Australian of the Year

Patricia (Pat) King has spent her life serving others, offering an unwavering commitment to helping people in their most vulnerable moments.  

Pat was born in India to missionary parents who had survived a prisoner‑of‑war camp, instilling in her deep values of care, resilience and service. Moving to Darwin to study nursing, Pat found herself on the frontline of one of the Territory’s darkest nights.  

As a St John Ambulance volunteer on Christmas Eve 1974, Pat worked through Cyclone Tracy – taking emergency calls, treating the injured, triaging survivors, and helping families stay together during mass evacuations. Pat remained on duty for three days, providing care amid the devastation that left 66 people dead and thousands displaced. 

Today, Pat serves as a volunteer chaplain, offering confidential support to police officers. She listens without judgement, encourages storytelling and uses her lived experience to guide others through their most difficult moments.