Eastern Health congratulates Rita Brown on being awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM)

Eastern Health congratulates Rita Brown on being awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the 2026 Australia Day Honours.

Rita Brown OAM has been recognised in the General Division for her lifelong contribution to community mental health as both a lived experience advocate and carer.

Rita is the Director of the Lived Experience Workforce at Spectrum Personality Disorder and Complex Trauma Service Victoria, and President and Chair of the Australian Borderline Personality Disorder Foundation.

Rita has led the National BPD (Borderline Personality Disorder) Awareness initiatives and the National Training Project, funded by the National Mental Health Commission. Her work has impacted many, including families and carers of people living with BPD and complex trauma.

Executive Clinical Director at Spectrum, Sathya Rao OAM, highlights Rita’s significant impact.

“Rita’s work has positively impacted people with personality disorder and complex trauma and their family and carers. She has been a tireless advocate for this cohort of patients and has been fighting against stigma and discrimination.”

“She has influenced Spectrum clinical programs, research and innovation, capacity building initiatives and advocacy for improved access to care.”

Congratulations Rita.