Queensland’s tireless healthcare heroes take centre stage in the 2024 Australia Day Honours List, with several receiving prestigious awards for their exceptional service and unwavering dedication.
Researchers, surgeons, specialists and community health leaders are among those celebrated for their extraordinary efforts to keep Queenslanders safe and healthy.
Dr Peter Aitken, Executive Director of the Disaster Management Branch at Queensland Health, has been awarded a prestigious Public Service Medal in recognition of his exceptional service during COVID-19 to Queensland’s emergency health response and to the field of disaster management.
From clinical expertise to strategic leadership, Dr Aitken’s impact during the pandemic as Deputy Chief Health Officer proved invaluable, safeguarding countless lives. Recognised for his 30-year career at Queensland Health, his dedication to public health is to be applauded.
Former Director of Neonatology at Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital and current Staff Specialist, Associate Professor David Cartwright, receives a well-deserved Public Service Medal for his outstanding contribution to neonatal medicine.
Princess Alexandra (PA) Hospital former Director of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Associate Professor Julie Ann Mundy, receives recognition for her transformative service to Queensland medicine.
Dr Mundy was employed as Director of Cardiothoracic Surgery at PA Hospital in 1998, where she established this new unit. She maintained this leadership role until recent years and continues to provide cardiothoracic surgery at PA.
As a result of Dr Mundy’s exceptional leadership, Cardiothoracic Surgery at PA Hospital is regarded as one of the largest cardiothoracic units in Australia.
PA Hospital Consultant Nephrologist Professor Carmel Hawley, a pillar of Queensland’s kidney care, is recognised in the Honours List for her exceptional service as a researcher, clinician, and guiding force for future generations of kidney specialists.
Senior Staff Specialist Medical Oncologist Associate Professor Zarnie Lwin is recognised for service to medicine in the field of neuro-oncology.
Associate Professor David Thomson is awarded for significant service to dentistry, particularly in the field of prosthodontics.
Delivering high-quality health services isn’t possible without the expertise of business leaders, including Chair of Wide Bay Hospital and Health Board Ms Peta Jamieson, who is recognised for her service to community health, and to business.
With more than 20 years’ experience in health and First Nations affairs, Ms Donisha Duff is recognised for service to the community through a range of organisations, including as a Member of the Queensland Voluntary Assisted Dying Review Board.
Commitment to First Nations health and wellbeing was highlighted in the Honours List, with Mr Adrian Carson, CEO of the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health and Board Member of the Metro North Health and Hospital Service, recognised for his significant service to First Nations health through research and development programs.