NQ paramedics Patrick Brown and Peter Heron named in 2025 King’s Birthday Honours List

From natural disasters to multi-casualty crashes, these paramedics have seen it all during their extensive careers. Now they are being recognised for their exceptional service and leadership.

Paramedics Peter Heron and Patrick Brown have been named on this years King's Birthday Honours list

Two North Queensland paramedics who have spent decades responding to some of the region’s most challenging emergencies are being recognised for their outstanding contributions.

Ingham Ambulance Station Officer in Charge, Patrick Brown, and Kirwan Ambulance Station’s Acting Officer in Charge, Peter Heron, are among four Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) officers named in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours List — the highest national honour a paramedic can receive.

With a career spanning 46 years, Mr Brown has served tirelessly in rural and remote communities, attending critical incidents and offering support as both a Chaplain and Peer Support Officer. He is also a longstanding member of the Hinchinbrook Local Disaster Management Group.

One of the most memorable and confronting scenes of his career was the Rungoo tilt train and B-double truck collision, where he was among the first on scene, treating dozens of the 81 passengers involved.

The paramedic said he was shocked when he found out he’d been nominated for the honour.

“This was something I’d never really thought about because I’ve always just focused on doing my job – helping people, caring for patients and supporting my colleagues, whether it’s as a paramedic, or as OIC, or as a Chaplain or Peer Support Officer,” he said.

Ingham Ambulance Station Officer in Charge, Patrick Brown

QAS Commissioner Craig Emery praised Mr Brown’s legacy and deep commitment to the Ingham community.

“Officer Brown’s local knowledge of at-risk communities has been vital to ensuring their safety and welfare during disaster response and recovery,” Mr Emery said.

“Officer Brown’s ability to lead and mentor with enthusiasm and grit, as well as his dedication for the QAS and his community makes him a valued and respected member of the service and the Queensland Community.”

Paramedics Jeff Skipper, Patrick Brown and Bianca Anderson ready for Ingham Ambulance Station's open day in 2016. The Ingham Ambulance Service is marking its 100-year anniversary on Monday, May 26, 2025. Picture: Supplied

Kirwan’s Mr Heron brings over 30 years of service, having worked in some of the most remote parts of North Queensland, including Mount Isa, Julia Creek, Normanton and Mornington Island.

A proud Juru man, he also serves as an Indigenous Liaison Officer and volunteer Peer Support Officer, offering vital cultural and emotional support to his colleagues.

“I’m not someone generally who likes to have awards presented to me,” Mr Heron said.

“I do my job because I love helping the community.

Kirwan Ambulance Station's Acting Officer in Charge, Peter Heron

“I certainly never expected this but it’s really nice to know someone appreciates what I do as part of the service.”

Commissioner Emery highlighted Mr Heron’s outstanding leadership in times of crisis, including cyclones, floods, and multi-casualty incidents.

“In 2004, Officer Heron was deployed to the Palm Island riots following significant community unrest,” Mr Emery said.

Local Indigenous paramedic Peter Heron after he clocked up 20 years working for QAS

“His exemplary leadership and commitment to the Palm Island community ensured the welfare and safety of QAS officers, and seamless ambulance service delivery within the community during that difficult time.”

Beyond his professional duties, Mr Heron is actively involved with Burdekin Area Youth Watch, supporting young people, and is a member of the Ayr and Home Hill Health Advisory Committee, advocating for improved Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health outcomes.

Originally published as NQ paramedics Patrick Brown and Peter Heron named in 2025 King’s Birthday Honours List