We were so thrilled to see ARLF Fellow Robbie Sefton and our Drought Program Mentoring Coach Maree McPherson recently recognised at the Australia Day Awards.
Robbie Sefton
Robbie was awarded a Member of the General Division of the Order of Australia for her dedication to Regional Australia.
Robbie is founder and Managing Director of her own communications company ‘Seftons’ and has served as deputy chair of the National Australia Day Council from 2014 until 2021, she is a board member of Headspace, Watertrust Australia and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.
In terms of her connection and commitment to the ARLF, Robbie completed the ARLP in 2001 and then joined the ARLF as a Board Member between 2001- 2007, during which time she provided valuable counsel and direction to the Foundation as a whole, as well as to Senior Executive and staff.
Robbie has supported the Foundation over the years with endless hours of pro-bono work – generously sharing her expertise and knowledge with us on many, many occasions. She is also an engaged, supportive and valued ARLP Alumni, and an esteemed peer to many.
Robbie Sefton has made a significant contribution to the ARLF, and regional Australia more broadly.
Maree McPherson
Many alumni will know Maree as our National Mentoring Program Coach, who’s been with us since 2021.
Maree was awarded an Order of Australia Medal in the General Division for her service to the community through a range of organisations. These include leadership positions to senior executive roles in local and Gippsland government, and the Rotary Club of Traralgon Central, often with an emphasis on helping women.
Maree’s leadership experience spans over 35 years and she has worked with individual leaders and leadership teams to embrace lifelong learning. With postgraduate level training in executive and organisational coaching and business management, Maree is a renowned coach and consultant facilitator in Australia.
We feel pretty lucky to have Maree as Coach for our mentees and mentors.
“Maree deserves to be called out and commended. It’s not just the knowledge and skills she has as a coach, but her whole engagement during sessions and her way of reframing and channelling in group settings is amazing. Both mentors and mentees are raving about her.” Wener Vogels, Manager, Mentoring & Insights, ARLF.
We are thrilled to see such dedicated, skilled and passionate people within our network, recognised on the national stage. A big congratulations to you both – Robbie and Maree!
If you, or if you know someone else within our network who received an award, please reach out. We’d love to know about it. With over 1000 award winners this year, it’s hard to keep track of them all.
Or if you know someone who you think deserves recognition, please let us know too.
Here’s the link to all the award winners for 2023. https://www.gg.gov.au/australia-day-2023-honours-list
