Dr Peter Hurly (Retd)
Date Emeritus status conferred – 2024
Dr Nader Abou-Seif
Date Emeritus status conferred – 2023
Associate Professor Norton Duckmanton OAM – VALE
Date Emeritus status conferred – 2022
Associate Professor Norton Duckmanton OAM was a distinguished Australian prosthodontist and World War II veteran, renowned for his extensive contributions to both dentistry and veteran welfare. His remarkable career spanned several decades, during which he significantly influenced dental education and practice.Duckmanton’s academic journey began at Sydney Dental Hospital in 1948, culminating in his graduation in 1951. He subsequently served as a registrar and later as a visiting professor in prosthodontics at Northwestern University Dental School in Chicago. Throughout his career, he mentored countless students and practitioners, fostering advancements in prosthodontics. His leadership roles included inaugural president of the Australian Osseointegration Society, with life membership conferred in 2015, and membership in esteemed organizations such as the Academy of Australia and New Zealand Prosthodontists, the Australian Prosthodontic Society (life member since 2012), the Academy of Osseointegration, the American Prosthodontic Society, the International Academy of Prosthodontics, the Pierre Fauchard Academy, and the Australian Military Medicine Association.
Beyond dentistry, Duckmanton was deeply committed to supporting veterans and their families. His dedication was recognized with the Reserve Forces Oration in 1990 and the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 2007. After a career marked by service and excellence, he retired from his position at Sydney Dental Hospital at the age of 88, leaving a legacy of compassion and professionalism.
BRIG Anne Campbell (Retd)
Date Emeritus status conferred – 2022
Major-General William James AC, AO (Mil), MBE, MC, FRACS – VALE
Date Emeritus status conferred – 2022
Major General William Brian “Digger” James AC, AO (Mil), MBE, MC, FRACS (14 May 1930 – 16 October 2015) was a distinguished Australian soldier and military physician, renowned for his exemplary service and dedication to both his country and the medical profession. Born in Shepparton, Victoria, he earned the nickname “Digger” in infancy when his father placed a slouch hat on his head. He attended the Royal Military College, Duntroon, graduating in 1951.During the Korean War, as a platoon commander with the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, Lieutenant James led a patrol on 7 November 1952 that encountered a minefield, resulting in severe injuries, including the loss of his left foot. Demonstrating exceptional leadership, he organized the evacuation of his men before attending to his own injuries, actions for which he was awarded the Military Cross.
Undeterred by his injuries, James pursued a medical degree at the University of Sydney, graduating in 1963. He rejoined the Army as a medical officer, serving with distinction in the Vietnam War as the commanding officer of the 8th Field Ambulance and Senior Medical Officer of the 1st Australian Task Force from 1968 to 1969, earning the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his service. He rose to the rank of Major General, serving as Director General of Army Health Services from 1981 until his retirement in 1985.
In retirement, Major General James continued to serve the veteran community, notably as National President of the Returned and Services League (RSL) from 1993 to 1997, and as Chairman of the Council of the Australian War Memorial. His lifelong commitment to service was recognized with numerous honors, including appointment as a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) in 1998.
CDRE Peter Habersberger AM RFD RAN (Retd)
Date Emeritus status conferred – 2022
Commodore Peter Graeme Habersberger AM, RFD, RANR, is a distinguished Australian cardiologist and senior naval officer with a career spanning both medical and military fields. Graduating with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from the University of Melbourne, he earned honours in physiology, bacteriology, medicine, and surgery. He is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians and the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand, and an Associate Fellow of the Australasian College of Aerospace Medicine.In his medical practice, Commodore Habersberger serves as a general cardiologist in Melbourne, specializing in managing a wide range of cardiac issues, including chest pain, shortness of breath, and palpitations. His professional experience includes roles such as Consultant Cardiologist at Cabrini Health, Visiting Physician and Cardiologist at The Alfred Hospital, and Clinical Teacher at Monash University School of Medicine. He has also contributed to the aviation sector as a Consultant Cardiologist to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Parallel to his medical career, Commodore Habersberger has had a notable tenure with the Royal Australian Navy Reserve. He has held positions including Assistant Surgeon General, Navy, and Consultant Cardiologist to the Surgeon General of the Australian Defence Forces. His service extended to international duties, such as serving as a Specialist Medical Officer at the United Nations Hospital in Dili, East Timor. In recognition of his exceptional service, particularly in integrating members of the Australian Naval Reserve, he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the 1997 Australia Day Honours.
