Flett, Fini win Australia Day honours

Brightwater Care Group chief executive Penny Flett and property developer Adrian Fini were among the Western Australian business figures recognised in the annual Australia Day honours.

Dr Flett is among 212 female recipients in this year’s honours list, receiving the officer (AO) in the general division of the order of Australia.

Dr Flett was recognised for her work in the aged care sector and education, and for her contribution to the community.

She has led Brightwater Care Group since 1996 and has also chaired the WA Aged Care Advisory Council since 2002.

In addition to this, Dr Flett has been the University of Western Australia’s pro-chancellor since 2008 and a senate member to the university since 2007.

Mr Fini was recognised for his service to the arts in Western Australia, receiving a medal (OAM) in the general division order.

He is currently managing director with Fini Group and has been a director of FJM Property since 2010.

Mr Fini led Mirvac’s WA division from 2001 to 2005 and was the inaugural chair of the Tomorrow Fund at the Art Gallery of Western Australia from 2008 to 2012.

He is also on the boards of the University of Western Australia Business School, Australian Urban Design Research Centre and Giving West, and chairs the Western Australia chapter of Creative Partnerships Australia.

Urban design academic Peter Newman was also awarded officer (AO) in the general division of the order of Australia for his work as a researcher.

Professor Newman teaches sustainability in the Curtin University and is a member of the advisory committee at Infrastructure Australia.

The late Keiran McNamara, who held the role of director-general at the Department of Environment and Conservation from 2006 to 2013, was recgnised for his work in public administration, receiving the officer (AO) in the general division of the order of Australia.

Mr McNamara was also WA’s representative for Ministerial Councils and standing committees including the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities and Council of Australian Governments.