained her PhD and has completed a history of Loreto Mandeville Hall in Toorak, and prior to that a detailed record of Trinity Grammar. 

She graduated in 1966 having held the position of School Captain.

Fiona Lawton

Fiona received an Australia Day Medallion in for her outstanding performance on special projects and in the performance of her core duties with Airservices Australia.

Fiona graduated from Genazzano in 1987, having been House Captain, Prefect and Dux of English in her final year.

Fiona contributes actively to the aviation sector, seeking to promote Airservices, the profession of air traffic control and the role of women in aviation whenever she can. In 2015 she presented at Swinburne University to aviation graduates on ATC as a career, participated in the 8 month Chief Executive Women Leadership program, hosted female industry leaders from a number of sectors at Airservices facilities in Brisbane, and is a member of the Women in Aerospace/Aviation Association.

Fiona’s youngest son was born with Angelman Syndrome (AS), a rare severe neurological disorder. It is characterised by profound developmental delays, problems with motor coordination and balance, and epilepsy. Individuals with AS do not develop functional speech, suffer sleep disorders and the seizures can be difficult to control.  Fiona devotes herself tirelessly to fundraising and raising awareness for the Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics (FAST).

Fiona was a founding Board Member of this not-for-profit organisation that is dedicated to funding research to find a cure for AS. She remains active within this parent-run organisation and provides specialised support to the Board through writing of grant applications, and driving social media support to help FAST obtain corporate fundraising dollars. FAST recently won the Microsoft social media competition UpgradeYourWorld, earning $US50,000 for research.