Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has marked Australia Day 2020 by bestowing official honours on a wide range of dedicated and committed public service professionals serving the Queensland community over and above the requirements of their positions in the Queensland public sector.
Her Majesty’s awards, presented under the national the Order of Australia, were released in Canberra by the Governor-General, General David Hurley.
Queensland’s PS employees honoured by the Queen this year, including those receiving the Public Service Medal (PSM), were:
COMPANION IN THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA (AC)
Chief Justice Catherine Ena HOLMES AC
Supreme Court
For eminent service to the judiciary, notably to criminal, administrative, and mental health law, and to the community of Queensland.
Justice Holmes has been Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Queensland since 2015.
OFFICER IN THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA (AO)
Sarah BRADLEY AO
District Court
For distinguished service to the law, and to the judiciary, to women in the legal profession, and to the community.
Ms Bradley was a judge of the District Court of Queensland from 1999 to 2016.
Ian Duncan STEWART AO
Queensland Police Service
For distinguished service to law enforcement as Commissioner of Police in Queensland, and to the community.
Commissioner Stewart was Commissioner of the Queensland Police Service from 2012 until his retirement in 2019.
MEMBER IN THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA (AM)
John Arthur ABBOTT AM
Central Queensland University
For significant service to education, and to the resources sector.
Mr Abbott has been Chancellor of the Central Queensland University since 2016.
PUBLIC SERVICE MEDAL (PSM)
Colin Brian CASSIDY PSM
Department of State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning For outstanding public service to economic development, corporate services and town planning in Queensland.
Mr Cassidy commenced his town planning career with local government in Queensland in 1981.
After almost 10 years in the local government sector he moved to the Queensland State Government and by 2008 was Executive Director of the Policy and Planning Division, leading the development and implementation of the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 (QLD).
In 2011 he became Deputy Director-General later Chief Operating Officer for the newly formed Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning leading the Department’s corporate and business systems and professional services as well as machinery of government changes and reforms following the State Government election.
In 2015 he became Deputy Director-General of Economic and Industry Development and led the development and implementation of 10-year strategies.
Mr Cassidy’s dedication to effective public administration, and to achieving significant outcomes for the community of Queensland, has been exemplary.
Clare Frances DOUGLAS PSM
Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service
For outstanding public service to health administration in Queensland.
Ms Douglas was appointed Chief Executive of the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service (CHHHS) in June 2016 and since that time she has built strong relationships across the CHHHS area. She has strengthened and improved service delivery in regional and rural communities, introduced new services, and continued to improve the financial position of the CHHHS.
Ms Douglas’ commitment and dedication to public health administration in Far North Queensland has been exemplary.
Maureen Elaine ERVINE PSM
Department of Child Safety, Youth and Women
For outstanding public service to Indigenous families and communities in Queensland.
Ms Ervine has had a lifelong career in public administration demonstrating exceptional service to child protection, and advocacy for vulnerable families, particularly Aboriginal families and communities.
As a Goomeroi (aka Kamileroi) woman she keeps culture at the centre of practice, extending support to her colleagues and building cultural capacity. She has been instrumental in Central Queensland through extending the Framework for Practice and addressing inherent racism through Working With and Across Difference. She holds a position on the Department’s First Nations Council and Workforce Subcommittee where she provides consultation, analysis and advice on a range of matters affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and staff.
Ms Ervine’s commitment and dedication to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families, particularly in Queensland, for over 40 years has been outstanding.
Julie ETCHELLS PSM
Department of Child Safety, Youth and Women
For outstanding public service to children and families in Queensland.
Ms Etchells has delivered 20 years of public service to the Queensland community focusing on supporting positive outcomes for children and families.
She has undertaken multiple service delivery and leadership roles, including as Child Safety Officer, Senior Practitioner, Child Safety Service Centre Court Coordinator, Court Services Court Advisor, Project Officer, Child Safety Service Centre Manager, Regional Operations Manager, Assistant Regional Director, and Regional Director.
Since 1999 she has been involved with assisting severely abused and neglected children, victims and perpetrators of domestic and family violence and leading, supporting and supervising operational service centre managers across the West Moreton District of the South West Region.
Ms Etchell’s commitment and dedication to Queensland’s children and families throughouther long career has been exemplary.
Helen Francis FERGUSON PSM
Department of Communities, Disability Services and Seniors.
