Sandra Levy has been made an Officer (AO) in the General Division for distinguished service to the arts as a film and television director and producer at the Queen’s Birthday Honours yesterday.
Currently the CEO of the Australian Film, Television and Radio School, Levy has worked as Head of Drama at Zapruder's Other Films (2007), Director of Development at Channel 9 (2006), Director of Television at the ABC (2001 – 2005), Head of Drama at Southern Star (1989 – 2000) and Head of Drama at the ABC (1986 – 1989). She was appointed AFTRS CEO in 2007 and was re-elected for another four-year term in 2010.
"I am thrilled to have received this recognition. Personally it is a great honour but it also deeply satisfying to have film and television – and their value to the community – validated in such a powerful way," Levy told IF.
Chair of the Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS), Professor Julianne Schultz AM FAHA, yesterday released a statement congratulating her colleague, saying: "I am delighted to congratulate Sandra Levy on this Honour. Sandra has been a leader in the Australian film and television industry for many years, as a producer and broadcaster and, for the past five years, in her role as Chief Executive of the Australian Film, Television and Radio School.”
Amongst the six other entertainment professionals to receive Queen’s Birthday Honours are veterinarian Dr Harry Cooper (Dr Harry’s Practice), news reader Mike Munro (Ten Eyewitness News Weekend) and TV presenter Richard Wilkins (Today.)
The other three were radio announcer Keith McGowan, who passed away late last year at age 70, radio presenter Angela Catterns and ABC sports reporter Tim Gavel.