Dr Bronwyn King named 2019 Melburnian of the Year
When Dr Bronwyn King discovered her superannuation fund was supporting the global production of cigarettes, the oncologist decided to take action. Years later, her anti-tobacco campaigning has seen her named Melburnian of the Year for its enormous impact.
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An anti-tobacco campaigner and cancer doctor has been named Melburnian of the Year.
Dr Bronwyn King AO was awarded the title for her work as CEO of Tobacco Free Portfolios which helped dozens of Australian super funds go “tobacco free”.
Dr King, an oncologist who began her career working at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, founded the not-for-profit after learning her superannuation fund was supporting the global production of cigarettes and decided to take action.
Congratulations to our new Melburnian of the Year, tobacco-free finance campaigner Dr Bronwyn King AO. Thanks for making a difference @DrBronKing #melbourneawards pic.twitter.com/7qtkOYkmEk
— City of Melbourne (@cityofmelbourne) November 16, 2019
Tobacco Free Portfolios is now an international organisation which has driven the implementation of tobacco-free finance policies in more than 40 Australian superannuation funds and by financial organisations in ten countries.
Dr King said she was thrilled to receive the award as a “quintessential Melburnian”.
“I love this city and I don’t think there is a single event, festival or activity that Melbourne offers that I haven’t enjoyed or benefited from at some stage in my life,” Dr King said.
“Tobacco Free Portfolios’ work has been inspired by a long list of brilliant Melburnians whose innovative thinking has reshaped community knowledge and protection around tobacco,” she said.
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Lord Mayor Sally Capp presented the award at the 17th annual Melbourne Awards Gala Ceremony at Melbourne Town Hall on Saturday night.
“The Melbourne Awards recognise the contribution of our many passionate people and organisations delivering value in Melbourne and for Melbourne. These efforts make a more caring and liveable city,” Ms Capp said.
Other award recipients included Southbank’s river bar Arbory Afloat and HoMie – a streetwear clothing social enterprise which donates 100% of its profits to people experiencing homelessness or hardship.