For outstanding public service to social policy development and implementation in Queensland.
Ms Ferguson has worked in policy and program development for over 24 years, commencing in 1994 as Policy Coordinator, Youth Section, in the Queensland Department of Family Services and Aboriginal and Islander Affairs.
Since 2015 she has worked tirelessly in ensuring the success of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), involved with the NDIS Policy Design resolving mainstream interface issues such as transport, personal care in schools, child protection, justice and corrections, community visitors, health and mental health and housing and specialist disability accommodation.
Ms Ferguson’s achievements in social policy development have resulted in significant improvements in the lives of many in the Queensland community.
Michael Dermot PARKER PSM
Local Government
For outstanding public service to local government administration in Queensland.
Mr Parker has a long and respected history working in public service from various roles in the State Government through to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) roles in small remote councils across Queensland.
He has consistently delivered over and above what is reasonably expected of a council CEO and his commitment to empowering his teams and developing their potential, especially for Indigenous staff members is well known and highly regarded.
His knowledge and experience has equipped many rural councils to achieve cost savings on their infrastructure and his leadership qualities are most evident in the transformation of Barcoo Shire Council.
Mr Parker’s commitment and dedication to public administration, and to the development of regional and remote Queensland, is exemplary.
Janelle Sue THURLBY PSM
Treasury
For outstanding public service to financial management and planning in Queensland.
Mrs Thurlby has been a member of the Queensland Public Service since 1978 and for over 20 years has been a dedicated officer of Queensland Treasury, most recently as Assistant Under Treasurer, Agency Performance.
Her responsibilities span a wide range of portfolios including health, education and justice, the funding of which constitutes around 70 per cent of Queensland’s budget.
Her briefings to government are always balanced, evidence-based and outcomes focused.
Mrs Thurlby’s commitment and dedication to public financial planning and administration in Queensland has been exemplary.
AUSTRALIAN POLICE MEDAL (APM)
Inspector Corey Mathew ALLEN APM
Inspector Allen is recognised in the Queensland Police Service for his leadership andexcellence in organisational improvement, change management, and operational planning.
During his QPS career he has served in a range of police appointments and is a proponent of change management.
His contribution to the development of programs, the leadership he has displayed and the partnerships with community, government and non-government agencies has seen him forge positive change in the approach police take in their interactions with vulnerable persons within the community.
Inspector Allen’s service to the QPS, and to community safety, reflect the high standards which are expected of an officer of the Queensland Police Service.
Detective Senior Sergeant Michelle Therese CLARK APM
Detective Senior Sergeant Clark is recognised for her dedication to adult and juvenile investigations in the Queensland Police Service (QPS), particularly in regional areas.
She has displayed commitment, skill and excellence in working in the investigative field, and with the broader community. Her leadership in the role of Officer in Charge of Mount Isa Child Protection Investigation Unit has earned her the respect of her peers and the support of the community.
She has also been actively engaged in Problem Oriented Policing Programs which have contributed to quality outcomes both for the community and the QPS and has made significant improvements to policing strategies and enhanced service delivery.
Detective Senior Sergeant Clark has served with distinction during her career with the Queensland Police Service.
Detective Senior Sergeant Sasha Naomi FINNEY APM
Detective Senior Sergeant Finney is recognised for her dedication to policing and for her success and effectiveness in working in partnership with community groups.
She has displayed unwavering commitment working with community groups and partner agencies and has undertaken a range of police appointments, most recently as Officer in Charge of the Synthetic Drug Operations Unit.
She has been a trailblazer and mentor in work across the LGBTIQ+ community, and promotes inclusion and diversity ensuring a positive workplace experience whilst engaging the community with confidence.
Detective Senior Sergeant Finney service to the QPS, and the community of Queensland, is most noteworthy.
Superintendent Craig Andrew HANLON APM
Superintendent Hanlon has demonstrated outstanding dedication and commitment during his career with the Queensland Police Service (QPS).
He is recognised for his excellence in organisational improvement, change management and operational planning and consistently displays his skills in developing and fostering innovation in policing practices.
He has served in a range of police appointments during his career, including in the roles of Assistant District Officer and Acting District Office and is acknowledged for his commitment to change management.
Superintendent Hanlon is seen as a role model for other officers and his leadership abilities and professionalism are qualities that reflect the high standards expected of an officer of the Queensland Police Service.
