It is hard for many Queenslanders to imagine, let alone remember, a time without Kay McGrath on their screens.
Her career has spanned four decades, during which time the stalwart Seven News newsreader has been heavily involved in child protection charities.
But for McGrath, who was "thrilled and naturally humbled" to be awarded a medal in the Order of Australia in Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove's 2017 Australia Day honours, it remained the unsung heroes that really deserved the accolades.
"While I've been front-of-house in this issue of child protection for the past 33 years, I haven't been on the front line," she said.
"So I'd like to make a point of accepting this on behalf of all the thousands of very committed front-line workers – the social workers, the police, doctors, nurses, charity organisations and the volunteers and, of course, the brave survivors who so often find the courage to speak out about their experience.
"That's how I'm packing it down and making sense of it."
McGrath's journey in child protection started in 1984, when the young journalist was approached by two Juvenile Aid Bureau officers.
"The catalyst for them approaching me was the abuse of a beautiful little girl, a four-year-old girl, who had been abused by a family friend," she said.
"Her parents were beside themselves and their advice was they wouldn't get anywhere in the legal system, but they wanted to do something.
"So, together with the Juvenile Aid Bureau police, I was approached to help set up an organisation called PACT – Protect All Children Today – which was modelled on an American group and I'm proud to say PACT is still running very successfully and it's really highly regarded for its child witness support program."
It was all at a time when discussion of sexual assault was still largely taboo, particularly on the Queensland airwaves.
"When I began in '84 it was very difficult to get a story in the 6 o'clock bulletin because it was considered unpalatable and rarely did it get a run in the local papers, so it was still hidden," she said.
"I put a documentary together, which aired in 1989, called Behind Closed Doors and over those 34 years those doors have been thrown wide open and brave survivors have found their voice and are speaking out."
That has led to what McGrath called a "broader conversation" about a subject that had been previously buried and barely spoken about.
"I think that is so important, but we have an enormous way to go and I doubt we will ever break the cycle of child abuse," she said.
"But we can certainly make a difference and if I've improved the life of one Queensland child, I'll be very happy about that."
McGrath has also been a patron of the Daniel Morcombe Foundation, an ambassador for Act for Kids and the chair of Queensland Child Protection Week.
Kay McGrath says news consumers will have to become a lot more savvy in the post-facts world. Photo: Tammy Law
While her work in children's charity was central to her receiving an OAM, McGrath was also recognised for her service to broadcast media.
In that sphere of her life, too, McGrath had seen many changes.
"When I started my career, we were tapping on a typewriter in a smoke-filled newsroom and we had a big voice at 6 o'clock, as did the newspapers because that's where people went to find their news," she said.
"Now, of course, it's in the palm of your hand, 24/seven, and it's relentless and, as a consequence, what we're seeing unfolded is this proliferation of fake news and 'alternative facts'."
McGrath said the onus would have to turn to the consumers of news to play their own part in ensuring the Fourth Estate's role could dutifully be performed.
"At the end of the day, it really does come down to citizens and to people rebelling and seeing fake news for what it is and calling it out," she said.
"But that's going to take time, because it's not always apparent."
"I'm an optimist, a glass-half-full kind of girl, and I think we are riding a wave," McGrath added.
"It's chaotic at the moment, but I believe that things, or I hope that things, will eventually settle and there will be continued responsible, quality journalism.
"People will need to become more savvy and choose trusted and respected news sources and I think you still see that when big stories break."
McGrath was one of 92 Queensland-based recipients of 2017 Australia Day honours.
Sir Peter said he offered his "deepest congratulations, admiration and respect" to all recipients.
"We are fortunate as a community to have so many outstanding people willing to dedicate themselves to the betterment of our nation and it is only fitting that they have today been recognised through the Australian honours system," he said.
"Since 1975, these awards have helped to define, encourage and reinforce Australian goals and values. They identify role models who give without thought of recognition or personal gain.
"Today's recipients now join the company of almost 50,000 women and men whose meritorious and brave actions have enriched our community and our lives.
"Their qualities – compassion, dedication, generosity, selflessness, tolerance, and energetic ambition – inspire and motivate us."
