The Australian College of Nursing (ACN) welcomes the recognition of nurses’ professional and community contributions in the 2022 Australia Day Awards and Honours.
More than a dozen nurses were acknowledged for their service, headlined by the Senior Australian of the Year, Canberra nurse and St John Ambulance Volunteer Val Dempsey.
ACN CEO Adjunct Professor Kylie Ward FACN said this year’s recipients demonstrate the long-term role nurses have played in leading their communities through crisis and uncertainty.
“I congratulate all nurses, both past and present, whose commitment to improving the health of their patients and local communities has received the broader societal recognition it deserves,” she said.
“The last two years has seen the leadership nurses display each and every day in their personal and professional lives thrust into the public spotlight due to COVID-19. However, as these honours show, we know nurses have always been trusted and pivotal figures in their local communities and are the first to stand tall to support those in need.
“In no better person is this illustrated than Senior Australian of the Year Val Dempsey, who has selflessly dedicated her life to caring for others when they need it most. She is an exemplar example of how the contribution of nurses to local communities extends above and beyond our professional commitments.
“I am also proud to see the expertise and contribution of several Australian College of Nursing Fellows and Members publicly recognised in the Honours List. We are privileged to benefit from your expertise and leadership in our ACN Community.”
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