By Keith Ince, AEGN Chair

The Order of Australia (OAM) is an award that recognises Australians who have made a significant contribution to the community and demonstrated outstanding values of dedication, service, compassion and energetic ambition in their chosen field.

Amanda has been awarded the OAM in appreciation of her enduring commitment to, and leadership in, conservation and the environment. The success of the AEGN is in part a tribute to her relentless pursuit in protecting and conserving our beautiful and precious environment.

Amanda has been a passionate voice for nature and played an instrumental role in the environmental sector over many decades, including:

• working tirelessly to establish and grow the AEGN over the last 12 years
• advocating for the protection and creation of new national parks in Victoria during her tenure at the Victorian National Parks Association — this  resulted in a new marine national parks system across the Victorian coast line and the protection of the threatened box-ironbark forests in central Victoria
• leading policy and planning in Parks Victoria
• along with others, including Barry Traill (Pew Charitable Trusts), establishing the Invasive Species Council to counter a major threat to Australia’s native animals and plant species.

In receiving the award, Amanda has acknowledged the contribution from friends, partners, board members, and in particular AEGN members together with the wonderful and courageous community sector in Australia. 

As Amanda heads off on her well-deserved long-service break, please join me in congratulating her on this life achievement.  We look forward to celebrating with Amanda on her return in November.

See The Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia honours list (pdf) — Amanda’s name is on page 28.