Victorian Psychiatrist and Club Melbourne Ambassador, Professor Patrick McGorry has been named the Australian of the Year for 2010 in recognition of his work in the mental health field, particularly for his efforts in improving the mental health of young people.
Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Melbourne, Executive Director of Orygen Youth Health (OYH), and Director of Headspace – Australia’s National Youth Mental Health Foundation, Professor McGorry has dedicated the past 25 years to mental health reform and preventative mental health, including early intervention, youth mental health and refugee mental health.
Professor McGorry is also a member of the Club Melbourne Ambassadors program which consists of a 100-strong membership of Victoria’s intellectual leaders in the science, medical and research fraternities.
Club Melbourne Ambassadors seek to sell Melbourne and Victoria as an international business and convention destination to maximise the economic benefits that flow from major international conventions for the city and state, while gaining exposure for their company, organisation, university and research teams in the international marketplace.
Another two Club Melbourne Ambassadors were also listed in the 2010 Australia Day honours, Professor Jenny Graves for her service to scientific research in the field of genetics and Dr Leslie Bolitho for his service to medicine as a clinician and educator.
In praising all three 2010 Australia Day recipients, MCEC chief executive Leigh Harry said: ‘On behalf of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust and the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, I congratulate Professor McGorry on receiving such a worthy honour as being named the 2010 Australian of the Year.
‘Congratulations also to Professor Graves and Dr Bolitho on their amazing achievements. We are delighted that they, as leaders in their respective fields, and as Club Melbourne Ambassadors, have been recognised for their contributions to the Australian community.’
In congratulating the awarded Ambassadors, Sandra Chipchase, CEO of the Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau, said: ‘The Club Melbourne Ambassadors program celebrates the talent and achievements of Victoria’s leaders across a plethora of scientific, health, research and medical fields. Having been recognised nationally for their contributions to the Australian community attests to the calibre of our Ambassadors and to Melbourne’s reputation as a centre for medical, scientific and research excellence.
‘We congratulate our awarded Ambassadors, and look forward to continuing to work with our Club Melbourne Ambassadors to attract Business Events to Melbourne.’
