Main picture: Norm Abbey. Inset: Ivan Caple.
JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
LONG and distinguished service to the disability sector, veterinary science and education have won two local men 2012 Australia Day honours.
Belmont’s Norm Abbey was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM), while Lara’s Professor Ivan Caple received a Member of the Order of Australia (AM).
Mr Abbey received his citation for service to people with disabilities, particularly through Shannon Park Foundation.
As the founding and inaugural president of the parents and friends committee, Mr Abbey was instrumental in buying land to build Shannon Park Centre.
He was also an active fundraising auxiliary member, twice heading campaigns for $150,000.
Mr Abbey became involved after son Peter was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at 18 months.
“I always felt I had to put something back into the community. We received a lot of support with Peter and wanted to repay that.”
Melbourne University professor emeritus Ivan Caple, of Lara, always had the rural life at heart, growing up on a dairy farm at Leongatha.
The introduction to animal health and welfare led to an 11-year career as a senior veterinary research officer.
Prof Caple worked with seals and penguins on Macquarie Island and elephants in Malaysia before turning to academia.
He retired as dean of the faculty of Veterinary Science at Melbourne University in 2007.
He held national consultative roles on animal welfare and won awards for his work.
Prof Caple continues working on new standards for the health and welfare of animals and achieving national recognition of state veterinary registrations.