Surgeon Captain ‘Sandy’ Ferguson AM VRD RFD RANR RTD
Date Emeritus status conferred – 1991
He continued his naval service following WW2 in the Naval Reserve and was promoted to Surgeon Captain in 1968. He served as the District Naval Medical officer at HMAS LONSDALE until its closure in the early 1990s and then continued seeing patients at HMAS CERBERUS on a weekly basis.
At the end of WW2 he was appointed Medical Superintendent of the Alfred Hospital and Honorary Anaesthetist at Prince Henry’s, the Royal Women’s and the Repatriation General Hospital at Heidelberg.
“Sandy” had a lifetime association with the Hawthorn Football Club. His father, Tom, played for the club and “Sandy” joined as the club’s medical officer in 1950. He was President of that club from 1952 to 1967. His 15 year tenure as President was recognized at Hawthorn with the opening of a stand at their Glenferrie home ground and named the “A.S.Ferguson Stand” by the Governor of Victoria in 1968.
Sandy was very active in the ex-service community and was President of the Naval Association of Australia from 1975 until 1990. He led the Melbourne Anzac Day march in 1992.
He was an Honorary Life Member of the Australian Military Medicine Association, the Victorian Football League, the Hawthorn Football Club, the Naval Association of Australia and the Melbourne Naval Centre. He was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 1989.
Dr. John Charles Lane AM, MB BS (Hons), MPH (Harvard), FACOM, FRAES
Date Emeritus status conferred – 1991
After the war, Dr. Lane became the inaugural Director of Aviation Medicine in the Department of Civil Aviation, a position he held from 1947 to 1982. His tenure was marked by significant contributions to air safety, including his role as a medical monitor in the U.S. manned spaceflight programs, notably Projects Mercury and Gemini, earning him recognition as a ‘Space Surgeon’ by the USAF.
In addition to his aviation work, Dr. Lane was a pioneer in road safety. He introduced the concept of ‘crashworthiness’ and was instrumental in establishing vehicle safety standards in Australia. His efforts led to life-saving developments in both aviation and automotive sectors, such as the installation of overturn trusses on crop-dusting aircraft, enhancing pilot survival rates in crashes.
Dr. Lane’s academic pursuits included earning a Master of Public Health from Harvard University in 1957. He was actively involved with Monash University as an Associate at the Accident Research Centre and an Honorary Lecturer in the Department of Social and Preventative Medicine. His professional affiliations were extensive, including fellowships with the Royal Aeronautical Society and the U.S. Aerospace Medical Association, from which he received the J.H. Tamisiea Award. In 1985, he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for his services to aviation medicine and road safety standards.
Dr. Lane passed away in late January 1999 after a short illness. His legacy as the Father of Australian Aviation Medicine endures, reflecting his vision and dedication to the field over five decades.
Vivienne Bullwinkel
Date Emeritus status conferred – 1991
After the war, she became a prominent advocate for nurses and veterans, testifying at war crime trials and serving in various leadership roles in nursing organizations. She was awarded the Florence Nightingale Medal and made an Officer of the Order of Australia for her contributions to healthcare and veteran support. Her courage and resilience made her a symbol of strength and compassion in Australian history.
Weary Dunlop
Date Emeritus status conferred – 1991
After the war, Dunlop dedicated his life to medicine, veteran advocacy, and humanitarian work, particularly in Southeast Asia. He was knighted in 1969 for his services to medicine and veterans. His legacy lives on as a national hero, remembered for his courage, selflessness, and commitment to helping others.