Public Service staff at all levels and in all States and Territories have been recognised by the Queen for their commitment and excellence in serving the people of Australia to mark the occasion of Her Majesty’s birthday in 2022.
The Queen’s awards for members of the New South Wales Public Service are presented in accordance with the Order of Australia and announced on Her Majesty’s behalf by his Excellency the Governor-General, General David Hurley.
Current and past members of the NSW PS being honoured on this occasion, including the recipients of the Public Service Medal, were:
OFFICER IN THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA (AO)
Andrew CAPPIE-WOOD AO
NSW Public Service
For distinguished service to public administration in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.
Mr Cappie-Wood was Secretary of the NSW Department of Justice from 2014 to 2019 as well as Director-General of the Departments of Attorney General and Justice and Education and Training, He was also Managing Director of TAFE.
Kerry Gai CHANT PSM AO
Health NSW
For distinguished service to the people of New South Wales through public health administration and governance, and to medicine .
Dr Chant has been NSW Chief Medical Officer and Deputy Secretary, Population and Public Health since 2008.
MEMBER IN THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA (AM)
Professor Shirley Anne ALEXANDER AM
University of Technology Sydney
For significant service to tertiary education administration, and to learning technologies .
Professor Alexander has been Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Education and Students) at University of Technology Sydney since 2007.
Elizabeth Ann KOFF AM
NSW Health
For significant service to public health administration and governance, and to professional organisations.
Ms Koff was Secretary of NSW Health since 2016. She was a National Councillor with the Institute of Public Administration Australia from 2019 and President of the NSW Division from 2019 to 2022
Leslie LOBLE AM
Department of Education
For significant service to public administration, and to education.
Ms Loble was Deputy Secretary of the NSW Department of Education from 2015 to 2020
Jason Peter ELLSMORE AM
Department of Education
For significant service to education, and to youth sports.
Mr Ellsmore was Assistant Principal at Dorchester Education and Training Unit, Reiby Juvenile Justice Centre since 1997
MEDAL OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA (OAM)
Kerry Cecilia DOYLE PSM OAM
Australian Cardiovascular Alliance
For service to community health
Ms Doyle was former Acting Deputy Director, NSW Department of Industry and Investment and Director, Biotechnology, Office Premier and Cabinet New South Wales.
PUBLIC SERVICE MEDAL (PSM)
Jennifer Anne AGIUS PSM
New South Wales Ombudsman
For outstanding public service to the New South Wales Ombudsman.
Ms Agius is currently serving as the Manger of the Detention and Custody Team at the New South Wales Ombudsman. Since establishing the Detention and Custody Team over 20 years ago, Ms Agius’s leadership has transformed the way the New South Wales Ombudsman handles complaints and reports of maladministration from inmates and detainees in New South Wales correctional and youth justice centres.
In particular, she has placed great importance on ensuring all inmates and detainees receive the right services and fair treatment. To ensure this was achieved, Ms Agius established the Ombudsman free call phone service, giving inmates and detainees a mechanism for raising their complaints and concerns.
In addition, she has conducted countless visits, along with her team, to the correctional and youth justice centres around New South Wales, so inmates and detainees can meet and speak directly to Ombudsman staff. This opportunity allows those within the custodial system to convey their concerns to an independent party and be advised on possible ways forward. The visits to centres also allow Ms Agius to raise matters immediately and directly with Centre staff and often achieve the best outcome for all parties in an efficient manner. The implementation of such a process has gained her the praise of inmates and detainees, Corrective Services New South Wales and Youth Justice staff.
Ms Agius has always approached her work with integrity and professionalism, ensuring that complaints are assessed fairly and investigated when necessary. Her knowledge and application of the law relating to proper administrative decision making within the custodial environment, is of the highest standard. Equally so, is her application of the policies and practices within New South Wales ‘s adult correctional and youth justice systems. Such expertise enables Ms Agius to work constructively with the many and varied stakeholders in this sector to resolve complaints and improve custodial practice.
