Celebrating excellence: GPs recognised in the 2025 Australian Honours and Awards

Each year, the Australian Honours and Awards celebrate the outstanding contributions of Australians across different fields, acknowledging those individuals who have made a significant impact on their communities. This year on Monday 26 January, four exceptional general practitioners were recognised as their dedication to medicine and community service has left a positive lasting change.

AGPAL would like to recognise and congratulate the following GP award recipients for 2025:

Dr Karen Jean Douglas-Make. Awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).

“For service to medicine as a general practitioner, and to the community.”

With over three decades in general practice, Dr Karen Douglas-Make is an integral part of Terrigal and Avoca Beach Medical Centres. She has demonstrated a specific interest in women’s health, serving as Women’s Health Coordinator at the Central Coast Division of General Practice for more than 20 years.

Her dedication to improving general practice standards is reflected in her work with the RACGP, serving as a member of the Expert Committee – Standards for General Practices.

We’re delighted to acknowledge that Dr Douglas-Make’s practice is AGPAL accredited and further recognise her and her team’s efforts to maintaining high quality care and patient safety.

The Honourable Dr Kim Desmond Hames. Appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM).

“For significant service to the Parliament of Western Australia, to medicine, and to the community.”

Dr Kim Hames has balanced a carrier in medicine with an extensive role in public service. He has served as Deputy Premier of Western Australia between 2008 to 2016, and has held ministerial positions in health, Aboriginal affairs, housing and more. Dr Hames has been a practicing GP since 1980, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to patients.

Dr Margaret Anne Garde. Awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).

“For service to medicine, particularly through education.”

As an outstanding contributor to medical education, Dr Margaret Anne Grade has been the Clinical Director for Active Health Portland since 2012 and has developed her expertise in different roles ranging from Emergency Medicine, Family Planning and sexual health to Public and Indigenous Health and Chronic Disease Management.

More recently, Dr Grade has achieved qualifications and experience in Medical Education, fulfilling roles as Senior Medical Educator at Southern GP Training and Director of Training at Greater Green Triangle GP Training.

Dr Joseph Bartolo Casamento. Awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).

“For service to rugby union as a club doctor.”

Dr Joseph Casamento’s experience extends beyond traditional general practice. As club doctor for the Randwick Rugby Club between 1978 and 2022, his commitment to sports medicine and player wellbeing has been recognised with the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM). He has dedicated decades of voluntary service establishing his legacy within the rugby community.

Honouring excellence in general practice

The recognition of these four GPs in the 2025 Australian Honours and Awards reflects the impact of these dedicated medical professionals across diverse areas, from frontline and specialised care to education and public service. Their contributions enhance the healthcare landscape in Australia and inspire new generations of general practitioners.

To view the full and official list of recipients recognised for their significant contributions in the 2025 Australian Honours and Awards, visit the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia website.