South Australian Emeritus Professor Geoffrey Bruce Fincher from the University of Adelaide has been awarded for his distinguished service to science and education with and an Order of Australia (AO).

Professor Fincher was recognised for his work as an academic, researcher and administrator in the area of plant genomics and through his service in scientific advisory roles, including work with international professional societies.

Geoff Fincher has made a distinguished contribution to cereal chemistry and the grains industry through his work on the structure, biosynthesis and digestion of plant cell walls. 

Plant cell walls are considered to be the most abundant source of renewable energy on the planet and play a major role in human and animal nutrition and as sources of biofuels and biopolymers. 

Fincher’s work has included the discoveries of many of the enzymes involved in the synthesis and degradation of cell wall polysaccharides of barley, particularly the (1,3;1,4)-β-glucans that have a key role in the brewing industry and human nutrition.

Another recipient, Victorian David Allan Larkin founder and managing director of Atron Enterprises was awarded in the General Division of the Order Of Australia (AM) for his significant service to the Australian beef export industry.

Known in the industry as an entrepreneur, David Larkin is recognised as one of the Australian beef industry’s leading strategic planners. 

Larkin is a representative on local, state and national meat industry advisory boards. In 2004 David wrote The Larkin Model which the Federal Government has adopted as the model which the Australian beef industry uses to trade with the US when Australia’s export quota ceiling is breached. He was part of the team that created the AMIC/MICA fat claim guidelines which form the current trading rules in Australia.

Queensland man Peter Spence Milne has been recognised for his service to primary industry, particularly to the livestock sector, to animal health and biosecurity programs, and to the community. 

Awarded with an Order of Australia (AM) Milne has held senior positions on a number of organisations including Biosecurity Queensland, Animal Health Australia, Queensland Cattle Industry Biosecurity Fund and the National Livestock Identification System to name a few. 

Fellow Queenslander William Robinson was also awarded an Order of Australia (AM) for his work in the primary industry sector particularly to agriculture. Also recognised for his significant service to medicine as a plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Robinson has held high positions at a board level with numerous agricultural organisations including Corporate Agriculture Group, National Farmers Federation, as well as being a sponsor for many years to the Australian Farm Institute.