DR MOIRA Scollay is more than a little humbled at being awarded an AM (Member in the General Division of the Order of Australia) this weekend.
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Dr Scollay received the award for significant service to vocational education and training and to public sector management reform.
She has a long association with the Bega Valley through her ties with the Four Winds Festival and as a former board member of Workability, The Disability Trust.
Dr Scollay is currently a Research Fellow at the ANU and carries out a range of volunteer work for the wider community.
She said the skills she gained throughout her career in the public service were able to be transferred to her work on volunteer boards.
This high level of experience, especially in her role as CEO of the Australian National Training Authority, all combined to provide the skills required to assist with local organisations Workability and Four Winds.
With her deep interest in music and attendance at every Four Winds festival since it began more than 20 years ago, Dr Scollay’s subsequent involvement in the festival was a natural progression.
She is particularly proud of the advancements the Four Winds Festival has made over the years, especially in recent times.
“With the new sound shell, and a pavilion to be opened this Easter, Four Winds is set to offer a year round events calendar as well as the biannual festival.
“I have been able to use my skills as a senior public servant to assist in planning and developing this next phase of Four Winds’ growth and development.
“It’s very exciting to be involved in this stage of Four Winds and the Bega Valley will benefit from this indoor and outdoor facility,” Dr Scollay said.
Dr Scollay received a letter advising of her AM nomination prior to Australia Day.
“The letter is sent ahead of time to find out if people are prepared to accept the award.
“I needed to keep it a secret for all that time, it was very hard.
“So many wonderful people get these awards - I didn’t expect to be one.
“In my career I’ve had a whole team of people around, it’s never just been me.
“So it’s a great honour to receive the award,” she said.
Dr Scollay's extensive CV includes:
Chief Executive Officer, Australian National Training Authority, 1999-2003.
Federal Privacy Commissioner, Office of the Australian Information Commissioner,
1997-1999.
Director, Four Winds Festival, since 2012.
Director, Hornery Institute, 2003-2011.
Board member, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, 2003-2004.
Former chair, Docklands Skilling and Employment Group.
Former board member, Workability, The Disability Trust.
Second commissioner, Australian Taxation Office, 1994-1997; Senior Executive 2, 1990-1994;
Assistant commissioner, People and Structures Branch, 1987-1990; EL2, Public Service Board, 1983-1987.
Author, Lalor: The Peter Lalor Home Building Co-operative, 1946-2012.