Prominent corporate adviser John Poynton, former mining executive Bill Turner, and Supreme Court judge Carmel McLure are among the Western Australian luminaries to receive honours as part of this year’s Queen’s Birthday awards.
Prominent corporate adviser John Poynton, former mining executive Bill Turner, and Supreme Court judge Carmel McLure are among the Western Australian luminaries to receive honours as part of this year’s Queen’s Birthday awards.
Justice McLure was awarded top honours for her service to the law and to the judiciary in WA, to legal administration and professional development, and to the community through contributions to tertiary education and arts organisations.
She was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1997 and in 2001 she was welcomed to the bench of the Supreme Court.
Justice McLure became a member of the Court of Appeal upon its inception in 2005, and was appointed its president in 2009.
Mr Poynton was honoured for his service to the community through leadership in the not-for-profit and philanthropy sectors, as a supporter of charitable organisations, and to business.
He sits on the board of multiple companies, including as chairman of Giving West, Warrington Property Group, Jindalee Partners and Christ Church Grammar School.
Mr Poynton is also principal of Linc Property and was recently appointed to the board of Orbital Corporation as a director.
Mr Turner, a long-serving CEO at Anvil Mining, was recognised for his service to the mining sector and international relations through leadership and business and exploration collaboration between Australia and Africa.
He was the founding chair of the Australia-Africa Minerals & Energy Group.
AAMEG chief executive Trish O’Reilly said the group gained national and international recognition under Mr Turner’s stewardship.
WA’s first female governor, Kerry Sanderson, was also honoured for her service to the people of the state.
Before becoming governor in 2014, Ms Sanderson was best known for being chief executive of the state-owned Fremantle Ports for 17 years, from 1991 to 2008.
During her time at the helm, the port was restructured and made profitable after years of financial losses and she had to keep it running during the infamous 1998 Australia-wide industrial waterfront dispute.
As agent-general in London, she was a diplomat selling WA to Europe.
The highlight was promoting Australia's successful bid for the Square Kilometre Array radio telescope in outback WA.
WA media identity Chris Wharton and former Liberal federal MP Judith Moylan were also appointed Officers of the Order of Australia.
Mr Wharton is the chief executive officer of Seven West Media WA and was recognised for significant service to the print and television media and community.
Ms Moylan was honoured for her distinguished service to the parliament and WA community, particularly through the promotion of the status of women and advocacy for those with diabetes.
Automotive Holdings Group managing director Bronte Howson was honoured for his service to the automotive industry and charitable organisations, while company director and former state attorney general Cheryl Edwardes was recognised for her service to the people and parliament of WA.