Chief Superintendent Mark Patrick WHEELER APM
Chief Superintendent Wheeler has demonstrated outstanding commitment to the Queensland Police Service (QPS) throughout his career serving with distinction in appointments and roles in remote, rural and metropolitan areas.
He is recognised as a leader and a promoter of change whose capabilities were pivotal as Operations Commander during the QPS response to the Lockyer Valley flood disaster and his commitment to change management.
His communication and negotiation skills enable effective engagement with departmental, government and media stakeholders and as Chief of Staff, has enhanced relationships between the QPS Executive, Government departments and the Minister’s office.
Chief Superintendent Wheeler is seen as a role model for other officers and staff members.
Inspector Nyree Lona WHELAN APM
Inspector Whelan has demonstrated outstanding dedication, integrity and commitment during her policing career of more than 27 years.
She has served in a range of policing appointments including rural and remote operational policing, education and training, and corporate roles and is committed to mentoring fellow officers and staff members.
She has earned the respect of a range of stakeholders across Government, the private sector and her peers for her expertise in corporate management and negotiation skills.
Inspector Whelan is a role model for other officers and staff members and her leadership abilities and professionalism are qualities that reflect the high standards expected of an officer of the Queensland Police Service.
AUSTRALIAN FIRE SERVICE MEDAL (AFSM)
Steven John BARBER AFSM
Mr Barber is a dedicated fire officer with over 35 years of distinguished service.
He has driven significant cultural change across Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) and has challenged poor behaviour, confronted workplace bullying, and strived to rebuild a positive workforce culture.
Most recently he led Central Region through Queensland’s most significant fire season with unprecedented conditions and catastrophic fire danger levels, commanding staff volunteers and resources at multiple fire incidents.
Mr Barber has earned the utmost respect from the QFES workforce, and his commitment and dedication to community safety in Queensland is most noteworthy.
Gregory Raymond DUNCAN AFSM
Mr Duncan has served the community of Queensland for over 36 years including as a Station Officer within Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES).
He responds to emergency incidents as part of his day to day duties but his most notable contributions have been been in the field of Technical Rescue, including the development of curriculum and capability for Swiftwater Floodwater Rescue and Urban Search and Rescue (USAR).
His dedication to continuous improvement across curriculum, equipment, systems and processes to support effective and safe operations in high risk and time critical environments has contributed to saving the lives of many Queenslanders during severe weather events.
Patrick Ross KRAUT AFSM
Mr Kraut has served Toogoolawah and the Esk Shire for over 52 years, holding the position of First Officer of the Toogoolawah Rural Fire Brigade for 38 years.
He is passionate about educating the community on best practice and has worked tirelessly to promote a community wide cooperative effort in fire management.
Through his leadership and planning, he has ensured that each area within the community had a reduced bushfire risk. Mr Kraut’s dedication and service goes well beyond what is expected of a volunteer, and he is held in the highest regard by his fellow volunteers and the wider community for his unwavering commitment to community safety and frontline service delivery.
Bevan James LOVE AFSM
Mr Love has served the Pimpama and Ormeau communities of South Eastern Queensland for almost 50 years, most notably as First Officer of the Ormeau Rural Fire Brigade which he relinquished in 2017.
He has a passion for modernisation and was an influential driver for the introduction of the Rural Fire Levy and the development of formalised hazard mitigation planning for bushfire prone areas within the Gold Coast region.
Mr Love’s service to the community and its people is held in the highest regard while his enthusiasm for volunteerism exemplifies the standards of the Rural Fire Service and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services.
Rodger John SAMBROOKS AFSM
Mr Sambrooks has provided an extensive and distinguished period of service to the community spanning 59 years with the Country Fire Authority, Victoria and both the Fire and Rescue Service and Rural Fire Service in Queensland.
Since moving to Queensland, he has worked tirelessly as an Auxiliary Firefighter and was promoted through the ranks to the position of Captain of the Buderim Fire and Rescue Station. He has served as the President of the Queensland Auxiliary Firefighters Association for over 17 years where he provides support and guidance to Auxiliary Firefighters, whilst advocating for their safety and encouraging fulfilling, rewarding careers. He continues to serve as a Volunteer Firefighter with the Palmwoods Rural Fire Brigade.
AMBULANCE SERVICE MEDAL (ASM)
Tracey Anne EASTWICK ASM
Ms Eastwick commenced her career with the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS), in 1994 as an Honorary Ambulance Officer at Kingaroy.
