Philippa McCann was awarded the Queen's Service Medal (QSM) for services to Blind and Low Vision New Zealand, formerly Blind Foundation. Arrowtown resident McCann told Otago Daily Times she burst into tears when she realised she was to receive the honour: “I was overwhelmed, just amazed that someone would put my name forward.”
McCann has been supporting Blind and Low Vision New Zealand by voluntarily raising support dogs since 2000. She has raised 11 puppies specifically selected for training as blind dogs. McCann said she wanted to give back to the community and was inspired to get involved after a visit to a guide dog kennel. McCann is the only support dog trainer in Central Otago.
Lucy Whittingham (formerly Addison) of Auckland, received the Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for services to the deaf/blind community.
In Australia, eye surgeon and blindness prevention pioneer Dr James Muecke, Member of the Order of Australia (AM), has been named Australian of the Year 2020.