For over 40 years, Ms Agius has made an outstanding contribution to the New South Wales Public Sector. Her collaborative and considered approach to complaints and mistreatment have earned her the respect and acknowledgement from those within the corrective services and youth justice system, her peers, and colleagues alike.
Melissa ATTIA PSM
Cumberland City Council
For outstanding service to the Cumberland City Council during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ms Attia has shown incredible expertise and commitment in her leadership of the Cumberland community, as it responded to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Currently serving as the Director of Community and Organisational Development, Ms Attia has crafted and driven the Cumberland City Council’s response to the pandemic, ensuring essential services and support were provided to the most vulnerable of community members and local business.
In August 2021, as the COVID-19 Delta variant spread swiftly through Western Sydney and greater restrictions were placed on the Cumberland community, Ms Attia responded quickly to ensure the Council was best placed to support those in need. She leveraged her strong relationship with all tiers of Government and worked collaboratively to develop the Council’s communications strategies and disseminate information, in a variety of languages, to the community. On several occasions, she consulted with the community to identify issues that required Council attention.
She also worked with NSW Health to identify facilities to support the rapid expansion of testing sites and the establishment of vaccination hubs. Her willingness to think quickly and support Government agencies was attributable to the reduction in the spread of the virus in the Cumberland community and an increase in the vaccination rate from 14.6 percent to its current rate of over 93.7 percent.
During the onset of tighter restrictions and public health orders, Ms Attia worked with farmers in regional NSW, local organisations and Council staff to provide over 1,200 hampers to support more vulnerable residents. She also partnered with OzHarvest to enable the establishment of temporary food hubs across the local government area.
Ms Attia has displayed an enormous amount of knowledge and leadership in crafting Cumberland City Council’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Her connectiveness, responsiveness and commitment to the people of Cumberland during this difficult time has ensured she is held in high regard throughout all levels of the organisation and the broader community.
Irene CHETTY PSM
Muswellbrook Shire Council
For outstanding public service to the Muswellbrook Shire Council, in water and wastewater management.
Ms Chetty has proven herself to be an integral staff member within Muswellbrook Shire Council. Currently serving as the Operations Manager, Water and Wastewater, Ms Chetty has demonstrated extraordinary dedication, innovation and technical acumen to make sure the communities of Muswellbrook Shire continue to have access to safe and secure water supply and sewage management services.
This is an exceptional achievement given persistent storm and flooding events over the course of the past 24 months have significantly impacted the quality of the raw water sourced from the Hunter River.
Ms Chetty has also been fundamentally involved in the development of the Integrated Water Cycle Management Strategy, which has provided the Council with a thirty year development and improvement strategy for water and wastewater services.
Furthermore, she has demonstrated her technical prowess and perseverance with the delivery of a new $35 million recycled water treatment plant. Her skill and knowledge has ensured that 100 per cent of the recycled water can be used within the local government areas for irrigation, commercial and public purposes.
Throughout her career, Ms Chetty has demonstrated commendable leadership, transforming her water and sewerage operations teams into a unified, collaborative group with an enhanced team culture. She has also provided mentoring to colleagues from neighbouring Councils and has demonstrated commendable leadership in developing the Upper Hunter Water Alliance, including Muswellbrook, Singleton and Upper Hunter Shire Councils. The Alliance group has recently embarked on the development of a joint drought emergency management plan, which is a significant achievement, demonstrating the strong collaboration between Councils. Ms Chetty has been fundamental to the success of this initiative.
Robert Anthony CLARKE PSM
Department of Communities and Justice
For outstanding public service to social housing in New South Wales.
As Team Leader within the Communities Plus Relocations Team at the Department of Communities and Justice, Mr Clarke has continued to produce results by always going above and beyond the call of duty.
The successful relocation of over 1,300 tenants and household members at twenty-eight relocation projects across Sydney has been one of Mr Clarke’s greatest achievements. The completion of a project of this scale in such a complex, emotional and political environment has resulted in a return of over $808 million back into the NSW Government’s social housing system, and a significant increase in the number of social housing dwellings for some of NSW’s most vulnerable people.
This result is a reflection of Mr Clarke’s highly professional and skilled project management, his quiet authority, coupled with his leadership, negotiation and communication skills.
