HALL OF FAME

Dr Robyn Shields AM

2023 Inductee

Student 1974 - 1978

Dr Robyn Shields graduated from Ipswich Girl’s Grammar School in 1978.  She went on to become a registered nurse and when working during 1994 developed a model of mental health care for Aboriginal people in collaboration with the Director of Mental Health Services for Central Sydney Local Health Service, Professor Marie Bashir.  The developed model of care was in partnership with the Aboriginal Medical Service, Redfern NSW.  It was recognised as the first service of its kind in Australia and still operates from Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney NSW.

Pursuing her commitment to supporting people with mental illness, in 2005 Robyn went on to study medicine at the University of Sydney, NSW.  After graduating from medicine, she began her training in psychiatry.  She continues to work in psychiatry and is currently working in Forensic Psychiatry at the Forensic Hospital, Malabar NSW. 

Between 2013 and 2018 Robyn was appointed as an inaugural Deputy Mental Health Commissioner at the newly established Mental Health Commission of NSW.  Past appointments include being a NSW Mental Health Tribunal Member for 20 years, and appointed to the Board of the Sydney’s Children Hospital Network.  She is currently a Board Member for the Justice Health and forensic Mental Health Network. 

In recognition of her achievements and contributions to Aboriginal mental health, Robyn received a Centenary Medal in 2002, and in 2004 was named a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) division. 

Robyn considers her greatest achievement by far is being a proud First Nations woman who had the privilege to walk alongside people from disadvantaged communities and with those who suffer mental illness.  It has been a journey of learning, listening, and knowing when to speak up for those who cannot speak out.