Women NFP Leaders Named in Birthday Honours
10 June 2014 at 9:51 am
Prominent Not for Profit women leaders and philanthropists have received Australia’s highest award honours – heading hundreds of community workers, volunteers and philanthropists named in the 2014 Queen’s Birthday Honours List.
Victorian Betty Amsden OAM received an Officer (AO) in the General Division of the Order of Australia for distinguished service to the community through philanthropic contributions and support for the arts, including the development of public education and participation programs, particularly for children.
The citation points to her ongoing support to the Arts Centre Melbourne including a recent pledge to establish Betty Amsden Community Participation Program, 2013.
She was previously awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the Australian Day 2002 Honours List for her service to the community as a philanthropist for the arts, animal welfare and health care facilities.
Also receiving the Order of Australia is the Chairperson of the Lowitja Institute, Patricia Anderson from the ACT for distinguished service to the Indigenous community as a social justice advocate, particularly through promoting improved health, educational and protection outcomes for children.
Anderson is also the former Chairperson, Co-operative Research Centre for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health (2003-2009) and Chair of the Co-operative Research Centre for Aboriginal Health (2003-2009).
Chief Executive Officer of UnitingCare West, Susan Ash, received an AO for distinguished service to the community, particularly in the area of social policy development, reform and implementation, and to the provision of services to people in need.
Ash was the Chief Executive Officer, Western Australian Council of Social Services, 2008-2011; a Past President; current Member, Strategic Reference Group; and a former Representative to Australian Council of Social Services.
Former Melbourne Lord Mayor (1988-1989) Winsome McCaughey received the AO for distinguished service to the community, particularly to local government and early childhood development, and through a broad range of charitable organisations.
Queensland arts benefactor Winifred (Win) Schubert For distinguished service to the community as a supporter and benefactor of a range of Not for Profit organisations, Australian artists and galleries.
Included in the awards are 571 recipients of awards in the general division of the Order of Australia, recognising their diverse contributions and service to Australia and internationally.
Chair of the Council of the Order, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston AC AFC (Retd), said the awards recognisede service across a broad range of endeavours.
“They are public recognition of people who provide outstanding community service and whose achievements enhance national identity,” Air Chief Marshal Houston (Retd) said.
“By their actions they demonstrate the qualities of positive role models. The recipients are not only worthy of respect but encourage emulation. These awards also recognise the ‘quiet achievers’ in our midst. They are people who serve the community, but do not seek accolades.”
Under the new awards system announced by Prime Minister Tony Abbott earlier this year, NSW Governor Professor Marie Bashir was made a Dame (AD) in the Order of Australia.
The honour bestowes the title for her “extraordinary and pre-eminent achievement and merit in service to the administration, public life, and people of New South Wales, to medicine, particularly as an advocate for improved mental health outcomes for the young, marginalised and disadvantaged, to international relations, through the promotion of collaborative health programs, and as a leader in tertiary education”.
