University of Melbourne Professor and Mental health expert Patrick McGorry was recently honoured with the country’s top distinction - Australian of the Year.
A program coordinated by the National Australian Day Council, the annual award is announced on Australia Day Eve. State and territory selection committees select four finalists for each award category, with one of these finalists becoming the state/territory award recipient. State/territory award recipients then become the national finalists for the awards.
This year, Prof. McGorry from the State of Victoria was the top choice.
The 57-year-old Monash University alumnus is a leading international researcher, clinician and advocate for the youth mental health reform agenda. He is Executive Director of Orygen Youth Health (OYH), a world-renowned mental health organization for young people that has put Australia at the forefront of innovation in the prevention and treatment of mental illness.
The University of Melbourne and Monash University should be proud that one of its own was recognized for nearly 30 years of dedicated work.
Congratulations, Prof. McGorry!