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When news arrived that Palliative Care Queensland President Dr Anthony Herbert had been named one of Queensland’s most influential health leaders, the recognition felt both momentous and deeply fitting. Ranked No. 30 on The Courier-Mail’s list of the 60 most powerful health figures in the state, Dr Herbert’s inclusion highlights something far more profound than professional influence. It reflects a philosophy of care rooted in compassion, dignity, and the unwavering belief that every person, no matter their age, diagnosis, or postcode, deserves to have their voice heard.

In addition to his role as President of Palliative Care Queensland, Dr Herbert serves as Director and Senior Medical Officer of the Paediatric Palliative Care Service at Children’s Health Queensland. It is here, working directly with children and families facing serious illness, that his philosophy is lived most fully. A philosophy of care that found him as his career in paediatrics developed. For Dr Herbert, palliative care has never been about endings. It has always been about honouring people’s stories, supporting families through uncertainty, and ensuring that even in the most challenging moments, care remains grounded in humanity. “This recognition isn’t about me,” he says. “It’s about the children, families and communities who have trusted us to walk alongside them. They’re the reason this work matters.”

A Career Built on Listening Deeply

Those who have worked with Dr Herbert often describe him as someone who listens first. That approach has shaped countless moments across his career, moments that reveal why this award resonates so strongly.

One such moment occurred early in his work in paediatric palliative care. A young person with a life‑limiting condition and their mum was struggling to communicate their wishes about treatment. Traditional clinical tools weren’t enough. Dr Herbert sat with the child and their family, listening not only to words but to goals, fears, hopes and the unspoken weight of the situation. That experience helped inspire him to join in with other clinicians and researchers to develop advance care planning tools for children and young people—one that gives critically ill children a genuine voice in decisions about their care. Today, that tool, the Paediatric Statement of Choices, is used widely and has reshaped how clinicians across Queensland approach advance care planning. In preparing for this article, Anthony reflects on his key mentors that have helped shape the ACP tools, the use of virtual reality, research, Telehealth and more recently Teletrials.

Another example comes from his work with families in rural and remote communities. Dr Herbert has long recognised the “tyranny of distance” as one of the greatest barriers to equitable care. He is grateful of pioneering work in online health at the University of Queensland Centre for Online Health amend the Royal Children’s Hospital in Brisbane that started last century. He recalls meeting a family who had travelled hundreds of kilometres for specialist support, an exhausting and emotionally draining journey they made repeatedly. Their story strengthened his resolve to use Telehealth and virtual care, and more recently Teletrials ensuring families outside metropolitan areas are not left behind. His advocacy has helped bring specialist palliative care closer to home for countless Queenslanders.

Then there is his innovative use of virtual reality (VR) as distraction therapy but another way for young people to tell their stories—a project that began with a simple question: How can we help young people tell their stories during a prolonged hospitalisation? What started as a small trial has grown into a transformative multi-site project called Future Stories. Such work in VR., supports pain management and gives children moments of joy and escape during treatment. Anthony reflects on the leadership of mentors in the arts at CHQ, Griffith Uni and UNSW, and the broader team that has allowed this work to grow.

These stories are not accolades. They are the lived experiences of families whose lives have been made gentler, safer, and more supported because someone chose to listen. And a tribute to the teams that delivered care and projects.

Why Palliative Care Matters

Palliative care is often misunderstood as care only for the final days of life. In reality, it is a holistic approach that supports people of all ages living with serious illness addressing physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs. It is about improving quality of life, not simply managing symptoms. It is about helping families navigate uncertainty with clarity and compassion. And it is about ensuring that no one faces illness alone.

At Palliative Care Queensland, this philosophy is at the heart of everything we do. Our work spans community education, workforce development, advocacy, and programs that support people at every stage of life. Under Dr Herbert’s leadership, we have strengthened our commitment to equitable access, ensuring that palliative care is recognised as an essential part of Queensland’s health system, not an optional extra.

His inclusion alongside CEOs, board chairs and senior health executives in The Courier-Mail’s annual list sends a powerful message: palliative care is not peripheral. It is central to a compassionate, effective, and future‑focused health system.

Leadership That Shapes a Mission

As President, Dr Herbert has guided Palliative Care Queensland through a period of growth, innovation, and renewed purpose. His leadership has helped elevate the voice of palliative care across the state, ensuring that patients, families, carers, and health professionals are heard at policy tables and in public conversations.

He has championed programs that build community understanding, supported initiatives that strengthen the palliative care workforce, and advocated tirelessly for services that meet the needs of Queensland’s diverse communities. The signature Program during his Presidency has been Ambulance Wish QLD. He is grateful to the team at AWQ, the QLD government and donors for helping grow this program. His influence is felt not only in clinical settings but in the systems, partnerships and conversations that shape the future of care.

“Palliative care is everyone’s business,” Dr Herbert reflects. “It’s about how we, as a community, support one another through some of life’s most vulnerable moments. I’m proud to be part of an organisation that believes in that responsibility and works every day to uphold it.”

 A Recognition That Belongs to Many

While this award celebrates Dr Herbert’s individual achievements, it also shines a light on the collective effort behind palliative care in Queensland. It honours the clinicians who provide compassionate care, the families who advocate for their loved ones, the volunteers who offer comfort, and the communities who stand together in times of need. It reflects our shared values of courage, compassion, and integrity.

For Palliative Care Queensland, it is a reminder of the impact that thoughtful, values‑driven leadership can have, not only on an organisation, but on the lives of people across the state.

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate this recognition, we also look to the future. Under Dr Herbert’s leadership, Palliative Care Queensland is continuing to expand its reach, strengthen partnerships and innovate in how we support Queenslanders living with serious illness.

Our priorities in the coming years include:

• Improve access and equity of palliative care services across Queensland
• Strengthen and sustain the palliative care workforce
• Increase funding a support for hospice and community palliative care services
• Increase death literacy, cultural safety, and community empowerment through education, training, and events

Dr Herbert’s acknowledgement is a moment of pride, but it is also a call to keep moving forward with purpose.

On behalf of everyone at Palliative Care Queensland, we congratulate Dr Herbert on this outstanding achievement and thank him for his continued leadership, dedication, and vision. His work reminds us that compassionate care is powerful, transformative, and essential, and that together, we can build a future where every Queenslander living with a serious illness has access to the support they deserve.