2024 Australia Day Honours: Kelvin Kong

Australia’s first recognised Indigenous surgeon, Professor Kelvin Kong, has been appointed a Membership of the Order of Australia (AM) for his “significant service to medicine as an Otolaryngologist, and to Indigenous health”, in the 2024 Australia Day Honours List.

Kelvin is a Worimi man (Port Stephens region of coastal New South Wales, Australia) who has followed in the footsteps of his mother to become a renowned Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) surgeon. Now based in Newcastle, NSW, Kelvin works tirelessly for his patients, understanding the importance community, research and education has on ensuring everyone has the best access to good health outcomes.

Those working in ENT may know Kelvin from the Indigenous Health Workshop run each year at the Australian Society of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery (ASOHNS) Annual Scientific Meeting, of which the Foundation was proud to be the inaugural sponsors in 2023. Others may recognise Kelvin as the 2023 National NAIDOC Person of the Year, from his work in regional communities, or from his various interviews across Australian media.

The Foundation wishes a hearty congratulations to Kelvin for recognition of his dedication and service – well deserved!