The 2025 King’s Birthday Honours have spotlighted the extraordinary contributions of Australian nurses across clinical care, research, leadership and community service.
Professor Kate Curtis (NSW) was named an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for her distinguished service to trauma and emergency nursing, critical care research, tertiary education, and professional organisations. Professor Curtis, who holds the position of Professor of Trauma and Emergency Nursing at Sydney Nursing School, University of Sydney, has been described as the ‘world’s most published author in the field of trauma and emergency nursing’.
Catherine Johnson (NSW) received a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for advancing oncology nursing and research. Ms Johnson has nearly three decades of experience as a Clinical Research Nurse at Calvary Mater Newcastle specialising in Medical Oncology. She was instrumental in founding the Cancer Nurses Society of Australia and currently serves as Secretary/Treasurer of the International Society of Nurses in Cancer Care and the Gastrointestinal Cancer Care Nurse Coordinator for Hunter New England Local Health District.
Dr Toni Hains FACN (QLD) received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her pioneering work as a Perioperative Nurse Practitioner and Surgical Assistant at St Andrew’s War Memorial Hospital. Dr Hains co-founded the Australian Association of Nurse Surgical Assistants and has the ‘Toni Hains Research Award’ named in her honour.
Also honoured were nurses whose careers have shaped policy, improved rural and remote care, and championed community and animal welfare, including:
– Jennifer Messell (NT), Director of Nursing and current Service Manager at Juninga Centre and 2019 NT Nurse/Midwife of the Year
– Captain David West (SA), Director of Mental Health Services, Flinders and Upper North Local Health Network
– Anne Shipp (VIC), paediatric cardiac transplant nurse with a 50-year career at The Royal Children’s Hospital
– Heather Pickard (VIC), CEO of Nurse Midwife Health Program Australia
– Valma Noel Pink (VIC), pioneer of Australia’s first triage system at Box Hill Hospital in 1975
– Jennifer Hunt (VIC), recognised for her services to animal welfare through the establishment of Pet Medical Crisis
– Mary O’Brien (NSW), former nurse and midwife recognised for her service to the Ballina community
– Elizabeth Ravalli (VIC), former aged care enrolled nurse honoured for service to the Melbourne community
– Daryl Wilson (NSW), emergency nurse at Lithgow District Hospital and community service leader
In a press release on 9 June 2025, the Australian College of Nursing shared:
‘These honours reflect the exceptional dedication, innovation and leadership demonstrated by Australian nurses across clinical practice, research, education and professional development. The recognition of these distinguished practitioners highlights the vital role nurses play in advancing healthcare outcomes and professional standards across the nation.’
You can review the full King’s Birthday 2025 Honours List here.
