The VCCC Alliance congratulates Professor Robert Thomas AM on being appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in the 2026 King's Birthday Honours, recognised for his significant service to surgical oncology, patient-centred cancer care and health system reform.
The VCCC Alliance congratulates Professor Robert Thomas AM on being appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in the 2026 King's Birthday Honours, recognised for his significant service to surgical oncology, patient-centred cancer care and health system reform.
Professor Thomas has made a lasting contribution to cancer care in Victoria and Australia, helping shape cancer services, policy and research collaboration to improve outcomes for patients and their families.
Professor Thomas played an important role in establishing the VCCC Alliance. As Victoria's Chief Cancer Adviser, he attended the Alliance's earliest board meetings and helped lay the foundations for the collaborative model that today unites Victoria's leading cancer centres, universities and research organisations.
He later served as Deputy Chair of the VCCC Alliance Board from 2016 to 2021, providing leadership during a pivotal period in the organisation's development. He oversaw the implementation of the alliance's inaugural Strategic Research Plan and supported the transition into the purpose-built Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre building.
VCCC Alliance CEO David Ashley, who has worked extensively with Professor Thomas over many years, said the honour was well deserved.
“Professor Thomas has dedicated his career to improving cancer outcomes through clinical excellence, collaboration and system-wide reform,” Prof Ashley said.
“His commitment to patient-centred care and his vision for a more connected cancer system have left a lasting legacy for the cancer sector. Bob combines deep clinical insight with a practical understanding of how health systems work. His leadership has always been grounded in improving care for patients while bringing people and organisations together around a common purpose.”
Widely respected as a cancer surgeon and health leader, Professor Thomas has championed multidisciplinary care, evidence-based practice, and reforms that have strengthened cancer services across Victoria. His leadership has touched clinical care, health policy and service delivery.
The VCCC Alliance extends its sincere congratulations to Professor Robert Thomas AM and thanks him for his longstanding commitment.
