As the Women and Infants Research Foundation (WIRF) celebrates its 50th anniversary year, the organisation is delighted to congratulate Chief Executive Officer Deb Portughes on being awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in recognition of her outstanding service to the community, including her contributions to wildlife conservation and the health of women, babies, and families.
The OAM is one of Australia’s most respected honours, recognising individuals who have made exceptional contributions to their community and profession. For WIRF, the recognition comes at a particularly meaningful time as the organisation reflects on five decades of improving the lives of women, babies, and families through research, education, and advocacy.
For more than 24 years, Ms Portughes has dedicated her career in the not-for-profit sector to helping organisations tackle complex challenges, build strong communities, and create lasting impact.
During her time with the Australian Wildlife Conservancy, she was part of the team that transformed a small Western Australian conservation organisation into a nationally recognised leader in protecting Australia’s unique wildlife. Through strategic growth and community engagement, the organisation attracted support not only from across Australia, but also from Europe and the United States.
For the past decade, Ms Portughes has led WIRF, working alongside researchers, clinicians, donors, volunteers, and community partners to improve outcomes for women, babies, and families.
Under her leadership, WIRF has expanded its reach from Western Australia to the national and international stage, supporting research that has reduced preterm birth rates, improved maternal and infant health outcomes, and demonstrated the significant social and economic value of health and medical research.
Her leadership has been guided by a strong belief that research must be driven by impact and should deliver tangible benefits for individuals, families, and communities. This philosophy has helped position WIRF as an organisation focused on translating research into real-world impact and lasting change.
Beyond her executive leadership roles, Ms Portughes has made substantial contributions through board and advisory positions across the research, community, and arts sectors. She has served on the boards of The Raine Study Unincorporated Joint Venture, Freeze Frame Opera, and the POWA Institute for Creative Thinking, and was appointed to the expert advisory panel for Western Australia’s inaugural Health and Medical Research Strategy.
Her commitment to service extends well beyond her professional responsibilities. Throughout her career, she has mentored emerging leaders, volunteered within her local school community, and supported numerous community and sporting organisations.
WIRF Board Chair Scott Steinkrug said the award is a fitting recognition of Ms Portughes’ longstanding contribution to the community and her commitment to creating positive change.
“This honour reflects Deb’s dedication to improving lives and creating lasting impact through service, collaboration, and leadership,” Mr Steinkrug said.
“She has an extraordinary ability to bring people together around a shared purpose and inspire others to contribute to meaningful change. Through her work at WIRF and across the broader community, Deb has helped create opportunities that have improved lives and strengthened communities. We are incredibly proud to see her contributions recognised at a national level.”
Responding to the award, Ms Portughes said she was humbled to receive the honour.
“I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition, but I do not see it as recognition of one individual. Any achievements throughout my career have only been possible because of the remarkable colleagues, researchers, clinicians, volunteers, supporters, mentors, and community members I have had the privilege to work alongside,” she said.
“My passion has always been bringing people together around a common purpose because that is how meaningful change happens. When we create opportunities for people to contribute, collaborate, and support one another, we build stronger communities and achieve outcomes that would not be possible alone.
“The greatest reward has always been knowing that you have played a small part in improving someone’s life.”
Everyone at WIRF extends their heartfelt congratulations to Deb on this well-deserved recognition and celebrates her outstanding leadership, vision, and commitment to improving the health and futures of women, babies, and families.
