Maree McCabe AM, who joined Dementia Australia as CEO in March 2017, and Chris Rigby, Catholic Healthcare’s founding Managing Director, have been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List, published on Monday.

Ms McCabe (pictured above right) received the honour for significant service to people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia, and to the aged care sector, and was included in the COVID-19 Honour Roll for her contribution in support of Australia’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ms McCabe, who holds a postgraduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing, a Master of Business Administration and is a graduate of the Oxford University Leadership Program and the Australian Institute of Company Directors, advocates for almost half a million Australians living with dementia and the more 1.6 million people involved in their care.

“This award truly is for everybody at Dementia Australia and for everyone who has been involved with and supports our organisation,” she said.

Mr Rigby (pictured above left) received the honour in recognition of his significant service to health and aged care organisations. When he was appointed Managing Director in 1994, he was the only employee. When he retired in 2011, Mr Rigby had built a team of 3,000 employees and turned Catholic Healthcare into an award-winning aged and healthcare provider.

“Chris was integral to the establishment and success of Catholic Healthcare,” said Interim CEO Belinda Moyes. “A man of many strengths, Mr Rigby instilled in Catholic Healthcare a vision, determination, commitment to faith, and a passion for the respectful, compassionate and excellent care of those in need.”