Prominent Western Australians, including the late Stan Perron, Peter Botten, John Atkins, and Michael Fitzpatrick have been recognised for their service to the business community at this year’s Australia Day Honours.
Mr Perron received a Companion of the Order of Australia, which is awarded for achievement of the highest degree in service to Australia or humanity.
He was given the award for eminent service to the community though philanthropic contributions and to the commercial property sector.
Mr Botten was also presented with the honour, for service to Australia-Papua New Guinea relations, particularly in the oil and gas sector, and for social and economic initiatives.
The Oil Search managing director lives in Gidgegannup despite running a Sydney-based company with operations focused on PNG.
He has permanently held the role of managing director at the company since 1994, and has served as a non-executive director of AGL Energy since 2016.
John Atkins received an Officer of the Order of Australia, which is awarded for distinguished service of a high degree to Australia or humanity.
Mr Atkins received the honour for services to the business, financial and legal sectors.
He is currently the chair of Anglicare WA, after a near three-year stint as WA’s representative in London.
He has served as the president of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of WA and as the managing partner of Herbert Smith Freehills’ WA office.
Michael Fitzpatrick was also awarded an Officer of the Order of Australia, for distinguished service to Australian rules football through executive roles, to business, and to medical research.
Mr Fitzpatrick served as the chair of the AFL Commission for 10 years, and is currently a non-executive director of Carnegie Energy.
Perth Festival chair John Barrington, EBM founder Alan Bishop, Western Power director Eva Skira and former Environmental Protection Agency head Paul Vogel received The Member of the Order of Australia, which is awarded for service in a particular locality or field of activity or to a particular group.