A paediatric emergency physician and a senior university lecturer have been honoured for their exceptional contribution to improving the health and wellbeing of children and young people across Queensland.
Professor Jason Acworth and Dr Shelley Hopkins are the recipients of the 2026 Children’s Health Queensland Medal of Distinction.
Children’s Health Queensland Board Chair Heather Watson said the Medal of Distinction celebrates extraordinary and inspiring individuals whose dedication and drive are helping shape brighter and healthier futures for children and young people.
“The passion, leadership and expertise demonstrated by this year’s recipients have made a lasting difference to children, young people and families across Queensland, and their contributions will continue to benefit communities for years to come,” she said.
Prof Jason Acworth, recipient of the Clinical Excellence category, has more than 3 decades of experience and has led system-wide improvements to paediatric emergency care, both nationally and internationally, advancing simulation training, resuscitation practice and contributing to innovative research.
Through his leadership, he has also supported access to high-quality, culturally responsive care for children in regional communities, helping improve health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families.
“Professor Acworth’s leadership has led to the improvement and empowerment of health services across Queensland, including in rural and remote communities. He champions equitable access to care and demonstrates the important role education plays in transforming clinical practice,” Ms Watson said.
Dr Shelley Hopkins, recipient of the Community Impact category, is a Senior Lecturer in Optometry and Vision Science at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT), is dedicated to improving access to culturally responsive eye care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in some of Queensland's most remote communities.
Through the QUT Health Clinics Children's Outreach Optometry Team, Dr Hopkins has helped remove barriers to care by delivering school-based vision screening, free glasses and ongoing support, improving children's learning, wellbeing and future opportunities.
“Dr Hopkins’ collaborative approach and leadership has strengthened connections between schools, health services and remote communities, making it easier for children to receive timely eye care and ongoing support closer to home,” Ms Watson said.
“Professor Acworth and Dr Hopkins exemplify the unwavering commitment and passion that can deliver meaningful and lasting change and help ensure all children and young people can access the right care, at the right time, in the right way, regardless of where they live,” she said.
“On behalf of Children’s Health Queensland, I thank our 2026 Medal of Distinction recipients for the difference they have made, and continue to make, to the lives of children and their families in Queensland and across Australia,” Ms Watson said.
Thirty-six Queenslanders from across the state were nominated for the 2026 round of the Children’s Health Queensland Medal of Distinction.
The Medal of Distinction acknowledges Queenslanders who have made a significant impact in child and youth health and wellbeing – either through direct health care, research, education, community support, engagement or activation, or outstanding advocacy.
View more information about the awards.
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Media contact: t: +61 7 3068 5111 e: chqnews@health.qld.gov.au