The 2021 ACT Australian of the Year, Dr Brendan Murphy, has added to his honours after being named Australia’s Father of the Year.

The former Australian Chief Health Officer and current Secretary of the Department of Health has played a supporting role in Australia’s response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, whilst also being proud a father of two sons and grandfather to two little girls.

Dr Murphy said he was honoured to receive the award from the Australian Father’s Day Council and the Shepherd Centre that acknowledges the role dads play in their family and wider community.

“I was surprised and honoured to be recognised in this way,” Dr Murphy said on Friday.

“Being a dad, you’re always cognizant of the fact that children are our most important and precious resource, and we’ve obviously been very focused on them and the impact of what we do on children.

“My two boys are my greatest supporters and probably my most object critics too,” he smiled.

The Shepherd Centre CEO Dr Jim Hungerford paid tribute to Dr Murphy as a father and a healthcare worker.

“Dr Murphy is an outstanding father and dedicated healthcare professional, who played a critical role in our nation’s response to COVID-19 through 2020,” he wrote.

“He is a wonderful role model, and we are delighted to award him with the Australian Father of the Year Award for 2021.”

Dr Murphy was named the 2021 ACT Australian of the Year in November 2020 due to his provision of expert advice to the Federal Government to close the international borders before the spread of COVID-19 – a decision which is believed to have saved tens of thousands of Australian lives.

His leadership contributed to Australia’s capacity to prevent the first wave of COVID-19 taking hold across Australia back in March.

As chair of the Australian Health Principal Protection Committee, Professor Murphy was chiefly responsible for introducing physical distancing measures in the early stages of the COVID response.

Get all the latest Canberra news, sport, entertainment, lifestyle, competitions and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Canberra Daily Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.