Geelong’s Dr Margaret Grigg has received an OAM for her close to 40 years of service in the mental health field.
The Forensicare chief executive officer has had many health roles in organisations like Victoria’s Department of Health, Mind Australia and the World Health Organisation.
“I spent 12 months working internationally for the World Health Organisation in early mental health policy, and that it was an amazing time,” she said.
“A real highlight for me was following the Victorian bushfires (Black Friday 2009). I coordinated Victoria’s psychosocial response to the bushfires, and that was such an incredible time.
“It was an opportunity to really support incredibly traumatised individuals, communities and really make a difference.”
Margaret had received the National Emergency Medal in 2012 and said it didn’t “feel quite real” to receive the OAM.
“I feel a bit undeserving of it but also privileged,” she said.
“I’ve worked with people who’ve taught me so much, and I think mental health is an incredibly important conversation for us to have in the community.
“I think about the people I’ve worked with or known in the context of a long career working in the mental health area, and I can think of many people who are more brave and deserving than me.”
Margaret said she was “endlessly amazed” by people’s courage, and it was necessary to maintain hope in the mental health field.
“I have met so many people who have found their way through the most horrendous experiences,” she said.
“If I could encourage one nurse to come and work in mental health, that would make me super happy.
“It’s meaningful work where you make real differences in the lives of people.”
