Media notes - Meritorious

PUBLIC SERVICE MEDAL (PSM)
Mrs Beverley Ann GARRATT, Ringwood Vic 3134
For outstanding public service in the area of corrections and service provision for
offenders.
Mrs Garratt's career in the Department of Justice has spanned various roles, including case
management, court advice and community work. She has dedicated over 24 years of service
ensuring the Victorian community is well served and offenders are assisted in their
re-integration into society. Mrs Garratt has focused on developing programs which provide
offenders with an opportunity to gain TAFE accreditation, which may assist them in gaining
employment. She initiated a successful program with Holmesglen TAFE and Parks Victoria
that has, to date, seen 1,570 offenders contribute almost 10,000 hours of community service,
with some offenders gaining certificates in construction and modules towards a Certificate in
Land and Conservation Management. Mrs Garratt is well respected within the Department for
her excellence in developing partnerships with community service organisations, local
government, not-for-profit agencies, educational institutions and staff management.
Dr Rosemary Ann LESTER, Travancore Vic 3032
For outstanding public service in public health leadership, particularly on
communicable diseases and immunisation.
Dr Lester is highly respected by her peers within the Department of Health and the wider
Victorian community for her leadership in the areas of communicable diseases and
immunisation. Dr Lester holds a Master of Science (Epidemiology) degree from the University
of California and is a Fellow of the Australasian Faculty of Public Health Medicine and was
appointed to the role of Victoria's Chief Health Officer in 2012. Dr Lester has led Victoria's
response to a number of challenging threats to public health. Most notably, in 2009, when
Acting Chief Health Officer for Victoria she managed the H1N1 Swine Flu outbreak,
minimising risk to the public. Through her membership and subsequent role as Chair of the
Communicable Disease Network Australia, she has contributed significantly to communicable
disease policy, prevention and control on a national level. Dr Lester is Editor-in-Chief of the
Better Health Channel and a national expert on communicable diseases.
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