Anne Davie OAM

Lives do not come much fuller than that lived by Anne Davie OAM. From the moment she arrived in Gippsland, fresh from university in 1956, Anne has been a dynamic, positive influence on many lives.

On top of working with her husband, Bob, to run a 170 ha cattle property and raise four children, Anne established a physiotherapy practice on Phillip Island that led to new services for local women, including ante-natal classes and support groups. In the 1970s and 80s Anne championed community causes from employment and education to Landcare and support of the arts. Her vision and leadership helped mobilise women from Leongatha to Wonthaggi and contributed to the creation of local community houses that enabled women of all ages to share their creative and business skills, build networks, learn and expand their interests.

Single mothers and schoolgirls in particular, were supported through the establishment of the South West Gippsland Community Welfare Group that prospered over more than 20 years through her support and influence. In 1989, Anne was elected to the Phillip Island Council and became Deputy Shire President. With her support, an arts and cultural committee was established and Anne was its inaugural chairperson. She led a successful push for a permanent gallery space in the municipal building to be devoted to works of local artists.

Environmental issues have always been important to Anne and her husband's life. They have led by example, planting 20,000 trees on their cattle farm and mentoring new landholders on dealing with salinity and sustainable land management practices. In 2004 their 'Bimbadeen' property was selected by their peers to receive a Landcare award - Primary Producers Caring For Land. Anne also represented Victoria at a salinity conference in Queensland in late 2003.

In all, Anne has held more than 30 unpaid roles since 1980. "I want to show by example that women can continue throughout their lifetime to contribute in a meaningful way to society," she says.