Australians working across diabetes care, endocrinology, vascular medicine and First Nations health have been recognised in the 2026 Australia Day Honours.
Diabetes Australia congratulates these award recipients who reflect the depth of expertise that is addressing diabetes as one of the most urgent and complex health challenges facing Australia.
Among those recognised is Professor Shirley Jansen of Western Australia, appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for her contribution to vascular surgery and cardiovascular science. Professor Jansen is Professor of Vascular Surgery and Director of the Heart and Vascular Research Institute at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital and co lead of Cardiovascular Science and Diabetes at the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research. Her work sits at the intersection of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and clinical research, strengthening understanding of complications that affect thousands of Australians each year.
Queensland health leader Floyd Leedie has also been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to Indigenous health in Queensland. As CEO of Goondir Health Service since 2008, Mr Leedie has led the delivery of culturally safe primary health care across regional Queensland, supporting communities where diabetes prevalence and complications remain disproportionately high. Diabetes Australia is proud to have been associated with this work at Goondir Health through its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement team.
Dr Kunwarjit Singh Sangla of Queensland has been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to endocrinology and to rural and Indigenous communities in Queensland.
For more than 25 years, Dr Sangla has delivered specialist diabetes care through face to face outreach clinics across Central, West and North Queensland, complemented by telehealth and ongoing clinical support for patients and practitioners. His work has expanded access to specialist care in some of the most remote parts of the state.
In New South Wales, Shirley Brown has been awarded the Public Service Medal for outstanding public service to health in nursing and chronic care services. An Aboriginal Chronic Care nurse with Western Sydney Local Health District, Ms Brown works at the Mount Druitt Community Health Centre Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Monday Clinic, delivering culturally appropriate diabetes care and long term support.
Together, these honours highlight the critical role of clinical leadership, research excellence and community-focused care in reducing the impact of diabetes and improving health outcomes across Australia.
