Monash alumnus and former staff member named Senior Australian of the Year

Monash alumnus and distinguished legal and human rights advocate Professor Ron McCallum AO (BJuris 1970, LLB (Hons) 1972) is the 2011 Senior Australian of the Year.

Prime Minister Julie Gillard presented Professor McCallum with the honour at a special celebration on Australia Day eve.

He received the award for his commitment to pursuing equal rights for working people across the world.

Professor McCallum taught in the Monash Faculty of Law from 1974 to 1992.

He is the first totally blind person to have been appointed to a full professorship at an Australian university. He was the foundation Professor in Industrial Law at the University of Sydney and from 2002 served five years as Dean of Law.

He is the Chair of the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Chair of Radio for the Print Handicapped of New South Wales Co-operative.

He is also one of two Deputy Chairs of Vision Australia and has recently been appointed to the Federal Government's National People with Disabilities and Carers Council.

Monash Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Ed Bryne AO congratulated Professor McCallum on behalf of the University community.

"This recognition is truly deserved and reflects Professor McCallum's outstanding contribution to human rights, education and research," Professor Bryne said.

This award continues the University's successful run at the Australia Day Awards with Monash alumni Professor Patrick McGory AO (PhD Med 1991), Professor Tim Flannery (MSc 1981) and Professor Mick Dodson AM (BJuris 1974, LLB 1978) all receiving Australian of the Year awards in the past five years.

The award trophies were also designed by glass artist and Monash alumna Kristin McFarlane (BA(GraphDes) 1994, GradDipA(CeramicDes) 2003, MFA 2005).

The National Australia Day Council received more than 2400 nominations from the public for this year's awards. Visit the Australian of the Year website to read more about the awards.