The Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations recognises the profound contribution to Australian public health and HIV research, prevention and treatment, made by the following Queen’s Birthday honours recipients.
- NSW Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerry Chant AO, for distinguished service to the people of NSW through public health administration and governance and to medicine. Dr Chant has also been pivotal in putting NSW on track to end HIV transmission.
- Professor Basil Donovan AO, for distinguished service to medicine in the field of sexual health through tertiary education, research and advisory roles. Dr Donovan’s leadership in HIV research spans sexual health and its history, the health impact of human rights and the law, and rapid STI testing.
- Alan John Bansemer AO, for distinguished service to public administration, particularly health through leadership and policy development. Alan Bansemer supported the establishment of both Medicare and the HIV response and has been a strong supporter of public health and community-based responses to HIV and Aboriginal health.
- Todd Harper AM, for significant service to cancer support programs and medical governance. Todd Harper is a former CEO of TasCAHRD (the peak body of HIV prevention and treatment in Tasmania).
- Shirleene Robinson AM, for significant service to the LGBTIQ community, to marriage equality, and to history. Shirleene Robinson has documented the history of volunteering during HIV/AIDS.
- Lucas De Toca PSM, for outstanding public service through leadership in managing the successful COVID-19 vaccine rollout through primary health care. Lucas is a past board member of the Northern Territory AIDS and Hepatitis Council.
AFAO chief executive, Darryl O’Donnell said: “A very special alchemy of medicine, research, grassroots community effort and advocacy powers Australia’s HIV response. Each of these Australia Day honours recipients have contributed to that effort, improving the health of countless Australians. We recognise and honour that contribution.”
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