Jaelea Skehan has established a national and international standing in mental health and suicide prevention.
Her achievements are many but it has been her ongoing connection with Newcastle that she counts among her proudest accomplishments.
"It's not something I take for granted," Dr Skehan said.
"When you thought about your career in the late 90s you thought that you would have to move to the big smoke to make a difference. I never thought I would be able to do nationally and internationally significant work from my hometown."
She admits the news she was to receive an OAM for service to community mental health and wellbeing came as a shock.
"It feels a little bit strange. I don't know whether to feel excited or humble " she said.
Dr Skehan began working at the Hunter Institute of Mental Health, Everymind, in 2001 and was appointed the institute's first female director in 2012.
She credits former Newcastle psychologist, the late professor Trevor Waring, as being her guiding light.
"[Trevor] had a significant influence on my career, not just because he gave me an opportunity but he was also a mentor," she said.
"Trevor is still a voice that sits on my shoulder - whether to go left or right or to find the courage to move forward."
While much has been achieved in mental health treatment in recent years , there is still plenty to do.
"I think we should acknowledge the gains we have made - mental health has been elevated to a core health issue," Dr Skehan said.
"What we need now is a seamless and connected system so that we can both prevent the onset of mental illness and treat complex mental health challenges at the same time."
