We are delighted to announce Australian Communities Foundation co-founder, Marion Webster AM, was appointed Member of the Order of Australia in this year’s Australia Day Honours.

With more than 30 years in the for-purpose sector, Marion was recognised for her “significant service to the community, to the philanthropic sector, and to women”.

Marion has been a leading voice in Australian philanthropy since co-founding Melbourne Community Foundation, now Australian Communities Foundation, with Hayden Raysmith AM in 1997.

Since stepping down as Board Member and Chair of Australian Communities Foundation in 2012, Marion has held long-standing appointments as Executive Director at Australia’s peak philanthropic body, Philanthropy Australia, and as a Founding Board Member at The Funding Network Australia. 

She is currently the Chair of WomenCAN Australia, a not-for-profit organisation working with women to help them gain vocational qualifications, meaningful employment, links to financial literacy training and to create a supportive community of women.

In addition to Marion Webster AM, members of our giving community Elizabeth Drozd OAM and Roz Zalewski OAM were awarded Medals of the Order.

Elizabeth Drozd OAM is CEO of Australian Multicultural Community Services (AMCS), an organisation supporting older Victorians to live safely at home for as long as possible.

Elizabeth and the team at AMCS use a Future Fund at Australian Communities Foundation to help build the organisation’s long-term sustainability. 

Elizabeth was awarded the honour for her significant service to the Polish and multicultural communities of Victoria.

Roz Zalewski OAM, Chair of the Melba Opera Trust, was recognised “for service to the community through a range of organisations”.

Roz is a long-standing member of our giving community, who supports a range of projects tackling homelessness, mental illness, human rights and post-correction support with an emphasis on women and young people.