1 August 2025
Squadron Leader Kathryn Staughton, a scientific officer from 1 Expeditionary Health Squadron at RAAF Base Amberley, has been awarded the McCarthy Rowbottom Jones Memorial Award.
The McCarthy Rowbottom Jones Memorial, introduced in 2007, recognises outstanding contributions to ADF operational health support by Air Force personnel whose actions exemplify “Compassion, Skill and Courage” – the Health Services Unit motto.
The award is named in honour of Squadron Leader Paul McCarthy, Flight Lieutenant Lynne Rowbottom and Sergeant Wendy Jones, who were tragically killed in the Sea King helicopter accident on the island of Nias, Indonesia, on April 2, 2005.
Squadron Leader Staughton was recognised in June for her moral courage and expertise, which allowed her to identify logistic, training and reputation vulnerabilities in the ADF’s ability to acquire, transport and transfuse blood products to battle casualties.
Her dedicated contributions to highlighting solutions for pathology testing capabilities has positioned Health Services Wing to provide safer and more effective care to wounded personnel through the ADF Blood Program.
Hailing from Clifton, Queensland, Squadron Leader Staughton joined the Army in 2017, before transferring to Air Force.
“Choosing to join the Australian Defence Force was about my search for greater purpose through contribution to a worthwhile cause,” she said.
“At the time when I joined, I had no idea how or what that would be. My regret is I should have joined a lot earlier.”
The ADF Blood Program is about providing blood capability solutions to military clinicians, in order to save the lives of service personnel on the battlefield.
“My role is from the ground up; delivering education to health capabilities on current and future blood capabilities, looking outwards to see what other civilian and military blood initiatives exist, highlighting to Command potential shortfalls and providing some ideas on solutions, plus working in a team to establish pathology testing to support emerging operational blood requirements,” Squadron Leader Staughton said.
“I hope this award highlights to juniors in the pathology ADF capability of just what is achievable if you apply passion and dedication.”
'I am supported by a responsive, encouraging and enabling chain of command. This is a game changer. It is all about team work.'
Squadron Leader Staughton was recognised for her scientific integrity, excellence and reputation – which created the impetus for and guided the development of a novel, clinical, logistic and manufacturing capability in the ADF.
The outputs of her expertise will shape and inform the ADF Blood Program well into the future.
“I read widely, engage with national and internationally respected subject matter experts and write a lot of briefs to highlight potential solutions to current and future blood problems,” Squadron Leader Staughton said.
“I am supported by a responsive, encouraging and enabling chain of command. This is a game changer. It is all about team work.”
When asked how it felt to be recognised for this significant achievement, Squadron Leader Staughton said she was humbled.
“I just go to work and do my job. This is my philosophy on life – no is the easy answer, yes is always the right answer,” she said.
Squadron Leader Staughton’s mother, Daphne Hargens, showed pride in her daughter’s achievements and the recognition of her scientific innovation and dedicated service.
“I am extremely proud of Kath and her wide-ranging experiences and endeavours during her career as an officer of the Australian Defence Force,” Mrs Hargens said.
“It is thrilling as a mother, to see that her commitment to the pursuit of scientific innovation and service excellence has been acknowledged with this prestigious McCarthy Rowbottom Jones Award.”
Mrs Hargens had a special message for the youth of Clifton, Queensland, where Squadron Leader Staughton grew up.
“To our local young people embarking on a career choice, I want you to remember [the] Clifton High School motto, Success Crowns Effort, and like Kath as a past student I encourage you to forge your career in the Australian Defence Force,” she said.
“Service here presents endless opportunities to aim high and shoot for the stars.”
