Fern Hames, Murrindindi Shire Citizen of the Year

Fern Hames was named Murrindindi Shire Citizen of the Year on Australia Day (Fri., Jan. 26).

Fern is a long time resident and long standing contributor in the community, having lived in Murrindindi Shire since the early 1980s.

Murrindindi Shire Council issued this media statement: Fern has been integral in the development and delivery of Alexandra Secondary College’s Mission X scientific research expedition program, which has been running for many years.

She has also been instrumental in programs aimed at saving populations of endangered species impacted by the fires, including the Leadbeaters possum. This has included working with the local scouts and other community groups to assist with rehabilitation programs.

Fern is a founding member of the Jane Goodall Institute in Australia and has coordinated a number of activities sustainable ecology programs involving the local community.

Fern successfully gained a place in the Australian Rural Leadership program in 2011, which saw her travel to remote locations in Australia and India to support capacity building. Fern has shared many of her learning experiences through local talks and collaborations.

In 2016 Fern was successful in gaining a place on the Homeward Bound expedition program, a groundbreaking science leadership initiative for women. The inaugural program culminated in the largest ever female expedition to Antarctica, in December 2016.