Murdoch Children’s Research Institute’s (MCRI) Dr Linny Phuong has been inducted into the 2025 Victorian Honour Roll of Women for improving health outcomes for culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

Dr Phuong was among 24 inductees to the honour roll, a platform acknowledging enduring impact, announced by Minister for Women Natalie Hutchins.

She was recognised in the Change Agent category, which honours women who have demonstrated a deep and enduring commitment to their fields, resulting in significant and lasting societal change and transformation.

Dr Phuong received the accolade for founding The Water Well Project, a charity that has provided free, culturally tailored health education to more than 30,000 people from migrant, refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds.

Image: Dr Linny Phuong

Since its inception, the project has run over 2,000 community health education sessions and reached over 30,000 people. It has won multiple awards, including a Victorian Public Healthcare Award for Excellence in Culturally Diverse Care.

A Paediatric Infectious Diseases Physician at MCRI, The Royal Children’s Hospital, Cabrini and Epworth Health, Dr Phuong’s efforts contribute to advancing early detection of immune disorders in children presenting with pneumococcal disease, as well as promoting culturally safe, inclusive healthcare.

“Being inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women is deeply meaningful to me,” Dr Phuong said. “It reminds me why of I founded The Water Well Project and continue my research and advocacy work to make sure healthcare is more inclusive for everyone. I feel humbled to be recognised alongside so many remarkable women.”

Dr Phuong’s PhD studies are supported by scholarships from the University of Melbourne and MCRI.