In 2002 she qualified as a Critical Care Paramedic and Flight Paramedic and has served the community of Queensland and Mackay in the Local Ambulance Service Network (LASN) for more than 25 years.
During her career with the QAS she has held several senior positions including Officer-in-Charge, Manager of Operations and Resources Readiness and, on several occasions, she has acted as Director of the Mackay LASN.
Ms Eastwick is a well-respected and experienced officer, and her commitment and dedication to community safety reflects highly on herself and the Queensland Ambulance Service.
Wayne William SACHS ASM
Mr Sachs commenced his career with the former Queensland Ambulance Transport Brigade, now the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS), in 1974.
During his career of more than 45 years he has worked at stations across the state and s a well-respected Officer-in-Charge in the Gympie community.
He works with his staff to ensure excellence in patient care to the people of Gympie and surrounding area and is very active with the Local Ambulance Committee where he works on community awareness projects.
Mr Sachs also serves his community in a number of volunteer roles and his commitment reflects highly on himself and the Queensland Ambulance Service.
Cary STRONG ASM
Mr Strong commenced his career with the former Queensland Ambulance Transport Brigade in 1986 as an Honorary Ambulance Officer at Southport. He was appointed as a permanent Ambulance Officer in 1988.
He has diligently served the community at locations in Brisbane and the Gold Coast for more than 31 years.
During his career he has provided a high level of leadership across several management roles including Officer-in-Charge, Regional Operations Coordinator, Senior Operations Supervisor Event Planning, Manager Workforce Planning, Executive Manager of Operations, Executive Manager Southport Operations Centre and Senior Operations Supervisor.
He is a well-respected and experienced officer within the QAS and is known for his depth of knowledge of ambulance operations and management of large-scale events and incidents.
Mr Strong’s dedication to the community of South East Queensland reflects highly on himself and the Queensland Ambulance Service.
AUSTRALIAN CORRECTIONS MEDAL (ACM)
Robyn Margaret ERNST ACM
Ms Ernst commenced service with Queensland Corrective Services (QCS) in 1995 as a Correctional Counsellor at Brisbane Women’s Correctional Centre and throughout her 24-year career has consistently demonstrated her commitment and dedication to improving outcomes for female prisoners.
She has undertaken a range of roles throughout her career including as a Correctional Counsellor, Manager, Offender Management and Correctional Manager. She has held her current position as Manager, Helena Jones Centre, since 2008.
She has implemented a number of family programs at HJC, including the delivery of low security custody with female prisoners, integrating mothers and babies parenting programs; the Circle of Security program; SHINE for Kids; Children’s Health and early development programs; and school holiday programs.
Ms Ernst is recognised for her distinguished service to QCS, her dedication to community safety, and her commitment to the management, rehabilitation and successful reintegration of female offenders.
Simone Elizabeth LOURIGAN ACM
Ms Lourigan commenced service with Queensland Corrective Services (QCS) in 2005 as a Custodial Correctional Officer and throughout her 14 year career has worked in a number of roles including as a Custodial Correctional Officer, Administration Officer, Community Corrections Officer, Correctional Counsellor, Psychologist, Senior Psychologist, Manager and Director – Community Corrections Operations, and currently is the Manager, Offender Development at Woodford Correctional Centre.
She is recognised for her extensive experience in psychological and intervention services to develop and implement individualized treatment and management plans for high risk or ‘at risk’ prisoners; managing high levels of complexity and ensuring a holistically supportive environment.
Ms Lourigan has distinguished herself for her service to QCS, her commitment to community safety, and to the rehabilitation of high-risk prisoners.
Jenny Lee LYNAS ACM
Ms Lynas commenced service with Queensland Corrective Services (QCS) in 2000 as a Correctional Counsellor at Arthur Gorrie Correctional Centre and throughout her 20-year career has displayed the highest levels of commitment and dedication to protecting the community of Queensland.
Since 2007 she has been the Director of the High Risk Offender Management Unit in a role that has daily contact with, and is responsible for, high risk sex offenders who are subject to indeterminate imprisonment for control, care and treatment.
During that time she has been at the forefront of community safety as a preeminent authority in the management of high risk, dangerous sex offenders.
Ms Lynas works across boundaries, across government, the courts and judiciary, and with clinicians in the community to enhance the management of dangerous sex offenders for a safer community in Queensland.