Peter Heron Recognised In King’s Birthday Honours List

A long-serving Burdekin paramedic has been recognised in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours List, receiving one of the highest accolades in the profession, the Ambulance Service Medal (ASM).

Peter Heron, Acting Officer In Charge (OIC) at Kirwan Ambulance Station and a proud Juru man, is one of only four Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) officers to receive the honour in 2025.

Officer Heron has served with the QAS for nearly 30 years, working in rural and remote communities across Queensland, from Mount Isa, Julia Creek, Normanton and Mornington Island, to Ingham, the Northern Beaches, Ayr and Home Hill, where he remains a proud local.

In addition to his frontline work as a paramedic, Officer Heron also serves as an Indigenous Liaison Officer and a volunteer Peer Support Officer, dedicating significant time outside his shifts to supporting colleagues.

He said while the honour came as a surprise, it was deeply appreciated.

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

“I do my job because I love helping the community and I certainly never expected this but it’s really nice to know someone appreciates what I do as part of the service.”

QAS Commissioner Craig Emery ASM commended Officer Heron’s distinguished service and strong leadership.

“Officer Heron has responded to many cyclones, floods and multi-casualty accidents, during his career,” Commissioner Emery said.

He highlighted Officer Heron’s 2004 deployment to Palm Island during a time of significant community unrest as a standout moment of leadership and dedication.

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

Commissioner Emery also praised Officer Heron’s ongoing work in culturally informed support and Indigenous health advocacy.

“Officer Heron is actively involved in the Priority One Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Support Service, which provides culturally specific advice and support to colleagues and he plays a crucial role in the Indigenous Paramedic Program’s recruitment, education and training," added Commissioner Emery.

"Officer Heron also works tirelessly for his local community, volunteering for the Burdekin Area Youth Watch, which supports local young community members and is a proud member of the Ayr and Home Hill Health Advisory Committee, which focuses on improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health in the region."

The Ambulance Service Medal is the highest national professional honour a paramedic can receive, awarded for distinguished service and leadership in the ambulance field.

"The QAS is immensely proud of Officer Heron’s tireless work for the service, and we thank him for his work over the years helping us to break down cultural barriers to health access and also to grow our staff ranks to better reflect the communities we serve,"said Commissoner Emery.

Joining Officer Heron on this year’s Honours List are Ian Tarr (Kedron), Wayne Kirk (Warwick), and Patrick Brown (Ingham), each recognised for their own contributions to the Queensland Ambulance Service.

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After decades of dedication, Peter Heron was celebrated in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours List (Photo Supplied)

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