When dealing with clients, Mr Clarke has always put the needs of the individual who is being relocated as a priority. Every care and consideration has been given, whether moving to be closer to relatives and support services, or having modifications to meet disability requirements.
Allowing all individuals to state their requirements has guided him to achieve the best possible outcomes from every relocation. By ensuring elderly, frail and vulnerable clients were treated with dignity, respect and care, Mr Clarke has driven a positive outcome for the tenants in social housing and the NSW Government.
Mr Clarke is an extraordinary example and role model of the positive influence that public servants can have in shaping delivery outcomes for the Government and the people of NSW. He is a highly dedicated professional whose tireless energy has contributed to the betterment of the NSW social housing system.
Jeremy Maxwell COX PSM
NSW Registrar General
For outstanding public service to the people of New South Wales.
Mr Cox is currently serving as the NSW Registrar General and has been instrumental in bringing better services to customers of NSW’s land titles registry and subscribers to eConveyancing operators.
Leading with integrity, trust and a strong focus on collaboration and accountability, Mr Cox has earned enormous respect amongst his colleagues and the broader sector. Since commencing in his role in 2016, he has been a visionary.
In particular, his leadership of the transfer of the NSW Land Titles Office from government ownership to private sector management. Throughout the highly controversial development and transition process, Mr Cox engaged widely and extensively with key stakeholders and associations across the surveying, banking and conveyancing industries to ensure the best possible solution was identified and implemented. He remained calm during challenging negotiations and struck an admirable balance of empathising with the profession whilst carrying out the decision of the government.
Mr Cox has also been influential in the transition of land registry dealings in NSW from a manual, paper-based process to digital and integrated systems. Under his leadership, digital land registry dealings in NSW have increased from around seven per cent in 2017 to 100 per cent today, making NSW the first land titles registry within Australia to conduct 100 per cent digital dealings. This digitisation phase ensures fewer errors and a more efficient and effective system for customers.
He has also been a principal proponent of national interoperability, championing the introduction of competition in electronic conveyancing which will provide benefits to consumers across the country and ongoing economic benefits.
Mr Cox leads with curiosity, kindness, a sense of humour and above all, a deep commitment to providing the very best for the Minister, the public service and the people of NSW.
Rosemary Helen DAVIDSON PSM
Children’s Court of NSW
For outstanding public service to the Children’s Court of New South Wales.
Mrs Davidson has been the lynchpin of the Children’s Court of NSW in her role as Executive Officer. For over 12 years, she has developed and displayed a deep understanding of the intricacies, sensitivities and operation of the Children’s Court of NSW. Her intimate knowledge has allowed the Court to work with agencies, children, families, carers, staff and stakeholders to deliver accessible and efficient justice for the most vulnerable members of the State.
Since commencing in the Executive Officer role, Mrs Davidson has played an instrumental role in leading the expansion of Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) practices in the care and protection jurisdiction. In her role, she developed and implemented innovative processes and procedures which have greatly assisted the Court to resolve matters in a timely way.
The importance of Mrs Davidson’s contribution to the expansion of ADR processes has facilitated timely access to justice, empowered families and provided parties with meaningful opportunities to participate in the court process.
She was a key driver of the Youth Koori Court pilot project, a bold and innovative response to the over-representation of indigenous children in the court system. Establishing the Court required a masterclass in diplomacy and sensitivity, bringing together people from various agencies and levels of government, Courts, the judiciary, and in particular, the indigenous community.
Today, the Youth Koori Court gives the indigenous community a voice in the lives of its troubled young people and gives those young people a completely different experience of the criminal justice system from that which they would otherwise experience.
Mrs Davidson’s commitment to the Court and to the vulnerable families and children that come before it is absolute. She is fearless and tireless in her work on behalf of the Court, and her attention to detail ensures that its operations and development are seamless.
Simon Kevin DRAPER PSM
Infrastructure New South Wales
For outstanding public service to Infrastructure New South Wales during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mr Draper is currently serving in the role of Chief Executive Officer at Infrastructure New South Wales.
