Media notes - Meritorious

PUBLIC SERVICE MEDAL (PSM)
Mr Christopher John CRAWFORD, Lennox Head NSW 2478
For outstanding public service within the public health system, particularly for the
North Coast and Northern Rivers communities of New South Wales.
During his distinguished career of over 25 years, Mr Crawford has held various senior
leadership positions within the public health system achieving outstanding outcomes,
particularly for the North Coast and Northern Rivers communities of NSW. He has made
significant contributions to whole-of-government human service initiatives related to
strengthening the health workforce, including Aboriginal employment as well as broader interagency
health and wellness agendas. As Chief Executive of Northern NSW Local Health
District, Mr Crawford is committed to achieving financial and process efficiency to produce
savings for reinvestment into frontline services. Consequently, he has gained a strong
reputation for careful financial and resource management and sustainable service provision.
Mr Crawford advocated for and delivered the Mid North Coast Integrated Care Centre,
introducing radiotherapy services for the first time to the Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie
Base Hospitals. He has also helped to drive clinical education on the North Coast by
investing time and effort into building relationships with the Lismore University Centre for
Rural Health and the Southern Cross University. These relationships motivate employment in
the region and empower a skilled workforce. In addition, by engaging with neighbouring
health providers in Queensland, Mr Crawford has made it easier for people living on either
side of the border to access health services.
Dr Robert CREESE, Nelson Bay NSW 2315
For outstanding public service to the understanding and management of the estuarine
and marine environment in New South Wales through research, leadership and
post-graduate teaching.
In his current role as Director, Fisheries Research within the Department of Primary
Industries, Dr Creese directs the establishment and implementation of policy and strategic
direction for the Fisheries Research Unit, supports the delivery of best practice research and
scientific advice and provides expert guidance to the Minister and Executive Director,
Fisheries NSW. He also manages an annual budget of $8million in consolidated revenue
funding and $7million in funding for external competitive grants. He has published highly
respected research and co-authored a paper which has become the most cited paper in the
Biological Conservation 2005-2008 journal. He plays a crucial role in teaching, supervising
and co-supervising 16 PhD and 47 Masters students across Australian and New Zealand
universities in the field of marine ecology, aquaculture, biodiversity and environmental
science. His significant and varied achievements have led to lasting improvements in the
NSW marine environment, balancing conservation needs with sustainable fisheries
development. Dr Creese's outstanding scientific output, collaboration and leadership have
made a positive impact on the marine science field.
Awards/recognition include:
Executive Commendation for Sustained Performance, Director General of NSW Fisheries,
2004.
New Zealand Marine Sciences Distinguished Service Award in recognition of his
achievements while working at Auckland University, 2001.
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