College Allies Honoured

We would like to congratulate three members of the College family—one Fellow and two volunteers—who have had their work formally recognised in the 2023 Australia Day Honours lists.

Honours and Awards recognise the outstanding service and contributions of Australians. The Honours and Awards system is nomination based, therefore providing the people of Australia with an opportunity to recognise those whose efforts make our communities and our nation a better place.

To our three colleagues, thank you for your exceptional contributions to the professions, making a real difference to the lives of patients.

Dr Evelyn Mei Yin Yap

Dr Evelyn Mei Yin Yap was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) – General Division, for service to medicine, and to multiculturalism.

Dr Yap, FRANZCR, is the Deputy Managing Partner of Benson Radiology in Adelaide. She was awarded her Fellowship in 1997, and within the College has served as RANZCR ASM Convenor, ASM Committee Member, Nuclear Medicine Specialists Committee, and FCR MBS Review Reference Panel Committee.

Dr Yap is a Fellow of the Australasian Association of Nuclear Medicine Specialists, and a member of both the Australian and New Zealand Association of Physicians in Nuclear Medicine and the Australian Medical Association.

She has served in a number of roles within the South Australian Malaysian community, including as the President of the Malaysia Club of South Australia, President of the Australia-Malaysia Business Council South Australia, Board member of the Australian Migrant Resource Centre and President of the Australian Chinese Medical Association South Australia.

Q. What are your thoughts on your award?

A. Receiving the OAM was unexpected. I am truly appreciative of the award. It is a recognition and acknowledgement by my adopted country Australia, of the work that I have placed into my career and my contributions to the community. I am grateful for this honour, but I also know that it would not have been possible without the support of many people who have helped me along the way, especially my family.

As a radiologist, I have had the privilege of connecting with many other specialties and working with them to provide the best care for our patients. I have also been able to use my medical knowledge to help people from diverse backgrounds with linguistic challenges of the English language to understand their illnesses and to take charge of their health. Through charity work, fundraising, and community events, I hope I have been able to inspire hope and optimism in the lives of some people.

I was an international student and migrant myself, and I understand the challenges that come with adjusting to a new country and culture. This stirred me to action, and I felt compelled to support others who are facing similar difficulties. I have received kindness and assistance from the community in my life in Australia, and I feel that it is only right that I give back and show others how we can all make a difference.

My motto is to help without reason and to give with no expectations of return. I believe that when we give freely and unconditionally, we create a positive ripple effect that touches the lives of many people.

By serving others, we can make the world a better place, one person at a time.

I will continue to work hard and hope to make a positive impact whether large or small on the lives of those around me, with the same self-effacement and commitment that has been my mantra.

Ms Joanne Muller

Ms Joanne Muller was awarded a Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia, for significant service to youth, to community health, and to the law. Ms Muller’s roles have included Consumer Member of the RANZCR CRRC, Community Member, Radiation Advisory Council of NSW, and Ethics Committee member, Cancer Council NSW.

With formal qualifications in science, education and law, Ms Muller commenced working in the law in 1990, establishing her own practice in 1993. She has held many statutory appointments in the health disciplinary area. She serves as the chairperson and consumer member of a number of disciplinary and advisory councils in the health professions. Ms Muller has been a member of Girl Guides for nearly 55 years, holds many executive roles in Girl Guides Australia, and is currently a Board Member and the Chair of the Governance Committee.

I have still not been feeling that this could be real. It really should be recognition for all of the wonderful community groups and organisations that have allowed me to contribute to meaningful activities that make a difference.

Ms Joanne Muller AM

Mr John Stubbs

Mr John Stubbs has been awarded a Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia for significant service to community health, particularly to people with cancer.

Mr John Stubbs AM

Mr Stubbs was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia many years ago, and as a result became a committed and passionate advocate for people affected by cancer. He has held roles at the College as Consumer Member, and was Chair of the TROG National Cancer Consumers Network. Mr Stubbs has contributed to more than 48 research papers as an Investigator and Associate Investigator. His other many community health roles include Chair of the National Cancer Consumers Network, Therapeutics Goods Administration committee member, Cancer Council NSW Board member, Chair of Cancer Australia, and Chair of the Cancer Trials Consumer Network. Mr Stubbs is a regular speaker at medical conferences in Australia and internationally about health and cancer policy, advocacy, clinical trials, research and related issues.

Heartfelt congratulations on your Australia Day honour! I cannot begin to tell you how moved I am to read this happy news. A truly remarkable person, with an incredible story of determination, courage, generosity and compassion. A true inspiration! I salute you, John Stubbs AM.

A/Prof Belinda Campbell