Since the commencement of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Mr Draper has played a vital role in leading and coordinating the construction industry’s response to the pandemic. His considered and collaborative approach ensured the State’s $110.4 billion infrastructure pipeline would continue to operate safely throughout 2020 and 2021, and place New South Wales in the best possible position to recover economically from the pandemic.
In March 2020, as the extent of the COVID-19 outbreak became clear, the New South Wales Government faced the challenge of balancing both the health and economy of the State. Mr Draper recognised that continuing the delivery of infrastructure projects at full pace was a critical pathway to economic recovery.
He brought the industry together and led cross-agency communication to ensure accurate, clear and consistent information was provided to industry, unions and government, and created forums for industry to share COVID safe practices. The result was that the construction industry remained open, progressing and delivering major infrastructure projects.
In July 2021, following the Government’s decision to pause on construction amidst the Delta outbreak, Mr Draper again brought the industry together and established and chaired the Construction Re-opening Group, comprising representatives from peak industry bodies, unions, principal contractors and agencies. The Group worked together in a truly collaborative way to achieve a safe re-opening of the industry across Greater Sydney.
Mr Draper has demonstrated an individual effort to build relationships with the construction industry along with a genuine commitment to not only report on, but also address, industry issues. This has resulted in positive outcomes for both the New South Wales Government and the construction industry as a whole, who continue to move forward to face new issues in a collaborative way.
Caroline FARMER PSM
Western Sydney Local Health District
For outstanding public service to New South Wales Health, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Currently serving as the Director of Nursing & Midwifery and Clinical Governance within the Western Sydney Local Health District, Ms Farmer has made significant contributions to public health throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
In June 2020, Ms Farmer’s executive leadership was pivotal during Western Sydney Local Health District’s (WSLHD) initial COVID-19 response. She liaised with key staff from the Commonwealth, the New South Wales Ministry of Health and residential aged care facilities to ensure the availability of adequate nursing workforce to support local outbreak sites.
Ms Farmer also ensured the coordination of a nursing workforce to disability homes, local facilities, vaccinations centres and the Greater Western Sydney COVID-19 Community Accommodation. As a result of the continual demand for nursing staff, Ms Farmer established a District COVID-19 Nursing Workforce Unit which provided a centralised point for the coordination of nursing staff deployment across Western Sydney.
Throughout this time, as the WSLHD Emergency Operations Centre’s executive lead for Planning, Ms Farmer was integral in the coordination and finalisation of a number of key initiatives, such as the WSLHD Intensive Care Workforce Plan, the COVID-19 Ward Model of Care and the WSLHD Clinical Governance Safety and Quality Priorities.
She continues to foster the next generation of leaders amongst nurses and midwives in WSLHD, ensuring this cohort have the right skill set, insight and vision to drive improvements in health care services and future innovations.
In recognition of this priority, in February 2021, a pilot WSLHD Nursing & Midwifery Leadership Program was launched, with 12 participants from across the region selected for the opportunity to develop and grow on their leadership journey. Upon graduation, this cohort were empowered to enact upon their future leadership goals, influence positive change at a local level through shared learnings, actions and individual leadership practice, and effectively support service operations to deliver better care and services to patients across Western Sydney.
Ms Farmer is an exemplary public servant who is a role model for collaborative leadership and innovative contributions. She is a trusted voice within the public health community and shows unwavering commitment and resilience to deliver results.
Amanda Elizabeth FARRAR PSM
Australian Museum
For outstanding public service to arts and culture in New South Wales.
Mrs Farrar is currently serving as the Director, Public Affairs and Development at the Australian Museum. She has demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication and determination, making a significant contribution to the Australian Museum in the areas of environmental sustainability, accessibility and inclusion, and fundraising strategies.
In particular, Mrs Farrar has been a key driver of the Australian Museum’s sustainability agenda, which has seen the Australian Museum become the first museum in the nation to achieve the Federal Government’s accredited Carbon Neutral status. Throughout the journey she has engaged the Australian Museum team with these initiatives, ensuring they are adopted and practised by the staff and key stakeholders.
