Speaking frankly... 
Acknowledging there is still much more to do...
Earlier this week we acknowledged those mental health advocates who received Queen’s Birthday honours.
Mental health consumers, professionals, peer workers, administrators and advocates who were all recognised for their contribution to their local community, with a particular focus on mental health.
Along with long time consumer advocate, and friend of Mental Health Australia Doug Holmes, I was especially pleased to see the acknowledgment of our Chair Ms Jennifer Westacott and Deputy Chair Ms Robyn Kruk for their contribution to public administration and reform. Leaders who have made an equally important contribution to Mental Health Australia and the wider mental health sector over the last five years or more.
Having congratulated Jennifer, Robyn and Doug in person, I imagine the response I received would have been similar to that from the other recipients – Ms Paula Nathan, Mrs Lesley Kealton, Ms Nicole Sadler, Ms Ann Morgan, and Mrs Edna Nowland.
Both Jennifer and Robyn were quick to acknowledge that there is still much more to do, all were humbled by the recognition. And I’m sure that would have the message from the other worthy recipients, because that’s what it means to make a contribution to your community.
Looking ahead to see where you can best be of service. Looking ahead to see where your skills and expertise will help for the greater good, not for individual accolade. An accolade they all deserve none the less.
For me, the acknowledgement of mental health workers from Claremont in Western Australia to Richmond in Melbourne, reminds us that there are thousands of people all over Australia contributing to the mental health and wealth of our nation, each and every day.
The acknowledgment of a few is extremely welcome, because it also acknowledges the sector at large and the importance of the work we all do.
Work as diverse as this list below outlines, but work than when combined and driven through passion and professionalism will help us achieve our vision of mentally healthy people, and mentally health communities.
Congratulations again to the all the recipients of this year’s Queen’s Birthday honours, and I’m sure that when you read their citations below, you’ll see examples of the diversity of skills and expertise needed to make an impact on the mental health of our nation.
Warm regards.
Frank Quinlan
Chief Executive Officer
Queens Birthday honourees in the field of mental health
Officer in the General Division (AO)
Ms Robyn Caroline KRUK AM, Coogee NSW. For distinguished service to public administration, particularly through mental health reform, to environmental protection and natural resource management, and to food standards.
Ms Paula Ruth NATHAN Claremont WA. For distinguished service to community health as a psychologist, particularly to understanding mental health disorders, and to establishing specialised treatment and support services.
Ms Jennifer Anne WESTACOTT Woolloomooloo NSW. For distinguished service to private and public sector administration through executive roles, to policy development and reform, to cross sector collaboration, to equity, and to business.
Member in the General Division (AM)
Mrs Lesley Janet KEALTON Gold Coast Qld. For significant service to community health as an advocate for support for people with a mental illness, and their carers and families.
Member in the Military Division (AM) - Royal Australian Navy
Colonel Nicole Louise SADLER CSC ACT For exceptional performance of duty in the field of mental health leadership, strategy and reform for the Australian Defence Force.
Medal in the General Division (OAM)
Mr Douglas John HOLMES Boolaroo NSW. For service to community health.
Dr Ann Eluned MORGAN Richmond Vic. For service to medicine, particularly to infant mental health.
Mrs Edna Fortunata NOWLAND Quakers Hill NSW. For service to people with mental health issues through support roles.
