Volunteers recognised in Australia day awards

Open Heart International is thrilled that two volunteers have received a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia as part of Australia Day celebrations today, Dr. David Baines and Dr. Neil Street.

Dr. David Baines received his Award for “significant service to medicine in the field of paediatric anaesthesia as a clinician, administrator and mentor, and to medical education.”

Dr. Baines was first involved in 1991 when he travelled to Vanuatu. Nowadays he is one of the most active volunteers, being a part of 34 individual teams to date in Cambodia, Fiji, Rwanda, Tanzania, Tonga and Vanuatu.

Dr. Neil Street received his Award for “significant service to medicine in the fields of paediatric anaesthesia and malignant hyperthermia, and to the people of the Asia-Pacific region through medical aid programs.”

Dr. Street was first involved in 1996 when he travelled to Papua New Guinea. He has volunteered 11 times – 10 in PNG, and 1 in Myanmar.

The Governor-General and Chancellor of the Order of Australia, His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd), announced the Australia Day 2015 Honours List, marking the start of the 40th year of the Australian Honours system.

The Australia Day 2015 Honours List recognises a diverse range of contributions and service across all fields, including professional endeavours, community service, Defence and Emergency Services personnel, and acts of bravery

“To all recipients, I offer my warmest congratulations and express my sincere gratitude for your contribution to our nation,” the Governor-General said.

“We are fortunate as a community to have so many outstanding people willing to dedicate themselves to the betterment our nation and it is only fitting that they have today been recognised through the Australian Honours system.”

The Australian system of honours and awards was established in 1975 when The Queen approved the institution of the Order of Australia: ‘an Australian society of honour for according recognition to Australian citizens and other persons for achievement or meritorious service’. The Order of Australia is the pre-eminent way Australians recognise the achievements and service of their fellow citizens.