Carpenter Rocks conservationist Maureen Christie was delighted to receive an invitation to attend a recent ceremony at Government House in Adelaide to be officially invested with her Membership of the Order of Australia by Her Excellency the Governor of South Australia Frances Adamson.

Her AM for significant service to wildlife conservation had been announced in the King’s Birthday honours list in June.

Ms Christie was accompanied by some of her family as well as fellow members of Friends of Shorebirds South East.

She told The SE Voice the Governor was very welcoming and it was a grand, ceremonial occasion.

“The investiture ceremony itself was formal and reflected the importance of the awards,” Ms Christie said.

“Not only was the Governor and her husband John Bunten present, but also the Premier Peter Malinauskas, Leader of the Opposition David Speirs and various heads of forces including Grant Stevens, Commissioner of Police.

“Each recipient had a summary of their citation read out before being presented with their award.

“It was humbling to listen to the achievements of the other recipients.

“After the formal ceremony everyone relaxed with nibbles and drinks. There was a chance to chat with some of the other recipients, but also an opportunity to admire the rooms.

“Parking was within the grounds of Government House and so our group enjoyed the walk through the gardens.”

Ms Christie said she was interested to learn that a native plant garden was being designed by fellow Carpenter Rocks resident and Millicent Field Naturalists member Neville Bonney.

She has been active for many years and held office with such groups as Friends of Shorebirds SE, Birdlife Australia, Victorian Wader Study Group and Friends of Mount Gambier Area Parks.