A dedicated healthcare advocate working to help people die with dignity has been named the 2024 Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section) Queensland Hero.
The annual RFDS Local Hero Awards, supported by Ergon Energy Retail, recognise Queenslanders who have gone above and beyond to support their community.
Inspiring heroes were named from nine regions across the state, before communities voted for the Queensland Hero.
Today, the RFDS announced Jodi Hamilton, the Cairns region Local Hero, as the overall Queensland Hero for 2024 for her exceptional work in enhancing palliative care services.
Born and raised in the small town of Coen in the Cape York region, Jodi’s career in healthcare was deeply influenced by her mother, Barbara Shephard, a nurse who dedicated 50 years to caring for others.
Inspired by her mother's selflessness and the profound impact she had on the community, Jodi joined the Coen Clinic in 2011 as an Administration Officer, where she provides critical support across administration, operations, and after-hour emergencies.
Most recently, Jodi has set out to enhance the community’s palliative care capacity, ensuring that residents have the skills, resources and support needed to make informed decisions about their end-of-life journey.
RFDS (Queensland Section) Chief Executive Officer Meredith Staib congratulated Jodi on receiving the 2024 RFDS Queensland Hero Award.
“Jodi’s dedication to her community and ongoing desire to improve palliative care services in the region is truly inspiring,” Ms. Staib said.
“We’re proud to be able to recognise Jodi’s achievements and the amazing work she has done to support the region.
“Delivering healthcare and supporting communities is a team effort, which is why we are so incredibly grateful to have people like Jodi on the ground each and every day.”
Ergon Energy Retail Executive General Manager Ayesha Razzaq said Jodi will be awarded a $20,000 grant courtesy of Ergon Energy Retail to put towards a health or wellbeing initiative in the community.
“The finalists for this year’s Local Hero Awards were truly inspiring, but Jodi’s story was a standout,” Ms. Razzaq said.
“Her coordination efforts have been instrumental in ensuring that patients in Coen receive prompt and appropriate care, and I am so pleased that we will be able to help her achieve the goal of improving healthcare in the region.”
Jodi said she was honoured to be named the 2024 Queensland Hero and would be dedicating the award to her mother.
“Receiving the 2024 RFDS Queensland Hero Award is humbling, and it acknowledges that we have carried on Mum’s work which is a wonderful feeling,” Jodi said.
“When you are connected to the community, you are doing your job for people you know and care about which is so important.”
“I look forward to working with the RFDS and Ergon Energy Retail to develop this tailored training program further to benefit our community.”