She has also been the key driver of the Australian Museum’s Access & Inclusion Action Plan. The Plan has seen a multitude of physical facility changes in the Museum making it more welcoming to people with physical and intellectual disabilities. She has also overseen the implementation of early morning openings for children with autism to explore an uncrowded Museum.
As champion of the Museum’s Reconciliation Action Plan, Mrs Farrar’s passion for First Nations inclusion has been inspiring. She delicately navigates what can, for some, be a challenging issue with empathy and care. The Australian Museum’s recent award winning First Nations exhibition ‘Unsettled’ reflects Mrs Farrar’s dedication to this cause.
From the Australian Museum Foundation perspective, Mrs Farrar has been enormously helpful in expanding the philanthropic support for the museum, helping shape the donor strategy, meeting with donors to develop proposals that resonate, and following through to secure large donations. Her dedication has seen philanthropic revenue increase by 500 per cent since she assumed her role.
Mrs Farrar has led with drive and commitment, patience, pragmatism and intelligence. Her efforts have ensured the Australian Museum remains a hallmark cultural institution for generations to come.
John Kenneth FERGUSON PSM
Hunter New England Local Health District
For outstanding service to NSW Health, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr Ferguson is currently serving as the Director of the Infection Prevention Service, Hunter New England Local Health District.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr Ferguson provided exceptional leadership and has communicated infection prevention and control changes effectively, efficiently and respectfully, to ensure the safety of patients and staff right throughout the Hunter New England.
His leadership has been pivotal in the Hunter New England’s response to COVID-19. As a leader within his field, he has driven excellence in Personal Protective Equipment usage and infection prevention and control practices, both within health services and vulnerable communities, including aged care, disability, and Aboriginal communities.
Dr Ferguson has contributed not just locally but state-wide and nationally to inform best practice to help keep the community, patients and staff safe. He has been innovative and solutions focused, introducing air purifiers into busy areas of hospitals, reducing the spread of COVID-19 amongst hospital patients and staff.
He was also a lead in the introduction of respiratory protective equipment in health services across NSW, with Hunter New England Health leading the way in fit testing frontline staff to be able to wear appropriate well-fitting P2 masks, once again reducing the spread of COVID-19.
In addition to his work within Australia, Dr Ferguson has a passion for global healthcare and has been pivotal in leading infection prevention and control changes and improvements in the Pacific and South-East Asia. He has been an integral part of the Hunter New England Local Health District’s response to public health emergencies.
Dr Ferguson is an exemplary leader who sets a very high standard in professional conduct and shows compassion in dealing with colleagues and stakeholders. His knowledge and commitment, alongside his ability to adapt in the most difficult of circumstances, make him an incredible asset to NSW Health and the broader NSW community.
Cristien HICKEY PSM
Office of Energy and Climate Change
For outstanding public service to climate change policy in New South Wales.
Ms Hickey is currently serving as the Director of Climate Change and Sustainablility Policy in the Office of Energy and Climate Change. Since commencing in the role in 2019, Ms Hickey has been integral in driving the New South Wales Government’s Climate Change policy.
Under her stewardship, New South Wales has moved from an aspirational target of net zero carbon emissions by 2050, to a comprehensive plan, backed up by a series of specific strategies and programs to enable implementation, with governance and legal architecture to support the transition.
The delivery of the Net Zero Plan – Stage 1: 2020-2030 in March 2020, was one of Ms Hickey’s most important pieces of work, to lay the foundation for New South Wales ‘s climate change policy journey. Over several months and under time pressure, she worked closely with the Minister for Environment and their Office, providing the highest levels of well-considered expert advice, ensuring the successful roll out of the plan; the most comprehensive fully funded net zero emissions plan that has allowed New South Wales to take a leading position on emissions reduction at the national level.
She has successfully developed overarching policy frameworks and implemented nation leading programs that have resulted in meaningful outcomes for the state and its citizens. These projects include establishing the Net Zero Emissions and Clean Economy Board, delivery of the New South Wales Electric Vehicle Strategy and establishing the new Energy Security Safeguard.
