Keri Craig-Lee, Merilyn Luck and Justice Michelle May have been named among other Australians in the Queen’s Birthday honour roll.
The Order of Australia announced on Monday formally recognises Australians across the country for their outstanding achievements and contribution to society.
Fashion designer Keri Craig-Lee (nee Craig ’75) was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her service to the clothing manufacture sector, business and the community.
Born into a fashion family, Keri tried her hand at her first fashion line at just 19 and so began the Keri Craig empire. Earning her place as one of Queensland’s most iconic business women, Keri has received several accolades. Today the Keri Craig brand has evolved to focus on the Keri Craig Emporium, a fashion, café and homewares boutique situated in the Brisbane Arcade.
St Margaret’s Old Girl Merilyn Luck (nee Beak, ’51) has devoted much of her life to her local community. It was for her service to the Rockhampton community, that Merilyn was awarded a Medal (OAM) in the General Division.
One of the inaugural donors to the Rockhampton Art gallery in the late 1970s, Merilyn’s generosity and commitment helped to establish the founding art collection. She later became a Trustee (in 1994) and in 2007 was appointed chairwoman. Under her ambitious leadership, the gallery experienced tremendous growth, including the introduction of two biennial art prizes, the Gold and Baynton awards. The gallery’s collection is one of the most revered in regional Queensland, valued at more than $14million and housing more than 1200 works. In 2016, Merilyn was recognised for her longstanding dedication and leadership of the Rockhampton Art Gallery, which included the naming of a wing of the gallery in her honour.
In addition to her passion for the arts, Merilyn has devoted much of her life to her faith, and has been an active member of the Anglican Church serving as Lay Minister, Dean’s Warden and Parish Councillor, coordinating finance and planning between 1985 to early 2000.
Merilyn also became a Director of Central Queensland University’s Foundation in the late 1990s. In 2013 her contribution was recognised when the university bestowed on her an Honorary Award of Companion of the University.
Merilyn’s unwavering commitment to the Rockhampton region was acknowledged publicly in 2012 when she became the recipient of the Rockhampton City Council Australia Day Cultural Award.
The Honourable Justice Michelle May is judge of the Family Court of Australia, Appeal Division and President of the Australasian Institute of Judicial Administration. Justice May (’72) was awarded a Member (AM) in the General Division for significant service to the law, particularly to the Family Court of Australia, to judicial administration and to professional associations.
Commencing legal practice in 1979, Justice May was admitted to the Queensland Bar in 1978 and appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1993. In 1995 she was appointed as Judge of the Family Court of Australia, the first female appointment to that court from Queensland.
Congratulations to each of these St Margaret’s Old Girls aptly recognised for their stellar achievements and commitment; and outstanding and aspirational role models for the St Margaret’s community.