North West Hospital and Health Service (HHS) Board Chair Cheryl Vardon, AO, is one of three Queenslanders recognised in The King’s Birthday 2023 Honours List and appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO).

Honoured for distinguished service to public administration, particularly education and health, and for the protection of children and young people, Ms Vardon has worked tirelessly for the betterment of Australia’s youth. 

“I am humbled to receive such an honour and be in the company of inspiring leaders whose achievements have positively impacted the lives of Queenslanders,” said Ms Vardon.

Ms Vardon, Doctor of the University (DUniv) and an Adjunct Professor at Griffith University, is the former inaugural Chief Executive and Principal Commissioner of the Queensland Family and Child Commission. She established Queensland's Child Death Review Board and became the initial chair. She is an experienced Director General, Chief Executive Officer and statutory office holder.

As an experienced reviewer of systems, Ms Vardon has led a series of reviews for the Queensland Government, leading to practical systems reform measures to keep vulnerable children more than safe. While Commissioner for Public Administration in the ACT, Ms Vardon led a review (the 'Vardon Report') of child protection services. Ms Vardon is currently conducting a comprehensive independent review of Queensland’s non-state school accreditation framework.

Appointed North West HHS Board Chair in 2022, Ms Vardon acknowledges the challenges of delivering healthcare in a unique remote setting and partners with communities to improve health outcomes by delivering valued, high-quality, sustainable health services across the region.  

Health Service Chief Executive Sean Birgan said it was wonderful to see Ms Vardon’s contributions recognised. 

“We are pleased to see Ms Vardon honoured with the highest recognition in the nation for her life’s service to Queenslanders and Australia, and are fortunate to have her leading the North West Hospital and Health Service Board”.