Ms Hickey demonstrates the finest qualities of a public servant. She is diligent, kind, collaborative and widely respected throughout the public service and Ministerial offices. She has repeatedly demonstrated her problem solving skills and subject matter expertise, while delivering frank advice in developing and implementing the Government’s policy priorities.
Fiona LEATHAM PSM
City of Newcastle
For outstanding public service the City of Newcastle during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ms Leatham, currently serving as the Director of People & Culture at the City of Newcastle, has led the Council’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic throughout 2020 and 2021.
As the Incident Controller of the City of Newcastle’s Emergency Response Team, Ms Leatham embedded a people-first approach into the organisation’s response to the pandemic for Council staff and the wider community.
Her leadership established clear lines of communication with staff and the community throughout the pandemic and allowed the Council to develop an innovative and comprehensive response to target and address the impacts of COVID-19.
Under the leadership of Ms Leatham and the Emergency Response Team, the City of Newcastle was among the first to develop and activate a comprehensive plan for social and economic support, with the Community and Economic Resilience Package, in March 2020. She established dialogue and worked closely with government partners and local stakeholders to ensure the $5.5 million package was delivered across targeted programs including financial relief, business and community support, and a community grants program. It was praised as best practice crisis leadership, delivering clear and measurable benefits to the community and local business.
Ms Leatham also oversaw the development and roll out of a free wellbeing toolkit that helped the Newcastle community navigate financial, psychological and public health concerns caused by COVID-19.
As part of the City of Newcastle’s safety response to the ongoing risk of COVID-19 in the workplace, she drafted a COVID-19 Vaccination Policy and introduced a COVID Check-In for staff to enable Managers to quickly identify close contacts and potential exposure sites. Mandatory reporting processes were embedded into the Council, providing certainty and efficiency following a COVID test or diagnosis, while staff affected by the closure of frontline services were successfully redirected onto alternate duties.
Ms Leatham’s leadership, dedication and considered approach to the pandemic was a testament to her ability to make courageous, calm and pragmatic decisions for the betterment of the Newcastle community.
William James MURPHY PSM
Department of Customer Service
For outstanding public service to NSW, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mr Murphy is currently serving as the Deputy Secretary, Customer, Delivery and Transformation at the Department of Customer Service.
Through Mr Murphy’s leadership, his team have utilised data insights and human behaviour analysis to transform the way government develops, delivers, and measures services provided to the people of New South Wales.
Mr Murphy’s leadership, knowledge and expertise was highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic, where his insights shaped the NSW Government’s Delta variant communication strategy, firstly in South-Western Sydney, and then across the state.
His ground-breaking work, which brought together data, customer insights, communications and a website hub, was used to decipher community sentiment, tailor the style of communications and target vulnerable or non-compliant communities to receive the communications. This evidence-based approach to drive behavioural change and inform the public on how to stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic was unparalleled. It assisted in building relationships and improving trust in the community, which served to improve compliance and reduce the spread of the virus.
It also forged a new way of how government works to achieve outcomes for the people of NSW.
The success of Mr Murphy and his team to analyse and develop tailored and direct communications throughout the Delta variant has seen their remit expanded to support various other Committees established by Government to support NSW communities.
He continues to guide the NSW Government’s communications to manage the impact of the Omicron variant. He has been an exemplary public servant during his 17-year career with the NSW Government. He has taken a strategic focus to his work, innovating to improve the outcomes for the sector and the people of NSW.
His personal commitment to ensuring the people working in the sector continue to grow and upskill has brought about significant improvement across the sector and for the individuals involved. He has worked on a range of challenging engagements, always bringing innovation and customer centricity to the solutions.
Paul Orlando NUNNARI PSM
Department of Regional New South Wales
For outstanding public service to New South Wales, particularly in the field of access and inclusion.
Mr Nunnari is currently serving as the Director of Inclusive Infrastructure, Placemaking and Experience at the Department of Regional New South Wales.
Throughout his many years in the New South Wales Public Service, Mr Nunnari has worked tirelessly to increase opportunities for people with a disability, particularly around their participation in major and community events.
