By Amit Sarwal and Pallavi Jain
From saving fragile newborns to fortifying Australia’s diplomatic outposts, two extraordinary Australians have been recognised with the Public Service Medal (PSM) in the King’s Birthday 2025 Honours List, which this year celebrates 830 recipients—up nearly 30% from Australia Day.
Dr Srinivas Bolisetty, based in Burwood, NSW, has been awarded the medal for his transformative work in neonatal services at the Royal Hospital for Women in Sydney. As Medical Clinical Co-Director and Senior Neonatologist, Dr Bolisetty has dedicated his career to caring for premature babies, some born as early as 22 weeks’ gestation.
Widely regarded as a pioneer in neonatal care, Dr Bolisetty has led groundbreaking initiatives such as developing standardised parenteral nutrition guidelines for very premature infants. Originally rolled out across Australia and New Zealand, his model is now adopted in countries including Singapore, Malaysia, Israel, the US, Europe and India. These cost-effective, pre-mixed nutritional solutions have become lifesaving staples in NICUs globally.
Dr Bolisetty told The Australia Today taht he was “deeply honoured” by the national recognition, which he described as a tribute to his entire neonatal care team.
“While my name is on this award, it represents the dedication and compassion of my remarkable team … who work tirelessly to provide the best care for our most vulnerable patients: newborns,” he said.
Dr Bolisetty added that the medal underscores the need for continued investment in research and resources to advance neonatal care in Australia and globally.
As founder and Chair of the Australasian Neonatal Medicines Formulary, his leadership has been instrumental in standardising evidence-based medication protocols, significantly enhancing the safety and effectiveness of treatments for premature and critically ill newborns.
Colleagues describe him as a “systems thinker” and tireless mentor whose work has redefined the standard of neonatal care. His influence reaches beyond medicine to education, clinical policy, and international collaboration.
Meanwhile, in Canberra, Bina Chandra has also been honoured with the PSM for her outstanding public service in managing Australia’s overseas diplomatic infrastructure.
A senior official at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), Chandra leads the Overseas Property Office, ensuring that more than 2,500 Australian public servants abroad are housed and equipped in safe, secure, and functional environments.
Chandra told The Australia Today she was humbled by the recognition of her work representing the Overseas Property Office in DFAT. “It is with humility that I accept the honour of being recognised as a public servant,” she said,
“Representing the Overseas Property Office in DFAT which embodies Australia to the world in every project while enabling Australia’s international interests through its diplomatic network.”
She dedicated the award to the collective efforts of hundreds of DFAT officers, and highlighted the role of Australian creativity through the work of architects, engineers, and builders.
“I also would like to acknowledge my parents—public servants and stalwarts in the medical field in India—who inspired in me the public service ethos, and my training as an architect in India which has held me in good stead in my career.”
From volatile zones like Kabul to diplomatic hubs like Paris and Bangkok, Chandra has overseen complex construction and redevelopment projects. Her portfolio includes the embassy annex in Port Moresby, major relocation works in Yangon, and critical upgrades in Paris—all while embedding sustainability and rigorous risk management. Her methodical leadership and ethical commitment have earned her a reputation as a mentor and problem-solver across DFAT’s global property operations.
Governor-General Sam Mostyn AC, in announcing this year’s list, praised the honourees for their “passion, generosity, energy and resolve”, and noted the growing recognition of public service excellence across the country. “These honours recognise the selfless service, integrity, achievement, creativity, and care that flourish across our country,” she said.
“Every day, Australians are doing extraordinary things… I look forward to meeting many of you at your investiture.”
Dr Bolisetty will receive his medal at a ceremony at Government House, NSW, and Ms Chandra at Government House, ACT, in the coming months—each a powerful reminder of the quiet, enduring impact of public service done well.
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