Palliative Care NSW congratulates the three outstanding individuals who have had their support of, and connection to palliative care recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours.
Among those honoured is Teresa Plane AM, of Narrabeen, who was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her significant service to palliative care and the arts. Announced on 9 June, the honour reflects her decades of trailblazing leadership and compassionate care in the sector.
Teresa is widely regarded as a pioneer of palliative care in New South Wales. In 1962 she founded and was Matron of Mount Carmel Hospital in Seven Hills and was instrumental in the establishment of a palliative care unit there in the late 70’s. She founded the Macquarie Hospice in 1984, the Outstretched Hand Foundation in 1980, and co-founded the Chapel Hill Retreat in 1994, facilities that have supported countless individuals and families during some of life’s most difficult times.
Her contributions extend into advocacy, education, and the arts. A Life Member of the National Association for Loss and Grief and an Ambassador for Push for Palliative, she has long been a driving force for policy and service improvement in the state. She is also a familiar voice on Sydney’s 2RPH as a radio presenter and has contributed creatively as a playwright and performer in Short + Sweet festivals. In 2023, she was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Letters by Western Sydney University and was named NSW Senior Australian of the Year.
Teresa was a guest speaker at the Palliative Care NSW Volunteer Conference in 2023, where she shared her insights and experience with the volunteers and volunteer managers attending.
You can read more about Teresa’s life, career and extraordinary contribution to palliative care here: https://palliativecare.org.au/story/teresa-plane-over-40-years-of-advocating-for-palliative-care/
Also recognised is Kylie Ellen Pussell OAM, of Harrington Park, who received the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her service to community health, particularly in neonatal support. As CEO and co-founder of the Miracle Babies Foundation, Kylie has played a vital role in supporting families navigating premature and difficult births. Her involvement in the Perinatal Palliative Care Special Interest Group of the Perinatal Society of Australia and New Zealand reflects her strong connection to end-of-life and critical care in early life stages.
In addition, Dr Alan Bruce Secombe OAM, formerly of Murwillumbah, has also been recognised with the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his service to the community as a General Practitioner. Over his decades-long career in northern NSW, Dr Secombe has contributed significantly to palliative care, including as a community educator for volunteers at Tweed Palliative Support and Wedgetail Retreat since 2015. His roles as a hospice committee member and educator for volunteers have left a lasting impact on regional health services and palliative support in the Northern Rivers region of NSW.
Palliative Care NSW congratulates Teresa, Kylie and Dr Secombe on their well-deserved recognition. Each has demonstrated extraordinary commitment to supporting patients, families, volunteers and their colleagues with compassion, and a deep sense of community.