He is a remarkable public service leader who has been instrumental in raising awareness about the importance and value of diversity, not only within the Department of Regional New South Wales, but across the whole of the New South Wales Public Service.
During his time at Regional New South Wales, Mr Nunnari has co-led the development of the recently launched Disability Inclusion Action Plan that brings alive the Department’s commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive culture that is respectful, welcoming and flexible; a workplace where people feel supported, valued and part of its success.
He has also been influential in embedding the consideration of accessibility at the heart of regional infrastructure programs. As a result of his work, thousands of projects and programs across New South Wales are being designed to ensure all people can access these facilities and services and that considerations of accessibility and dignity are at the heart of how programs and projects are designed and delivered.
Mr Nunnari has also worked with event organisers and planning agencies to coordinate strategies and diversity inclusion projects at major events and iconic tourist attractions.
This has comprised inclusivity improvements to major events such as Sydney New Year’s Eve, Vivid Sydney and Invictus Games, as well as improved accessibility to the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Anzac Memorial, the purchase of a 4-wheel-drive wheelchair to access the Kosciuszko National Park, and the development and implementation of The Change Room, a portable accessible bathroom facility that provides dignified access to toilets and changing facilities for people who may otherwise be unable to attend events.
Mr Nunnari is a passionate advocate for people with a disability and has played an integral role in promoting and improving access and inclusion across New South Wales.
Vicki Anne SIMPSON PSM
Mid North Coast Local Health District
For outstanding public service to the Mid North Coast Local Health District, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mrs Simpson is currently serving as the Director of Nursing, Midwifery and Service Reform, and as the Health Service Functional Area Coordinator in the Mid North Coast Local Health District.
Mrs Simpson’s professionalism, resilience and leadership has been influential in the Health District’s response to catastrophic bushfires, a once in a generation flood and the COVID-19 pandemic over the last three years.
In an unprecedented and evolving global pandemic, Mrs Simpson has been exceptional in her role as the Health Service Functional Area Coordinator. Developing and rapidly implementing strategies for her nursing staff to ensure a well-managed response to COVID-19, she also took on the responsibilities of coordinating logistics, equipment (including ventilators and personal protective equipment), testing, and emergency accommodation.
Further, she led early morning planning meetings coordinated with the State Health Emergency Operations Centre and liaised closely with community partners such as aged care facilities and local councils to ensure a coordinated COVID-19 response.
Mrs Simpson also spearheaded the mass vaccination program for the Health District, resulting in more than 95 percent of the eligible local population reaching double vaccination status.
She is committed to providing opportunities for First Nations people to embark on careers in nursing and midwifery. She has mentored staff through the trainee and cadetship process to senior nursing and midwifery roles, something she is most proud of.
With over 30 years of public service, Mrs Simpson is an integral part of the Mid North Coast Local Health District. She is an energetic, compassionate, and inspiring leader who is enormously respected among her peers and patients for her exemplary standard of professionalism and service delivery.
Deborah Margaret SUMMERHAYES PSM
Department of Education
For outstanding public service to education in NSW.
Ms Summerhayes is currently serving as the Executive Director, School Performance Metropolitan South and West at the Department of Education.
Since 1987, she has demonstrated deep commitment to public education and influential leadership across the NSW Department of Education. During her educational career, Ms Summerhayes worked as a teacher and head teacher, curriculum consultant and principal throughout South-Western and Western Sydney.
She has tirelessly supported and advocated for improved learning and life opportunities for students, including those from Aboriginal, low socio-economic, intellectually disadvantaged and multicultural backgrounds.
Ms Summerhayes was featured as a reformer in the Sydney Morning Herald’s 100 Most Influential People for 2012, in recognition of her positive impact on school and local community as the Principal of Cranebrook High School. Her relentless advocacy for Aboriginal students has also produced outstanding results. Indigenous students from the Penrith and Cambridge Park networks now regularly exceed state targets for school attendance and completion, and literacy and numeracy learning. Such a commitment was recognised when she received the NSW Nanga Mai Award for her significant contribution to Aboriginal Education in NSW public schools.
