Health heroes recognised in Australia Day honours

Health leaders, doctors, paramedics, volunteers and COVID-19 responders are among the 1040 Australians recognised in the 2022 Australia Day Honours List.

Governor-General David Hurley pointed out that of the 732 awards in the General Division of the Order of Australia, 47% (the highest ever) are for women and 45% for service to local communities.

Collectively the recipients, whose achievements span community service, science and research, industry, sport, the arts and more, represent the strength and diversity of Australia, the Governor-General said.

“It has been a challenging couple of years and the recipients announced today are a reminder and reflection of the richness of spirit, selflessness and good in our community.”

Recipients include former Chief Scientist Dr Alan Finkel, National Disability Insurance Agency chair Dr Helen Nugent AO, and chair of the Aboriginal Health Council of Western Australia Vicki O'Donnell.

The honours also recognised more than 35 members of the Australian Medical Association for their service to medicine and the community. President of the AMA Dr Omar Khorshid said among them was Clinical Associate Professor Saxon Smith AM, who has been made a Member in the General Division of the Order of Australia.

Dr Khorshid said AMA Fellow Dr Smith is a dermatologist who conducts complicated and often life-saving work for patients with specific needs associated with oncology, renal or neurological conditions.

Also on the list is Queensland radiation oncologist and GenesisCare’s Chief Medical Officer Dr Marie Burke. She has been honoured with a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in recognition of her significant contribution to radiation oncology and breast cancer research in this year’s Australia Day Honours.

Dr Burke has worked as a Radiation Oncologist in Queensland for more than 30 years and over this time has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to providing high quality personalised holistic care to her patients. Dr Burke has played a pivotal role in bringing critical cancer care services to regional Queensland and is passionate about closing the gap in outcomes for rural cancer patients.

In addition to caring for her patients and bringing new treatment services to regional Queensland, Dr Burke is a distinguished researcher and has led the way for research into modern radiation therapy techniques for breast cancer in Australia.

St John Ambulance volunteer Valmai Dempsey was recognised as the Senior Australian of the Year 2022.

In 2020, Dempsey faced her biggest challenges yet as a St John Ambulance volunteer — first with the ‘Black Summer’ bushfires, followed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In response, she led 40 fellow volunteers as they supported fire-affected communities during the emergency that stretched over many weeks.

When the pandemic hit, she displayed unwavering commitment to the St John team, despite heavy impacts on team morale. Without hesitation, she personally contacted every volunteer to check on their mental health and morale.

Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services Richard Colbeck said, “Ms Dempsey is proof age is no barrier when it comes to passion, hard work and determination.”

Image caption: Dr Marie Burke. Image courtesy of GenesisCare.