ANU honorary academic and leading experts awarded 2021 ACT Australian of the Year Awards

Professor Brendan Murphy and Patricia Anderson AO are among four inspirational Canberrans recognised as part of this year’s ACT Australian of the Year Awards.

Professor Murphy has an honorary appointment in the ANU Medical School at The Australian National University.

Former Chief Medical Officer, and current Secretary of the Department of Health, he has been named ACT Australian of the Year, for his role in steering the country through the initial outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I’ve been in health all my life; clinical work, health reform, health leadership, and the CMO role in the Commonwealth was just the pinnacle of my health career,” Professor Murphy said when accepting his accolade.

“I didn’t want this ghastly virus to come, but I was there when it came. I was determined to save the Australian people from what we saw in the rest of the world. It’s been the most privileged thing I’ve done all my life.”

Professor Murphy provided expert advice to the Federal Government to close the international borders before the spread of COVID-19 – a decision that saved tens of thousands of Australian lives. Thanks to his calm leadership, Australia was able to prevent the COVID-19 virus taking hold in the community during the first wave of the global pandemic.

He is a respected medical expert, chairs many national committees, and represents Australia at the World Health Assembly.

Writer and advocate, Patricia Anderson AO, was named the ACT Senior Australian of the Year for her work in advancing the health of Indigenous people.

Ms Anderson is one of eight members of an ANU expert advisory board that is overseeing our bold vision: to be a top global university, serving the nation, distinguished by our impact on health, wellbeing and the future of healthcare.

She is an Alyawarre woman known nationally and internationally as a powerful advocate for the health of Australia’s First Peoples. She has extensive experience in Aboriginal health, including community development, policy formation and research ethics.

“It’s a great honour that’s been given to me. It brings with it great responsibility. I think there are many challenges facing Australia,” Ms Anderson said.

“I am nevertheless hopeful. One of the most important things that we as a nation have is the Uluru Statement from the Heart, which was a gift for the Australian people—a gift of hope and a roadmap for national healing.”

Ms Anderson was also appointed Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 2014 for her distinguished service to the Indigenous community as a social justice advocate, particularly through promoting improved health, and educational and protection outcomes for children.

She has served as the chair of several organisations, and is the current Chairperson of the Remote Area Health Corporation, and the Lowitja Institute.

Professor Brendan Murphy and Patricia Anderson AO were among 13 others nominated across four categories—all with a common focus on how their actions could help other.

National Australia Day Council Chief Executive, Karlie Brand, said “Whether it's through advocacy, volunteering, leadership roles or mentoring, the ACT award nominees are all playing a significant role in making a difference in the world."

"They are incredibly inspiring—and the ACT community can be very proud of them."

Professor Russell Gruen, Dean of the ANU College of Health and Medicine said, “Connecting our students and researchers to the nation’s most respected leaders creates real opportunities for impact and is one of the things that makes ANU experience distinctive. We celebrate the acknowledgment of Professor Murphy and Ms Anderson’s great contributions.”

The ACT award winners will join recipients from other states and territories for the national 2021 Australian of the Year awards announcement on 25 January 2021.