Hinchinbrook Heroes Honoured In King’s Birthday Awards

Two respected members of the Hinchinbrook region have been named in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours, receiving national recognition for their dedication to the community and their service over many years.

Patrick Brown, Officer in Charge at the Ingham Ambulance Station, has been awarded the Ambulance Service Medal, one of the highest honours available to an Australian paramedic.

With 46 years of experience, most of it in rural and regional Queensland, Mr Brown has long been regarded as a steady hand and a caring presence. Alongside his frontline role, he also serves as a Queensland Ambulance Service Chaplain and Peer Support Officer, regularly volunteering his time to support fellow paramedics.

“This was something I’d never really thought about because I’ve always just focussed on doing my job – helping people, caring for patients and supporting my colleagues, whether it’s as a paramedic, or as OIC, or as a Chaplain or Peer Support Officer,” Officer Brown said.

He said he was “stunned but quite moved” when he found out he had been nominated for the medal.

Queensland Ambulance Service Commissioner Craig Emery praised Mr Brown’s contributions, describing him as the backbone of the Ingham station and a trusted figure across the district.

“As a QAS Peer Support Officer and Chaplain, he is a trusted and respected confidant to his peers and ensures their welfare and safety by often travelling to stations across the region to provide support to staff who are often isolated,” Commissioner Emery said.

Over the years, Officer Brown has attended numerous and varying traumatic incidents, often as a single officer or as Foward Commander and his continuous support of fellow emergency service officers who have attended critical incidents alongside QAS was also highlighted by Commissioner Emery.

"In particular, in 2008, Officer Brown was the first on scene when a Tilt Train and B-double truck collided at Rungoo," added Commissioner Emery.

“This incident involved 81 passengers, seven train crew and the truck driver and while other crews arrived, Officer Brown provided an exemplary level of care and leadership during this multi-casualty incident.”

Also recognised in this year’s honours list is Hinchinbrook local Felix Reitano, who received the Medal of the Order of Australia for his service to the community through Rotary and business.

Mr Reitano has been an active member of the Rotary Club of Hinchinbrook for more than three decades and is well known for his longstanding support of local initiatives.

State Member for Hinchinbrook Nick Dametto MP took to Facebook to congratulate Mr Reitano on the honour.

"A big congratulations to Felix Reitano of the Rotary Club of Hinchinbrook, who has today been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the King’s Birthday Honours List.

"With over 32 years of service as a dedicated Rotarian, Felix has been recognised for his contributions to business and his dedication to the Hinchinbrook community.

"Well deserved, Felix. Thank you for all that you do!"

Both Mr Brown and Mr Reitano have been celebrated not only for their years of service, but for the positive impact they continue to have in their community.