A NOOSA local will be awarded an honour of the highest esteem for his contribution to children and the wider community.
Noosa local John Lough, former director of the Noosa Yacht and Rowing Club, will be awarded the Medal in the Order of Australia for his service to children through cancer support organisations in a ceremony later this year.
“I am humbled and very honoured,” Mr Lough said.
Mr Lough, with Jack Kasses, established the Children’s Cancer Institute 1976 after the loss of his son Robbie to leukemia.
Following the loss of his son, John Lough approached his club, the Apex Club in Wollongong to raise money for research into childhood cancer.
Mr Lough liaised with 800 Apex Clubs nationally to raise funds to build a new research unit at the Prince of Whales children’s Hospital in 1978.
Mr Lough said over $1.3m was raised to build the research facility which has since relocated to the University of New South Wales where over 400 research officers are employed.
Today, the Children’s Cancer Institute remains the only independent medical research institute in the country devoted to research into the causes, prevention and cure of childhood cancer.
“I am happy to accept this honour in memory of my son Robbie,” Mr Lough said.
Mr Lough will share the special day with another Noosa local Tracey Moffatt who will be appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for her distinguished service to the visual and performing arts as a photographer and film maker and as a mentor and supporter of, and role model for, Indigenous artists.
