Medal of the Order of Australia
Judy Travers, a dedicated teacher, principal and education department leader (now retired) was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia last week, for services to education administration and to the community.
Improving student welfare and learning was a mission for Judy who had a selfless commitment to public education, knowing education can transform lives.
At the age of 29, Judy was one of Tasmania’s youngest and first female principals. By 39, she was a district superintendent.
Judy’s 48-year career encompassed teaching, principalship, policy development, statewide leader of extended learning opportunities and online learning and many other roles!
Her contribution to learning for both students and for staff, was significant, and is still felt today. She was…
- inaugural coordinator for the Hardie Fellowship for education staff to visit American universities.
- recipient of travelling scholarships including Churchill, Hardie and Gandel fellowships, which she used to initiate middle schooling educational partnerships; build challenging environments to engage gifted and talented students; promote re-engagement of students in learning; and instigate curriculum revision to explore tolerance and prejudice through the teaching of the Holocaust.
- inaugural coordinator / chairperson of the Frank MacDonald Memorial Prize for grade nine students.
- State Manager of the ‘What Matters?’ writing competition for students
- A supporter of the primary schools’ band program involving 1,500 singers and players
- An initiator of the Young Archie portraiture competition for artists from kindergarten to grade 12.
Deputy Secretary for Children and Young People, Trudy Pearce shared her thoughts on Judy’s contribution to education in Tasmania:
Judy’s contribution to educational provision stands alone with her commitment to community, across a variety of other roles, also noteworthy. Judy’s CV is incredible – recognising that in every role Judy assumed she always gave it her absolute best, and empowered others. Really importantly, the impact of her contributions and leadership was significant, with the legacy of Judy’s thinking and innovation still felt by learners and staff today – as it will be into the future.
We congratulate Judy for this deserved recognition, and thank her for all she has done in the service of education in Tasmania.
Find out more about all the Award recipients for Tasmania and Australia broadly on the Governor-General’s official Honours List website.
Thanks to the Women in Tasmania website for additional information.
