Media Release

Sydney, Aug 23: The Illawarra Indian Doctor's Association held a special oration on August 23, 2024, to honour Dr Naveen Chandra for his significant contributions to psychiatric services in the Illawarra region.

Dr Naveen Chandra, a pioneering figure in the field, was the first Director of the Illawarra Psychiatric Services. He played a crucial role in organizing hospital and community services in the area and served as a Consultant Psychiatrist in Wollongong for 35 years. His dedication to his profession and his community has made him a well-respected figure in the field of psychiatry.

The event was attended by approximately a hundred local doctors and a few of Dr Chandra's friends. The gathering began with a one-minute silence in memory of a doctor who was tragically murdered in Calcutta. During the ceremony, Dr Chandra was presented with a shawl, a plaque, and a lifetime achievement award certificate by senior doctors from the Association. Professor Nagesh Pai spoke extensively about Dr Chandra’s achievements, highlighting his contributions to psychiatry not only in Australia but also in India, Fiji, and Myanmar.

Following the award presentation, the oration featured a lecture on Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder by Prof Pai and a talk on community facilities by Dr Jayachandra. The event was graced by the presence of CEOs from both public health services and a private psychiatric hospital, who spoke highly of Dr Chandra’s contributions to the field of psychiatry.

Dr Naveen Chandra Shetty's distinguished career is marked by several notable achievements:

• Dr Naveen Chandra established the Illawarra Psychiatric Group in the early 1980s, playing a crucial role in developing psychiatric services in the region.
• In the late 1980s, he convened a meeting with senior psychiatrists of New South Wales at his home to establish the Australian Indian Psychiatric Association.
• At the request of Fiji’s Health Minister, he, along with four other international psychiatrists, provided guidance on starting community services and a postgraduate diploma in psychiatry in Fiji.
• He established three free rural psychiatric centers in three villages in India and worked there for 12 years, significantly enhancing mental health services in these underserved areas.
• During his tenure, he organized three international conferences in Nitte, fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration in the field of psychiatry.
• Dr Chandra was a founding member of the Institute of Australasian Psychiatrists and served as Vice President and CPD assessor for several years, contributing to the development and recognition of the institution.
• He was invited by the superintendent of Myanmar Psychiatric Hospital to evaluate their psychiatric services, offering his expertise to improve their mental health care system.
• In 2011, he received the ‘Initiative in Psychiatric Service’ award from the Federation of Asian Psychiatric Associations in Melbourne, recognizing his innovative contributions to psychiatry.
• In 2012, he was awarded a fellowship by the British College of Psychiatrists, honoring his extensive contributions to the field.
• In 2003, he was awarded a fellowship by the Australasian Psychiatric Association, further cementing his reputation as a leader in psychiatry.

The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks, reflecting on Dr Chandra’s legacy and his impact on psychiatric services in Illawarra and beyond. His pioneering work continues to inspire many in the field of psychiatry.