On 14 May 2025, the Royal Thai Embassy in Canberra hosted a reception in honour of Professor Dr. Caroline Susan Elizabeth Homer AO, Awardee of the Princess Srinagarindra Award 2024, including a Special Talk on “Opportunities and Challenges for Cooperation in Nursing and Midwifery in the Indo-Pacific Region Towards Achieving Good Health and Well-being for All” at the Salathai Function Hall. The event was attended by distinguished guests from the fields of medicine, nursing and midwifery, representatives from universities, health organisations, public health institutions, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Australia, as well as members of the diplomatic corps, Heads of Team Thailand agencies in Canberra and officials of the Royal Thai Embassy.

In her opening remarks, H.E. Ms. Arjaree Sriratanaban, Ambassador of Thailand, informed the gathering about the Princess Srinagarindra Award Foundation, which was established on 21 October 2000 to commemorate the Centenary Birthday Anniversary of Her Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindra Mahidol. She highlighted the purpose and significance of the Princess Srinagarindra Award, which is conferred annually upon registered nurses and registered midwives who have made a significant contribution within the nursing profession and its development. The Princess Srinagarindra Award Presentation Ceremony for the Year 2024 was held on 10 October last year, presided over by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, representing His Majesty the King, at the Grand Palace in Bangkok.

The Ambassador also commended Professor Homer for her work and leadership in nursing and midwifery, especially her outstanding contributions through research in maternal and infant health, which has been adopted by policymakers worldwide and has shaped health policies and guidelines around the world, benefiting the health and lives of mothers, infants, and children worldwide. The Ambassador also underscored Thailand’s strong commitment to advancing the development and cooperation in the fields of public health through cooperation with international partners, including Australia.

During her Special Talk, Professor Homer paid tribute to Her Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindra Mahidol, highlighting her contributions to nursing and public health in Thailand, while expressing her gratitude and honour in receiving the prestigious Award. She then shared her experiences and insights on maternal and infant health care, the working conditions of nurses and midwives, and strategies for enhancing public health to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals in the Asia-Pacific region. Professor Homer emphasized the importance of "investment" in nursing and midwifery through education, career opportunities, policy, and service delivery, particularly by providing financial support, training, improvements in communication and infrastructure to support the work of nurses and midwives.

After the Ambassador presenting a souvenir to Professor Homer, all the participants enjoyed the variety of Thai delicacies prepared by the Ambassador’s chef.