Peter Mackinnon awarded an OAM in the Australia Day honours
Peter Mackinnon can finally reveal the big secret he’s hidden from family.
The Northmead resident was awarded a Medal of the Order (OAM) in the Australia Day honours in recognition for his services to aged care.
“I never expected anything like this in my life,” he said.
“It’s recognition for my industry which doesn’t often get the good press it deserves.”
Mr Mackinnon has worked as an aged care consultant for providers across Australia since 1984, predominantly for the non-profit sector.
He assists providers with the financial, operational and management aspects of residential and community care. He has served on federal government health department panels and currently is a member on the Aged & Community Services NSW & ACT industrial, financial issues and residential and self-care advisory committees.
“It’s sometimes sad to see clients pass away but when you hear their stories, you’re always amazed at what they’ve done, achieved and seen in their lives,” he said.
“We want to make the remaining days of their lives as easy as possible. The biggest challenge is helping people try to understand the aged care system, its rules and government guidelines.”
Mr Mackinnon has no plans to retire just yet.
“I’m 68 now but I want to continue working for another few years,” he said.
“I’ll continue to sit on boards. People don’t understand there is a need for the industry to exist.”