Tuesday 9 June 2026
Everyone at BEING is absolutely THRILLED that Janet Meagher was recognised in yesterday’s Kings Birthday Honours list being appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO), one of just 40 recipients across Australia! There couldn’t be a more worthy recipient. We are proud that we were able to honour her ourselves in 2024 with our inaugural Distinguished Service Award.
BEING Chair Tim Heffernan said, “My huge congratulations to Janet, the inaugural Chair of NSW CAG (BEING) appointed in 1993. Janet has been the leading activist and advocate for the human rights of mental health consumers since the early 1980’s. Her intelligent and tenacious contributions are ongoing and of international significance. She remains a friend and mentor to so many of us and most certainly all of us at BEING – Mental Health Consumers.”
BEING CEO Giancarlo de Vera added, “For decades, Janet has tirelessly advocated for the human rights of mental health consumers. It is thanks to her fierce leadership that we have such a vibrant movement at BEING, nationally and internationally, continuing to push for progress. We truly stand on the shoulders of a giant, and we are deeply inspired to keep fighting the good fight.”
Congratulations again on your award, Janet Meagher AO.