MUCH-loved paediatrician Dr Sue Packer is Canberra’s 2013 Citizen of the Year.

Dr Packer first started working as a paediatrician in 1972, and has worked as a community paediatrician with a special interest in child abuse and abuse prevention for decades. Since 1990 she has been the paediatrician to the ACT Child at Risk Assessment Unit in ACT Health.

Her work has involved close liaison with schools, police, the courts, counsellors, foster care and child protection services, and children’s health services.

She was awarded the Member of the Order of Australia in 1999 for her services to child welfare, paediatrics and the community.

“Dr Packer has shown an extraordinary commitment to the ACT community, particularly to the welfare of children and young people,” Chief Minister Katy Gallagher says.

“She has been a tireless advocate for the safety and wellbeing of children for many years, and for promoting the interests of children wherever possible.

“She has turned countless lives around, and has made Canberra a better, safer and happier place for many children and their families. There is no greater testament to her work than that.”