News • 09 Feb 2022

The new patron of Open Minds: The Governor of Queensland

Open Minds welcomes our new patron, Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young PSM, Governor of Queensland.

Open Minds is privileged to have a patron to add credibility and integrity to our already rich history of supporting Queenslander for over 100 years.

The role of our patron is also to provide support and advocacy for our organisation.

It is with this support that Open Minds can continue to deliver on its purpose of enabling an independent and positive future for people living with mental illness and disabilities.

Open Minds recently had a meeting with our new patron and welcomed her onboard for the duration of her term in office.

Joanne Jessop, Board Chair of Open Minds, said: “Her Excellency has a long history serving the Queensland community throughout her medical career and we were so thankful for her wonderful leadership and guidance throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. We are looking forward to the assistance provided from the Governor’s patronage.”

Her Excellency was sworn-in as the 27th Governor of Queensland on 1 November 2021.

Open Minds looks forward to working with Her Excellency throughout 2022 and beyond.

About our Patron

The Governor was born in Sydney in 1963, eldest daughter of Dr David Young and Mrs Lilly Young.

After graduating from Medicine at Sydney University in 1986, she commenced her medical career at Westmead Hospital.

During that time, she married, had a daughter, Rebecca, and transitioned to Medical Management, completing a Master of Business Administration at Macquarie University.

After her marriage ended, the Governor – with Rebecca – moved to Queensland in 1994 to become Director of Medical Services at the Rockhampton Hospital.

In 1999, she relocated to Brisbane to take up the role of Executive Director of Medical Services at the Princess Alexandra Hospital, and served on various workforce committees, including as Chair of AMWAC (Australian Medical Workforce Advisory Committee).

During this time, the Governor met her second husband, Professor Graeme Nimmo. In March 2000, they were married, and in June 2001 welcomed a daughter, Jane.

In August 2005, the Governor was appointed to the role of Chief Health Officer for Queensland, with responsibility for leading the State’s preventative health and public health agendas, including response to public health emergencies.

In January 2020, when the COVID-19 virus outbreak was declared a pandemic, the Governor became the State Health Incident Controller.

During her medical career, Dr Young had specialist qualifications as a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Medical Administrators and as a Fellow by Distinction of the Faculty of Public Health of the Royal College of Physicians of the United Kingdom.

She was also appointed Fellow of numerous other eminent education and research institutions, has received honorary doctorates from two Queensland Universities, and has received an Australia Day Achievement Medallion, as well as a Public Service Medal.

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