Covid response leadership earns medal
TASMANIA Police Commissioner Donna Adams has been awarded a Public Service Medal in the 2023 Australia Day honours for her leadership throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.
Commissioner Adams is credited with making an “extraordinary contribution to keeping Tasmanians safe from the global threat of Covid-19” through her roles as emergency operations commander for the Tasmanian Health Service and deputy state controller during the declared state of emergency.
“Commissioner Adams deservedly holds the respect and trust of those around her and the wider community,” the National Australia Day Council (NADC) said.
Other senior public servants recognised with medals include Premier and Cabinet Department deputy secretary policy and delivery Craig Limkin, Health Department deputy secretary community, health and wellbeing Dale Webster, and former Covid-19 Co-ordination Centre public information adviser Mandy Denby.
Inspector John Toohey and Commander Stuart Wilkinson were awarded the Australian Police Medal. Inspector Toohey was tasked with overseeing the State Covid Police Operations Centre in April 2020, ensuring police resources were effectively mobilised to other government departments at the height of the pandemic.
Commander Wilkinson, who joined Tasmania Police in 1993, was put in charge of the Western Police District when the state of emergency was declared in March 2020 and provided high-level strategic advice to the State Emergency Management Controller and State Police Operations Commander.
Neil Brooksbank, of Margate, Richard Cosstick, of Devonport, and Wade Stewart, of Risdon Vale, all received the Australian Fire Service Medal, while Brett Robins, Leon Smith, and Neil Wright, of the State Emergency Service, were recognised with the Emergency Services Medal.
Tasmania Prison Service (TPS) acting team leader, planning and reintegration, Erin Hunn was awarded the Australian Corrections Medal, being applauded for her “strong focus on improving conditions and outcomes for prisoners in Tasmania”. “From the time she commenced with the TPS, Ms Hunn has actively sought to identify opportunities for the TPS to support both prisoners and the community and has worked hard to deliver outcomes,” the NADC said.