Pediatrician Professor Frank Oberklaid AM, 76, was named Victorian Senior Australian of the Year 2023 tonight.
Professor Oberklaid AM is an internationally recognized authority and advocate for child health and Founding Director of Victoria’s Center for Community Child Health.
The pediatrician was director of the Center at the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne for 25 years and co-group leader of child health policy, equity and translation at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute.
Frank has focused on helping children with developmental and behavioral challenges through research-based programs.
He recently developed the Elementary School Mental Health Program, which enables experienced teachers to become Mental Health and Wellbeing Coordinators. The goal is to reduce children’s mental health problems through prevention and early intervention in the school setting. The program is now in over 100 Victorian schools.
Frank also helped develop the parenting website Raisingchildren.net.au, which receives a million hits every week. At 76, he is Honorary Professor of Paediatrics at the University of Melbourne, a sought-after lecturer and the recipient of numerous prestigious awards.
Also announced tonight, the 2023 Victoria Australian of the Year is Dr Angraj Khillan, pediatrician and co-founder of the Health Awareness Society of Australia.
