Dementia Australia CEO Maree McCabe and dementia advocate Anne Tudor, have been included in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List announced on Monday.
McCabe was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to people living with Alzheimer’s and Dementia, and to the aged care sector, and included in the COVID-19 Honour Roll for contribution in support of Australia’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tudor, pictured above, received the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division for her service to people living with dementia and their supporters.
Chair of Dementia Australia, Professor Graeme Samuel AC, said he was delighted to congratulate McCabe on behalf of the Board, executive, staff, clients and volunteers of Dementia Australia on this prestigious acknowledgment.
“Maree’s prominent career within the aged care and mental health sectors for both Victorian and national roles has demonstrated her dedication and commitment to all Australians impacted by dementia,” Samuel said.
“Across these sectors, all levels of government and the community I know many will applaud this acknowledgment of the significant contribution she has made and continues to make to the lives of people of all ages, living with all forms of dementia, their families and carers.
“We are also immensely pleased and proud of Maree’s inclusion in the COVID Honour Roll as recognition of her sector leadership through the unprecedented challenges the COVID-19 pandemic has presented.”
McCabe acknowledged Tudor for the well-deserved honour on behalf of all people impacted by dementia.
“I commend Anne’s ongoing commitment to raising awareness and educating the community about the impact of dementia on people living with a diagnosis, their families and carers,” McCabe said.
“Anne, with her wife Edie, who sadly died in 2020, have blazed a trail in their local community inspiring many others to support people impacted by dementia.
“Anne has contributed greatly to Dementia Australia and the dementia community at large – domestically, internationally, and especially in Ballarat, with a focus on creating awareness and support for people living with younger onset dementia.
“I congratulate Anne on this most deserved recognition of her passionate advocacy over the years.”
Tudor said she was moved and delighted to receive a Queen’s Birthday Honour.
“I am very humbled to receive this honour,” Tudor said.
“Everything Edie and I achieved together was so rewarding and we met so many inspiring people through all our activity while at the same time never forgetting our shared purpose in raising awareness about dementia and improving the lives of all people impacted.”
“I look forward to continuing to do all I can to support people impacted by dementia in Ballarat in beyond.”
McCabe said her own role at Dementia Australia provides her with the opportunity to advocate for the almost half a million Australians living with dementia and the more 1.6 million people involved in their care.
“It is an extraordinary honour and humbling to be recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours,” she said.
“This award truly is for everybody at Dementia Australia and for everyone who has been involved with and supports our organisation.
“It is a testament to everything we have achieved together to bring about change and work towards improving the quality of life and care for people living with dementia, their families and carers.
“It is people living with a diagnosis of dementia or experiencing life as a carer who are a constant inspiration.
“I extend my gratitude to everyone who supported this nomination and will use this award to continue to elevate the voices of all people impacted by dementia and advocate for the human rights, dignity and care they deserve.”
