The University of New South Wales professor died on Saturday, aged 70, after revealing in January 2022 she'd been diagnosed with a brain tumour.
Prof McLaws was a trusted voice who was frequently consulted by the media for her expertise during the pandemic, and looked to by the public for her insights into what to expect.
NSW Premier Chris Minns on Monday remembered Prof McLaws as a truly great Australian.
"From leading the charge to eliminate HIV, contain pandemics and helping stop the spread of Swine Flu," the premier wrote.
"There are very few health challenges our country faced in Professor McLaws' lifetime, that she did not tackle head on."
Deakin University epidemiology chair Catherine Bennett reflected Prof McLaws left behind a rich legacy from decades of work.
Prof McLaws graduated with a PhD in epidemiology in 1992 after earlier undertaking a bachelor of science and a postgraduate public health degree.
"She's been working in this space for over 40 years, so she was someone who came into the pandemic with really helpful background experience," Prof Bennett told ABC Radio Sydney.
Prof McLaws was involved in a range of research projects and set up surveillance systems to make hospitals safer.
"She was someone who really did have a strong and long contribution in infectious diseases," Prof Bennett said.
"(She) then brought that (experience) into the pandemic when particularly her genuine warmth and concern for people really came through in the way she helped people understand (the situation)."
Prof McLaws was repeatedly recognised for her work and was made an Officer of the Order of Australia in the 2022 Queen's Birthday honours.
The last time Prof Bennett saw her was in March at a regional rotary conference, where the UNSW professor was presented with yet another award acknowledging her contribution.
"It was great to see that she did get that direct feedback of how much she was appreciated," Prof Bennett said.
Newly appointed Victorian Chief Health Officer Clare Looker remembered Prof McLaws as a calm and compassionate voice throughout the pandemic who was committed to translating evidence for the community.
"We have lost a fierce public health advocate," Dr Looker said.
Infectious diseases physician and Australian National University associate professor Sanjaya Senanayake thanked Prof McLaws, his "dear friend", for guiding Australians through such a torrid period.
VicHealth chief executive Sandro Demaio said Prof McLaws was a generous and kind leader who helped countless Australians through the darkest times of the pandemic, while University of South Australia biostatistics professor Adrian Esterman described Prof McLaws as an esteemed colleague and a voice of reason.
24°C