She has held a number of executive roles at the NSW Department of Education with a core focus on building system capacity. Her ability to manage and improve the leadership capacity and development of the Directors Educational Leadership, Principals and middle leaders in her schools is well recognised within the Education community, and of the highest standard. She has led and navigated schools through difficult challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, industrial action and severe flooding across NSW.
Ms Summerhayes currently leads the operations of 266 schools with over 111,000 students. She models the Department’s values of trust, integrity and excellence, serving her community and providing equitable access to high quality education for children.
She displays great courage and accountability in the way she advocates for students and schools. Ms Summerhayes is held in the highest regard by her colleagues, peers and communities and valued for her ability to drive executive capability and development, motivate individuals and create a culture where leaders strive for excellence.
Kim Liane SUTHERLAND PSM
Agency of Clinical Innovation
For outstanding public service to NSW Health, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr Sutherland currently serves as the Director of the Evidence Directorate for the Agency of Clinical Innovation.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr Sutherland led the Critical Intelligence Unit, a team established to guide the decision makers across government with the most up to date clinical intelligence on COVID-19.
From March 2020, Dr Sutherland has led a highly skilled team whose role is to review all available information on COVID-19, rapidly assess its relevance, and summarise the critical insights. This information is shared with the Public Health and Health System emergency operations teams, clinical leaders and political leaders, so they can make the best possible decisions for the health of the people of NSW.
Under her guidance, each day the Unit pull together two types of briefing information: Daily Operational Data showing the status of the pandemic in NSW and its impact on the health system compared with the expected trajectory, and Clinical Evidence Briefs that cover the latest global thinking on COVID-19 from academic and non-academic sources across the full range of topics from emerging clinical treatments to the characteristics of variants, vaccine efficacy, and surge health care delivery models. Dr Sutherland then participates in daily Clinical Intelligence Group meetings, presenting the daily evidence check and digests to the group. Under her stewardship, the analysis of thousands of scientific papers, medical journals and data (often with a rapidly changing evidence base) has meant that decision makers across government have had the most up-to-date clinical intelligence on which to base their decisions.
Dr Sutherland has worked relentlessly over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, often working seven days a week, for months on end during the first, second, Delta and Omicron waves, ensuring the Critical Intelligence Group was aptly supported. She is an exceptional public servant who is deeply committed to delivering the highest quality service and outcomes, which she has done with humility, integrity, and a gentle leadership style that has built a committed, capable, and loyal team.
Michael John THOMPSON PSM
Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council
For outstanding public service to Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council.
Mr Thompson, who currently serves as Portfolio General Manager, Natural and Built Character at Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council, has dedicated his entire career to the Queanbeyan-Palerang community.
As a long-time resident of the community, Mr Thompson is passionate about striking the balance between the natural and built environment of the Queanbeyan and Palerang areas, and maintains community interest at the core of his innovation and decision making. His contributions to the Council across waste management, sustainability and development have significantly enhanced the reputation of the Council.
During his 40-year career with Council, Mr Thompson has been instrumental in the design and implementation of a number of strategic projects. In 1999, he presented the Plan of Management for Waste and Recycling Services to Council, resulting in the introduction of a new 3-bin kerbside collection system and the design and implementation of a new transfer station for green waste and recyclables. This project made the Council a leader in the field of recycling at the time.
More recently, the Queanbeyan River Corridor Project required significant consultation with the community to develop a 10-year strategy for the use and conservation for the Queanbeyan River Corridor. This resulted in the Queen Elizabeth II Park receiving an Infrastructure Sustainability Council of Australia Excellence rating; the first of its kind for a recreational facility in Australia and a credit to Mr Thompson’s vision of innovative development to reduce the ecological footprint on our natural areas.
Today, Mr Thompson leads his team to consolidate and refresh the approach to sustainability, continues to improve traditional DA processes through a digital platform, and guides the community through a new consolidated Local Environment Plan.
He has worked relentlessly over the past 40 years to improve the services and facilities within the Queanbeyan-Palerang community now and for future generations. Mr Thompson is a highly respected leader within Council, is a valued mentor to other staff and is renowned for his strategic thinking and innovative ideas.
