Introducing Australia Day Ambassador Dr Yvonne Ho AM

Published on 26 November 2019

Ground-breaking radiologist Dr Yvonne Ho AM has been announced as Baw Baw Shire’s Australia Day Ambassador for 2020.

In addition to her stellar medical career, she is also an inspirational speaker, businesswoman, educator, musician, Member of the Order of Australia and more.

The Australia Day Ambassador Program is one of the longest running and most successful national Australia Day programs which sends high achieving Australians to over 300 community celebrations nationwide every Australia Day. It is a grassroots initiative that builds on the strength and excitement of Australia Day activities in local communities.

Dr Yvonne Ho AM will participate in the Baw Baw Shire Australia Day Awards Ceremony which honours local community members who have made a significant contribution to the community. The awards ceremony will be held on Tuesday 21 January 2020 at the Warragul Country Club Function Room ahead of Australia Day on 26 January.

Community members are welcome to attend the awards ceremony, more information will be released in due course.

Note: Australia Day Award nominations are still open, but closing soon! All nominations must be submitted by Saturday 30 November. To nominate a local legend, go to Australia Day Award Nominations 2020 

Yvonne is the first woman in Victoria and the first Australian woman of Asian heritage to be dually qualified as a radiologist and nuclear medicine specialist, both male-dominated medical specialties. As a medical doctor in her fields of specialty, she has extensive experience in diagnosing and treating diseases and in medical research nationally and internationally.

She is also the first woman radiologist - ever - to be Director of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR). She was also pivotal in introducing PET-CT imaging to Singapore.

Yvonne is unique because she has an established parallel career in music as Director of Charteris Music School which innovates music education. Charteris' unique Piano ensemble also unites our communities in music and song.

In 2015, Yvonne was awarded Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia and is the first Malaysian-born woman to receive this honour. The Order of Australia, instituted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, is an Australian society of honour to recognise Australian citizens for their achievements or meritorious service.

She is also a winner of the 2014 Australia Awards and an inductee of the 2013 Victorian Honour Roll of Women for her many ground-breaking accomplishments.

Yvonne serves on many boards, councils and committees, and is co-founder of an international marketing firm. Some of Yvonne’s passions include inspiring our next generation; particularly women and minority groups, to equal workforce participation and to Australia's top leadership roles. Her accolades include induction to the Victorian Honour Roll of Women for her ground-breaking accomplishments.

“The Australia Day Ambassador program is an opportunity for us to meet and gain inspiration from achievers from all walks of life. We look forward to welcoming Dr Yvonne Ho to our awards ceremony to hear about her passions, experiences and pride in being an Australian.”

“I am delighted to be Baw Baw’s Australia Day Ambassador for 2020 and to share the awards ceremony with the local community. Australia Day is a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge the local heroes that contribute so selflessly to their community. I look forward to visiting and enjoying this special occasion with you all.”