The NorthernTerritory Chief Minister Michael Gunner has passed on his, and his Governments,condolences to the family of the late Dr Valerie Asche AM.
Dr Asche passedaway on Monday evening. She is the wife of former Administrator of the NorthernTerritory, The Honourable Austin Asche AC QC.
In her ownright, Dr Asche was a distinguished microbiologist and researcher who wasrecognised with a Doctorate from Melbourne University and an Honorary Doctoratefrom Charles Darwin University.
Her workincluded filling the role of Senior Research Officer at the Menzies School ofHealth Research, with particular emphasis on research into meliodosis. She wasalso a Sessional Microbiologist at the Royal Darwin Hospital.
Dr Aschereceived a Distinguished Service Award from the Australian Society ofMicrobiology and was the first patron to be appointed a Dame of the Order of StJohn of Jerusalem (DStJ).
Included in hermany other achievements are an AM from Order of Australia, Fellow of JanetClarke Hall, Paul Harris Fellow from Rotary and Life Member of the CountryWomens Association.
Dr Asche wasalso an active contributor to the Top End community with patronages in Variety,Somerville, Girl Guides, Nursing Museum, Alzheimers, Retired Specialists andU3A.
As noted by Chief Minister MichaelGunner:
Our sincerestand most heartfelt condolences go to former NT Administrator Austin Asche,children Wendy and Harry, and their families, on this sad occasion.
Dr Aschebelieved in the Territory and left a lasting legacy through her tireless workin the health and research sector and through her community ties.
Vale ValerieAsche.
