A FORMER Timboon man who played a key role in averting a Cold War nuclear confrontation has been acknowledged by his contribution to science.
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Once credited by former American president Jimmy Carter with saving the world from nuclear annihilation, Professor Des Ball has been appointed an Officer of the of the Order of Australia (AM) for services to international relations.
Professor Ball said he was honoured, privileged and a little surprised to receive the award.
“Over the decades of my work, I have also dedicated myself to critiquing Australia’s defence and intelligence communities,” said Professor Ball, who grew up in Timboon in the 1950s.
“This has inevitably earned me the enmity of a very influential and powerful element of that establishment. In some ways that makes this award even more rewarding.”
He added that accepting the award from Governor General Sir Peter Cosgrove — who he had known for a long time — would give him great pleasure.
