A great Queenslander

Scientific Director of the Queensland Cord Blood Bank (QCBB), which is based at the Mater, Dr Robyn Rodwell was one of five outstanding Queenslanders recognised in the 2009 Queensland Great Awards handed out by Premier Anna Bligh recently.

Dr Rodwell was honoured along with philanthropist Philip Bacon AM, Angel Flight Founder Bill Bristow AM, singer, songwriter and educator Kevin Carmody, community supporter Anthony Ryan and aged care facility Blue Care.

In delivering the awards, the Premier congratulated the fi ve ‘Queensland Greats’ for their dedication and commitment to the State and thanked them for their contribution to Queensland.

“Each Queensland Great—Phillip Bacon, Bill Bristow, Kev Carmody, Robyn Rodwell and Anthony Ryan—has made a remarkable and highly individual contribution, not just in their field, but to the broader Queensland community and they are an inspiration to all,” Ms Bligh said.

Dr Rodwell has worked tirelessly in support of the QCBB at the Mater—which gives children suffering from leukaemia and other blood disorders hope for a cure—from research and development to creating awareness of the project through extensive community fundraising.

She has also made important contributions to oncology in the areas of stem cell biology, cord blood banking and molecular genetics through her research.

During her distinguished career, Dr Rodwell has been internationally recognised for her PhD studies in neonatal haematology and tests she developed to diagnose infections in newborn babies are used in laboratories worldwide.

The Queensland Greats Awards honour individuals and institutions whose long term or lifetime achievements have played a significant role in the history and development of Queensland.