Randwick mayor awards Professor Mark Ferson

Professor Mark Ferson, Director of the SESLHD Public Health Unit (PHU) since its establishment in 1990, has been recognised with a special Australia Day award from the Mayor of Randwick.

Mayor Councillor Danny Said described Professor Ferson and the PHU team as “unsung heroes, at the forefront of controlling cases during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“His team at South Eastern Sydney Local Health District of epidemiologists, COVID tracers and hard-working COVID contact staff are the reason NSW has been at the forefront of controlling this virus. This team are true professionals who have worked tirelessly to keep us safe,” the mayor said.

Professor Ferson said he was delighted he and the team were recognised for the essential role they perform by the local council.

"This has been a massive effort by the Public Health Unit's multidisciplinary team. I would like to pay tribute to staff specialists Dr Vicky Sheppeard and Dr Catherine Bateman-Steel, and to the nurses, epidemiologists, contact tracers, environmental health officers and logistics/admin officers who all played a vital role," Professor Ferson said.

Dr Marianne Gale, Director, Population and Community Health, SESLHD, congratulated Mark on receiving the award and said the PHU teams continued to show outstanding commitment to the ongoing task at hand.

“The PHU team, ably led by Professor Ferson, has worked day in and day out since the start of the pandemic to keep our community safe. They have done so with skill, dedication and a wonderfully positive attitude,” Dr Gale said.

The 2021 Randwick City Council award winners recognise people who have made outstanding contributions to the local community.

“There have been selfless acts of heroism as well as continuous acts of dedication and hard work. What wonderful people we have in our midst! They truly do make Randwick City a safe and welcoming place for everyone,” the mayor said.

Randwick Mayor and Professor Mark Ferson holding his award