Catholic Health Australia congratulates its Chair, John Watkins AM, on being awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Education from the University of Notre Dame Australia.
The prestigious award acknowledges Dr Watkins' remarkable contributions to health, education and the Catholic community in Australia.
Dr Watkins was a secondary school teacher before being elected to the NSW Parliament in 1995 where he served in several ministerial positions and as Deputy Premier.
Since leaving politics in 2008, he has served as Chief Executive Officer of Alzheimer's Australia (NSW) and held roles in several not-for-profit organisations including Catholic Health Australia.
In 2015, Dr Watkins was recognized as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) on the Queen's Birthday Honours List for his substantial contributions to the community in health and education, as well as his service to the NSW Parliament.
CHA CEO Pat Garcia congratulated Dr Watkins on his latest achievement.
"I am delighted to congratulate John on receiving an Honorary Doctorate for his exceptional leadership in health and education.
"Throughout his career John has been dedicated to the service of others, whether in the classroom, in the NSW parliament or in the not-for-profit sector.
"I join with University of Notre Dame Chancellor Christopher Ellison in applauding John on his important work in academia and Catholic healthcare across Australia."
