General News
19 September, 2025
High honour for Maria McCarthy
THE daughter of Camperdown residents Coral and Brian McCarthy was recognised as part of the King’s Birthday Honour’s List.
Associate professor Maria McCarthy was acknowledged with a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her work in paediatric psycho-oncology research and education.
Dr McCarthy works at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and the Royal Children’s Hospital in paediatric cancer, with her research focusing on the quality of life and psycho-social outcomes for children and adolescents with cancer and their families.
She said it was a “great honour” to be recognised.
“I feel very humbled and proud,” Dr McCarthy said.
“It’s been a wonderful recognition of the importance of looking at the psychological and psycho-social outcomes for young patients with cancer and their families, recognising we need to do more research into this area.”
While Dr McCarthy grew up in Warrnambool, Camperdown has been a strong part of her family with regular family get-togethers hosted in town.
She said her parents had moved to town around 25 years ago.
“I’ve been visiting Camperdown regularly since that time and my parents have found Camperdown to be a wonderful home,” Dr McCarthy said.
“My father has been very connected through the local football club and they’ve really found it to be a welcoming and connected community.
“I enjoy going to Camperdown and seeing that real sense of community in a smaller western district town.
“It’s quite special for us.
“My mother’s grandmother and uncle lived in Camperdown, so there’s a long family history for Camperdown.”
Dr McCarthy said it was a great surprise to be notified by the office of the Governor-General, but found keeping it a secret from friends, family and colleagues difficult.
“You can’t let anybody know until it’s formally announced, but when it was announced it was wonderful to share that news with my family – my parents live in Camperdown and to share that with them was a great thrill,” she said.
“I also got to share it with my husband, children and my friends and colleagues – I work with a team of psychologists, art therapists and child life therapists.
“It was a great surprise and joy to share it with family, friends and colleagues.”
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