For service to the Coptic Orthodox Church and to the community in Melbourne, Australia, Egyptian-born Safwat Sobhy Mesiha has been among 933 extraordinary Australians recognised in the 2020 Queen’s Birthday Honours list. The list includes Anthony John Abbott, AC (born 4 November 1957) who served as the 28th Prime Minister of Australia from 2013 to 2015.
Dr Mesiha was made Member of the Order in the General Division. He is an Egyptian Copt who always offered services and advice to new immigrants to Australia, Egyptians and non-Egyptians, encouraged and supported those who needed to obtain equivalent medical degrees, and helped them get jobs.
Dr Mesiha graduated from Alexandria University’s Faculty of Medicine in 1973, and has practiced medicine ever since. He moved with his family to Australia in 1985 where he obtained equivalence in medical education in Melbourne in 1988, and has since practiced as a physician.
In 1993, Dr Mesiha opened a private clinic in Melbourne. In 2015, he moved his services to the medical centre in Sydenham. The centre boasts 15 doctors and 26 nursing and administrative staff.
The Queen celebrates her birthday in April, but it is officially and publicly celebrated on the second Saturday of June every year.
Watani International
16 June 2020