Barwon Heads’ Debra Nestel has received the highest Queen’s Birthday honour of anyone in the greater Geelong region.
Professor Nestel became a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) on Monday for her services to medical education through simulated teaching methods.
She has had a decorated career that has taken her to London and Hong Kong.
“Being honoured in this way is humbling, especially because it legitimises simulation as a meaningful approach to contemporary health professions educational practice,” she told the Ocean Grove Voice.
“It’s an acknowledgement of the achievements of the wider healthcare simulation community. I happen to be the lucky one to receive the award.”
Order of Australia Medal (OAM) recipients across the Bellarine Peninsula included Drysdale footy player and firey Jeff Stewart, Ocean Grove volunteer Phil Emery and professor Felise Jacka, Barwon Heads professor Peter Gates and volunteer Doug Whan, and Point Lonsdale Rotarian and surf lifesaver Alan Joyce.
Grovedale’s Raymond Weston and Anglesea’s Janet Jones were also among the region’s OAM recipients.
Mr Weston has been part of Scouts Victoria for more than half a century, and volunteered at Wallington, Anglesea and Ocean Grove fire brigades.
