Congratulations to the following inspiring individuals acknowledged in this year’s Australia Day Honours for their outstanding contributions to rural health and wellbeing. Their dedication to improving rural and remote healthcare, supporting Indigenous communities, and fostering innovation is truly commendable:
*The 2025 Young Australian of the Year: Scientist, Dr Katrina Wruck: recognised for giving back to remote communities.
Member of the Order of Australia (AM)
* Dr Kym Jenkins: recognised for her contributions to psychiatry, including leadership in rural specialist support.
* Dr David Mills: celebrated for his work in rural and remote health education and international development.
* Mrs Shanna Whan: Founder of Sober in the Country, acknowledged for championing community health in rural Australia.
* Ms Joanne Hedges: for significant improvements in oral health outcomes for Indigenous communities.
* Mr Russell Postle: recognised for his leadership with the Royal Flying Doctor Service and contributions to community health.
Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM):
* Mrs Anna Barwick: honoured for her service to pharmacy and advocacy for rural health care.
* Dr Margaret Garde: a champion of rural medicine and education, and keynote speaker at the 16th National Rural Health Conference.
*Dr Andre Conradie: for service to medicine, and to community health.
*Mrs Julie Ellen Hermansen: for service to community health, particularly through dyslexia support.
*Miss Laura-Jude Johnson: for service to community mental health, and to youth advocacy.
*Mr Steven John Ober: for service to the community, particularly through First Nations health.