Governor acknowledges appointment as Companion of the Order of Australia

“I am extremely honoured to be appointed Companion of the Order of Australia and humbled to be in the company of other Honours recipients, whose diversity of achievements and contributions to this country are both exceptional and inspiring.

“This award is particularly special to me as it recognises the breadth of my achievements across my career, from public service, to medicine and medical research, to the tertiary education sector, and now, as the 27th Governor of Queensland.

“Not only is it a great moment of personal pride, this recognition also serves as a tribute to the many highly skilled and dedicated professionals I worked with along the way. From my time as a Doctor and medical administrator at Westmead and Rockhampton hospitals, and through my 16 years as Chief Health Officer – I was always part of a team, listening, gathering advice, and making decisions for the common good.

“I am eternally grateful to my family and to the many who supported me through my early days in Rockhampton as a single mother – without their support, I would not be where I am today.

“While I’m perhaps most widely recognised for my role in helping lead Queensland through the COVID-19 pandemic, I’m also extremely proud of my achievements in increasing the State’s childhood immunisation rates, halving the rate of adult smokers in Queensland, establishing a world-class aeromedical retrieval service and developing a new medical school in Central Queensland.

“Having recently had the privilege of hosting my first Investiture Ceremonies as the 27th Governor of Queensland, I was awestruck by the achievements of everyday Australians who are contributing to our community in such diverse and meaningful ways, and ultimately changing lives for the better.

“However; I am equally cognisant there are many worthy individuals out there enriching our society who give quietly, without thought of recognition, and it is so important we acknowledge these unsung heroes.

“So, right across our institutions, workplaces, charitable organisations and sporting bodies, and deep into the places people call home, if there is someone you believe is worthy of recognition through the Order of Australia, please nominate them. It gives the rest of us the opportunity to be inspired by their outstanding achievements and leadership.”

- Governor of Queensland, Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM