by Yvette Brand
A career protecting vulnerable children and families has rewarded Karen Sutherland with a Public Service Medal in this year's Australia Day honours.
While her West Gippsland property provides her with an escape from an "incredibly challenging" job, Dr Sutherland says the greatest rewards of her work in child protection is seeing children "settled and happy."
For the past 18 years, Dr Sutherland has held numerous State Government child protection roles with the now Department of Families, Fairness and Housing.
She admits when she first read the email outlining her Public Service Medal honour, she thought it was a prank.
When she continued to read the email and realised it was genuine, she says she felt so humbled to be acknowledged and recognised for her work.
"This is so amazing after a 40 year career to be recognised for all that service. I am excited, honoured and humbled."

Dr Sutherland has dedicated her career to improving outcomes for child