Super executives recognised in Australia Day 2024 Honours List

Several members of the superannuation industry have been recognised in the Australia Day 2024 Honours List.

The Governor-General last week unveiled the Australia Day 2024 Honours List, recognising 1,042 Australians for achievements in the Order of Australia (general and military divisions), meritorious contributions, and distinguished and conspicuous service.

The honours list featured several distinguished members from the superannuation industry, including:

• Susanne Dahn, an investment adviser, partner, and consultant for accounting firm Pitcher Partners and a non-executive director (NED) for HESTA Super and Victorian Traditional Owners Funds Management Limited, who was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the general division for her “significant service to business, to the finance sector, and to the community”.
• Lorraine Berends, director at Qantas Super and former national board chair of the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA), who was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her “significant service to the financial and business sectors, and to the community”.
• Graeme Grant, a former chair of CareSuper and former board member of ME Bank, who was granted a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the general division for “service to the finance and superannuation sectors”.
• Pascale Helyar-Moray, the co-founder and chief executive of Super-Rewards (now rebranded to Grow My Money) and a former head of investment trusts for JP Morgan Asset Management, who received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the general division for “service to business, and to women's affairs”.
• Nicole Oborne, a PwC Australia partner and superannuation and asset management assurance leader and a mentor for Financial Executive Women, who was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the general division for “service to the financial sector, and to the community”.

Announcing the list on Friday, the Governor-General said: “Congratulations to the outstanding Australians recognised in today’s Honours List. Recipients have made a difference and had an impact at the local, national and/or international level. Individually, they are inspiring and collectively, they speak to the strength of our communities.

“Recipients come from all parts of the country. They have served and had an impact in just about every field you can imagine; their stories and backgrounds are diverse. We value their service, thank them for their hard work and selflessness and, today, celebrate them.

“To each recipient: know that you have the thanks and respect of your nation. In my experience, most are humble and often try to deflect attention or praise – please enjoy the moment because your country has decided that you deserve recognition.

“To all Australians: our honours system belongs to all of us and the Order of Australia must reflect who we are. We can all nominate someone we admire and respect for recognition. Please consider doing so.”